Best Sport Bikes Under Rs 2 lakh

The importance of the Yamaha R15 to the Indian motorcycling segment cannot be understated. It was the bike which sparked the small capacity faired bike segment in India, and now in its third generation, is unrivalled in its class. The larger 155cc motor is exhilarating yet extremely usable in daily situations thanks to the presence of Variable Valve Actuation. The R15 V3 is the sharpest tool in its class as it remains the best bet for the up and coming enthusiast.

Extremely focused and packed with incredible performance, the KTM RC series have been some of the best track weapons one can get in India. For years, the entry point into the family was the RC 200; the RC 125 was just introduced in 2019. Powered by the same 199cc single-cylinder engine as the 200 Duke, the RC 200 is one sharp motorcycle. It is the raciest motorcycle on this list, a bike which you will thoroughly enjoy on a race track.

Much like the smaller Gixxer SF, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is a sportbike that has been derived off its naked sibling, even though it was launched earlier. This is Suzuki’s flagship motorcycle that it produces in India, bridging the gap between the small Gixxer SF and its large capacity imports. It has got a unique 249cc single-cylinder motor that is purely oil-cooled. The Gixxer SF 250 isn’t a track weapon to set quick lap times but is more of an all-rounder to enjoy daily commutes and weekend thrills.

Not too long ago, the Suzuki Gixxer was the most affordable full-faired motorcycle you could buy in India. However, with the generation update it received last year and the BS6 updates, the current asking price of the small supersport is Rs 1.21 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), nearly Rs 20,000 more than the Hero Xtreme 200S. Suzuki did make a lot of changes with the way the bike looks as well as its riding posture. However, what remains intact is the agile and punchy little motorcycle that it always was.

After establishing itself as the king of commuter motorcycles, Hero MotoCorp has started expanding into the enthusiast category. One of the four models from its 200cc lineup is the Xtreme 200S. Its oddball styling is quite reminiscent of the motorcycles of the ‘80s. We do like its robocop-ish front fascia. The fairing is a bit of a slap-on job on the Xtreme 200R naked. Hence, you get the same single-piece handlebar, accessible seat height of 795mm and upright commuter-friendly riding ergos. The motorcycle is yet to receive its BS6 update, with the 199cc single-cylinder motor currently arriving with a carburettor.