5 Performance Bikes Under ₹ 2 Lakh

Life has thrown a curveball and you have ₹2 lakh to spend on any motorcycle. Spoilt for choice would sound too casual. Maybe jotting down the options might help sort the perspective, but even then you’ll be left to deal with choices.

From Yamaha to KTM and TVS to Bajaj – from 155 cc to 400 cc – is the current range of product offerings you will be available with. If the right choice is made here, you’ll be in for one of the longest treat to ever happen in your life. So, who brings what to the table, and how – let’s get into the thick of things.

KTM 200 Duke: ₹1.99 lakh (Ex-showroom Price)

Underlined by the tag “Ready to Race” the KTM 200 Duke is like a punch of hot espresso and cold Gatorade early in the morning. Especially if you’re a newbie. It’ll show you possibilities and the limits one can reach on two wheels. Its 199 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine hits 24 bhp at 10,000 rpm, which translates to higher top speeds, backed by quicker acceleration. The minimal body panels not only aid in weight reduction, its aggressive styling further aggravates its appeal. If that pocket money can be extended a bit then the KTM 200 Duke will be a safe investment, especially for the thrill-seeker.

Yamaha R15M - ₹1.95 lakh (Ex-showroom Price)

Trickling down from Yamaha’s legendary R6 moniker, the Yamaha R15 was introduced in India to give enthusiasts that true “Blue” Yamaha sportbike experience at an affordable price. With a modern 155 cc engine that feels uncompromised on performance, without losing out on its frugality courtesy of VVA tech (Variable Valve Actuation tech). Plus that nicely balanced deltabox frame neatly wrapped around that iconic fairing. The top-spec Yamaha R15M looks like a proper sports bike that any enthusiast will look back proudly every time after parking one in their garage. However, if the ₹1.95 lakh does not sound appealing. Yamaha also has the R15 V4 at a slightly more affordable ₹1.87 lakh (ex-showroom). The difference between them is in its feature list, some of which can be done away with given its just a 155 cc motorcycle.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z - ₹1.85 Lakh

The latest buzz in town, the new Pulsar NS400Z is Bajaj’s latest interpretation with the KTM’s 373 cc engine. Its state of tune is identical to the Dominar 400, which also gets the same engine. But with a different steering geometry, much less weight, and premium features and hardware componentry – the new Pulsar NS400Z is the juiciest and most VFM 400 cc motorcycle one can purchase for under ₹2 lakh. It not only delivers on performance needs but also gives the feel of owning an expensive motorcycle. However, like most, this ain’t the most perfect motorcycle, and even it has its shortcomings. To know what and why, check out our review video below.

Hero Karizma XMR - ₹1.79 lakh

At a much more affordable ₹1.79 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hero Karizma XMR is one of the most exciting, and beautifully designed motorcycles (as per the author) under ₹2 lakh. It has a sharp yet aggressive fairing design, and the length and size of the bike look compact and proportionate. Getting astride one feels like a comfortable affair with a nice upright, yet sporty stance. The Karizma XMR is also the first Hero bike to feature a liquid-cooled engine, and with 25.15 bhp at 9,250 rpm at your disposal, the sportbike can ride sporty too. However, refinement levels might not be as polished as the Yamaha R15 V4, which is one of its direct rivals.

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V - ₹1.47 lakh

And lastly, TVS’ Apache RTR 200 4V – developed on the racing track, as TVS would like to put it to you. The Apache range has been a series of successful models, and the RTR 200 4V is at the zenith before the brand moved on with the badge with engines that it developed in collaboration with BMW. So, a lot of first-in-segment features can be found here. From turn-by-turn navigation to lean angle mode, crash alert and much more. There are also three ride modes, something that you won’t find even with the KTM 200 Duke, which sits at the top of this list with the heaviest price tag. Punching above its weight has always been a TVS trademark, and with more than just the essential bells and whistles, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is a nicely priced motorcycle at under ₹2 lakh, which further allows you to save or invest in good riding gears.