5 Sub-500 cc Performance Bikes That Are Gateways To Bigger Bikes

Have you reached the full potential with your existing 200-250 cc motorcycle, and you’re itching to upgrade? But you’re not sure what to upgrade to because of the various types of motorcycles available in our market. Check the list below: 

Yamaha R3/ MT-03

If racing the racetracks is one of your dreams and you’ve already had a fully-faired sport bike in your home – then the Yamaha R3 should be on your to-buy list. Yes, at ₹4.65 lakh, it is one of the most expensive sub-500 cc bikes in our country, but the ease at which you can upgrade your skill with the Yamaha R3 is something that very few bikes can deliver. That 321 cc, parallel-twin engine has been regarded as one of the most tractable mills, and the gentle nature of the power delivery makes it all the more ideal for anyone who has upgraded from a 250 cc motorcycle. 

However, if the R3’s price tag doesn’t catch your fancy, then its naked sport counterpart, the Yamaha MT-03 is a good alternative. It shares the same 41.4 bhp/ 29.5 Nm 321 cc, parallel-twin engine, and its dimensions and hardware components are also the same as well. The only difference is the absence of that full-body fairing, which helps shed some weight, as a consequence it is more agile and easily flickable. However, at ₹4.60 lakh (ex-showroom), the MT-03 is just ₹5,000 less. So, if both these sound expensive, scroll on. 

Aprilia RS 457

Both the Yamaha R3 and MT-03 are brought to India via the CBU (Completely Built Units) route, which explains its high asking price. That’s where the Aprilia RS 457 takes the mantle from them both. At ₹4.10 lakh, ‘Noale’s finest’ is not only more affordable than the Japanese duo but also packs in a bigger 457 cc parallel-twin engine that produces 46.9 bhp and 43.5 Nm. But the engine is just the tip of the iceberg here, it’s the way Aprilia has tuned this bike and how it sends all the power and torque to the rear wheel. If you want something exciting, that will reward you with an experience which will seldom be unforgettable, then the Aprilia RS 457 should be on your list. As for its track performance, we have ridden the ‘Baby RS’ at the Kari Motor Speedway. To know how it performed and how it’ll make you feel, check the video below: 

KTM RC 390/ Duke 390

KTMs in India ushered in a revolution of sorts giving us enthusiasts a taste of what full-blown performance would feel like, without shelling your entire life savings. Continuing this proposition stronger than ever before are the current third-generation KTM 390 Duke and the second-generation KTM RC 390. While the former can be regarded as a more performance-focused bike with the benefit of features like ‘Launch Control’, cornering ABS, etc. The RC 390 is a proper track bike, and while it may still carry the old 373 cc mill, unlike the Duke 390 which gets a new 399 cc engine, performance is not subdued here either. Moreover, the last updates have made the KTM RC 390 a bit more rider-friendly as well, with improved ergonomics, and at the same time has become quicker which was achieved by shedding weight from the wheel and chassis. 

TVS Apache RR 310

However, if the unnecessary imagery that comes with a KTM bike is something that prevents you from owning one, then the TVS Apache RR 310 might be a good alternative. It starts from ₹2.72 lakh (ex-showroom) which is quite affordable than the options above. But more than that, its biggest advantage is the ‘Built To Order’ program that gives enthusiast customers like us the option of two kits - Race and Dynamic. The former gets you the ergonomics of a racing bike with lower-set handlebars, race-designed pegs, and a raised footrest assembly. The latter will upgrade the standard suspension components to premium KYB-sourced USD fork and KYB-sourced monoshock, both with preload and damping adjustability. Additionally, TVS will also upgrade the chain with an anti-rust brass coated option which is more durable than the standard.  

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

But if acing apexes is not your cuppa, and embarking on long-distance tours has been your forever desire, then the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is that ideal stepping-stone motorcycle for all adventure lovers. 

The new Sherpa 450 cc engine is the brand’s first liquid-cooled mill and for the first time, RE has equipped ride-by-wire throttle with the Himalayan 450, making it the most modern bike in its stable. Built around a trellis frame architecture, the Himalayan 450 rides on 21/17-inch spoke wheels with Showa-sourced USD fork and monoshock. It also gets a new full-digital instrument cluster that supports Google Maps, and much more. 

Despite these upgrades, the new Himalayan at its core has remained the same easily approachable bike that the Gen 1 bike was renowned for. Yes, we all harbour feelings of buying a big ADV bike like the newly launched BMW R1300 GS, or a Ducati Multistrada V4 – but to get to those bikes, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will teach you all the tricks and skills well within your limits and comfort so that you don’t feel overwhelmed with the big bikes later on in your life.