Best Motorcycles to Buy in the 1-2 Lakh Rupee Price Range

While consumers take their time to make the shift to electric vehicles, those willing to upgrade to a better motorcycling experience for necessary commuting, have quite a range to choose from. For anyone seeking the thrill of higher torque and the comfort of advanced handling, there are several options in sport-motors, street-tourers, sport-tourers, bobbers and cruisers. All of these cost less than two lakh rupees.

So, here is a list of some of the best motorcycles which one can go for in the range of INR 1-2 lakh:

(please click Next > to know the names of the motorcycles)

1. Classic 350

The people's choice is, of course, the home-bred Royal Enfield Classic 350 solely for its vintage appeal combined with a pleasant, modern-day experience. Although it shares its 346cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with the standard bullet 350, styling is very premium. In addition to the pleasure-adequate 20bhp, producing nearly thirty Newton-metre torque, the classic 350 gets chrome trims and pieces, re-shaped fenders, a low-set tail-lamp and split-seating with a sprung-saddle for the rider. It isn't quite a performance motorcycle, but its overall design, engine output and comfortable ride, all at the price tag of INR 1.54 lakh, makes it the most popular motorcycle in this price range.

2. KTM Duke 200

Next is the Austrian street-horse KTM Duke 200. It is powered by a 199.5 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which produces nearly 25 bhp at the centre of the redline. The engine is mated to a six-speed synchromesh gearbox and makes 19.2 Nm of torque at 8000 rpm. Weighing just a little over a hundred and forty kilograms, the KTM Duke 200 comes in two variants, one with ABS and another without. The non-ABS model is a little cheaper at INR 1.5 lakh but shares all other features with the ABS model.

3. KTM RC 200

The same engine combines with a slightly modified version of the same chassis, and race-track styling to become the KTM RC 200. The RC 200 is a pure instrument that only reaches its true potential either on the track or on the likes of express-highways. It is full-faired "affordable" super-sport motorcycle that loves to stay close to the higher end of the rpm band. The quick-shift six-speed transmission means incredibly fast zero-to-hundreds when compared to others in the segment. Although quite agile, the RC might become uncomfortable on prolonged durations in the city traffic as the moto-corse seating is only supportive at high-speeds, when the mind and body need to be as agile as the bike itself. At INR 1.71 lakh, the RC 200 is a wonderful option for the young and zippy, looking for super-quick commutes and highway-cruising at triple digits.

4. Honda CBR250R

Among the more affordable options in the 250cc range is the Honda CBR250R. Fashionable CBR-inspired styling, stable riding-comfort and ergonomic positioning of controls and features make it one of the most-sought entry-level touring bikes in India. Powered by a single-cylinder 250 cc liquid-cooled DOHC motor that produces 26 bhp at 22.9 Nm of torque, the CBR is more stable than powerful and hence an intelligent choice for those looking for a comfortable exposure to motorcycling. Being a Honda, its power delivery is smooth, ride quality is comfortable, and the riding experience is far from discouraging. The CBR250R is priced at INR 1.95 and INR 1.70 lakh for ABS and non-ABS variants respectively.

5. Bajaj RS 200

Based on KTM's 200 cc motor shared by the Duke and the RC, Bajaj's RS 200 is an affordable choice with an impactful top-end. It makes 24 bhp and 18 Nm torque at 8000 rpm. The RS 200 provides for a similar exciting experience as its Austrian counterpart. The design has a few quirks, but the riding experience and effective pricing make up for a lot of those. Fully-faired styling, projector headlamps that make the front resemble "Bumblebee" from the Transformers franchise, dynamic cuts and shredded surfaces all try extremely hard to please. That being said, if it weren't for the "pulsar" monogram on either side of the tank, a layman wouldn't even be able to tell if it were a Bajaj. At INR 1.42 lakh, it isn't a bad option for zipping around in the city and some decent highway cruising.

6. Thunderbird 500

Next in the line is another one from Royal Enfield, and with a more powerful motor than the classic 350. If it's a comfortable and strong-pulling cruiser one is looking at, the Thunderbird 500 should be among the top few choices. With signature cruiser styling, a large twenty-litre petrol tank for the extended ride-plans, and a single-cylinder 499 cc air-cooled motor that makes for a decent pull under-the-seat in response to the twist of its throttle - the Thunderbird can climb mountains and pull through highways like a little locomotive. For those frequenting the highway, it is the ideal mid-range cruiser just before entering the Triumph and Harley territory. At INR 2.07 lakh, it is the best in the segment for the given price range and will certainly not be one to disappoint.

7. Himalayan

The last but not the least is yet another machine from Chennai based classic motorcycle builder Royal Enfield, who went entirely into uncharted territory and came out with flying colours. The Royal Enfield Himalayan has been built for adventure, and it completes a single one with flying colours. Looks aren't its best of characteristics, as it's been constructed purely for one purpose only - terrain taming. Powered by a 411 cc single-cylinder engine that packs more punch than the Thunderbird's 500, and produces 24 bhp power at 32 Nm of torque, the Himalayan is a true blue adventure-motorcycle. It gets long-travel suspension forks at the front and a sturdy mono-shock at the rear. Though it struggles a little, to cruise highways at triple digits, it is fearless off the road. What the Himalayan can do on rocky trails, dirt and mountainous terrain, is only limited by the abilities of its rider. At INR 1.8 lakh, the Royal Enfield Himalayan promises an experience that none of the bikes above can deliver, in either stability or handling.