Indian Muscle Machines: Unveiling the Top 5 Power Bikes

From a supersport and nakeds to a retro roadster and an ADV

Apart from a handful of superbikes locally assembled, India has become a production hub of many powerful bikes in the sub-600cc category. Thanks to their local production, Indian enthusiasts can now access some affordable, pocket-friendly, irresistible bikes. Following are the five most powerful bikes that are testimony to the ‘Make In India’ initiative:

1. Aprilia RS 457

Known for icons like RSV4 and Tuono, Aprilia relied heavily on its range of scooters, like the SR and SXR ranges in the Indian two-wheeler market. However, Aprilia recently opened up an all-new chapter by launching the all-new RS 457, its first made-in-India motorcycle.

Positioned below the RS 660 in the Aprilia’s lineup of supersport motorcycles, the Aprilia RS 457 debuted an all-new liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, 457cc engine. This engine develops 47.6PS @ 9400 rpm and 43.5Nm @ 6700 rpm. These figures make the Aprilia RS 457 the most powerful motorcycle manufactured in India. With a supersport design inspired by the more powerful RS 660 and RSV4, the new Aprilia RS 457 is priced at Rs 4,10,000/- (ex-showroom, Delhi).

2. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Royal Enfield scripted an all-new chapter in its history in India when it launched the 650 twins – the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, its first-ever twin-cylinder motorcycles in the Indian market. Among the two, it is the Interceptor 650 that sells in more numbers due to its more practical design and comfortable ergonomics for everyday riding.

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 debuted the all-new air-cooled, parallel-twin 648cc engine, which also powers the Continental GT 650 and two other middleweight offerings from the brand, the Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650. With 47.4PS @ 7250 rpm and 52.3Nm @ 5150 rpm, this engine makes the Interceptor 650 the most powerful Royal Enfield motorcycle ever. Available in multiple colour options, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 prices start at Rs 3,03,000/- (ex-showroom, India).

3. KTM 390 Duke

With the recently launched third-generation Duke 390, KTM has levelled up the motorcycle in every sense of aggressiveness – whether it's outrageous design or the maniacal power on tap. The KTM Duke 390 was, once upon a time, the most powerful motorcycle in India in the overall context. And now, in this new third-generation avatar, the Duke 390 is the most powerful motorcycle with a single-cylinder engine.

The third-generation KTM Duke 390 ditches the previously available 373.2cc engine for an all-new liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 398.63cc engine. With an increase in size, this engine now develops more performance than its predecessor – 46PS @ 8500 rpm and 39Nm @ 6500 rpm. Along with a new engine, the new Duke 390 also received significant upgrades in its design and number of riding aids. The new KTM Duke 390 retails for Rs 3,11,105/- (ex-showroom, Delhi).

4. Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

Just a few months after the third-generation KTM Duke 390 arrived, Husqvarna also pulled off a surprise by launching the all-new Svartpilen 401 in India. It is the first time a 400cc Husqvarna motorcycle landed on the Indian shores officially. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 shares its engine and suspension bits with the new Duke 390. However, it has a different personality, a more rugged scrambler design, spoke wheels, and different riding ergonomics.

The 398.63cc engine, which has been shared with the KTM Duke 390, claims 46PS @ 9000 rpm and 39Nm @ 7000 rpm in the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 – similar power and torque figures, but at slightly higher RPM. The new Svartpilen 401 also has more riding aids and features than its predecessor, which was never on sale in India. However, with a price of Rs 2,92,000/- (ex-showroom, Delhi), this new-generation Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is now made in India and sold here.

5. Royal Enfield Himalayan

Royal Enfield gave its popular Himalayan a generational update in 2023, which saw the motorcycle receiving a host of revisions, such as a new design, new tyres and additional new-age features. However, the talking highlight among all the changes is the all-new Sherpa 450 engine of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, which has made the new Himalayan one of the most powerful motorcycles made in India.

The new Sherpa 450 engine powering the Royal Enfield Himalayan is the brand's first-ever liquid-cooled engine. This single-cylinder 452cc engine churns out 40.02PS @ 8000 rpm and 40Nm @ 5500 rpm. The new Royal Enfield Himalayan range starts at Rs 2,85,000/- (ex-showroom, Delhi).

What Makes These Powerful ‘Made In India’ Bikes So Desirable?

There is a common saying in the context of motorcycles – ‘performance comes at a price’. And while it still does, these five motorcycles mentioned above have reduced the margin. These bikes offer incredible performance-to-price packages at accessible price points that are reasonable for people who wish to upgrade from 150cc commuters or even first-time buyers. You can find or learn more about these new and used bikes at Bikedekho!