Top 5 Most Affordable 250cc Bikes In India: Yamaha FZ-25, Suzuki Gixxer 250 And More!

Which one of these bikes suits you best?

The 250cc motorcycle space is one of the most competitive segments in India, with manufacturers Yamaha, Suzuki, Bajaj and KTM fighting for a sizable chunk of sales. So that means you get various options, ranging from streetfighters and tourers to ADVs, but which of these offerings is the most pocket friendly? 

Husqvarna 250 Twins: Rs 1.99 lakh

If you fancy something exquisite, the Husky twins make perfect sense. Both bikes use the same 248.76cc KTM 250 Duke-sourced engine, with identical power figures. However, the duo has been designed to cater to different segments. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 250, for instance, is a cafe racer and the only one available in this price bracket. It combines the committed riding posture of a sportbike and the looks of a streetfighter. It may not be to everyone’s taste for this very reason, but it is one of the most appealing motorcycles here.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 is pegged to be an urban scrambler. It looks good, it’s quick, and it also rides and handles well. But it doesn’t really have a definitive purpose which puts it in no man’s land. The Vitpilen is more eye-catching and engaging to ride in comparison.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250: Rs 1.78 lakh

The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is essentially a standard Gixxer 250 with a fairing slapped on, but it does have its perks. For instance, it offers slightly better wind protection compared to the naked Gixxer. Moreover, the aerodynamic efficiency of the SF makes it the quicker bike to 100kmph. So you get all the goodies from the Gixxer 250 plus the aerodynamic benefits of a faired sportbike for a premium of around Rs 11,000. 

Bajaj Dominar 250: Rs 1.70 lakh

If you love touring, it doesn’t get any better than the Bajaj Dominar 250. Sure, it’s the heaviest bike (180kg kerb) here, but it masks its weight well on the move. The motor, borrowed from the 250 Duke, has been retuned to suit the Dominar’s touring characteristics, and boy does it impress! We think Bajaj should have plonked this one on the Dominar right from the beginning. 

The motor is butter smooth with a linear power delivery that makes cruising on highways an absolute joy. It feels livelier and a lot lighter than the 400. Then there’s the spring rate on the suspension setup which has been tweaked to flatten most bad surfaces and potholes. Broadly speaking, if you’re looking at the Dominar range, pick the Dominar 250 without hesitation.

Suzuki Gixxer 250: Rs 1.67 lakh

Next up is the Suzuki Gixxer 250, among the best handling bikes in this segment. It features a unique 249cc oil-cooled single-cylinder motor that’s quick to climb through the revs and offers an even spread of power throughout the range. In other words, it is just as comfortable on the highway as it is in the city. 

The highlight, though, has to be its handling capabilities. It feels effortless within the city and is quick to change directions in the twisties. Part of it can be attributed to the MRF radials that work well even in wet road conditions. So the Gixxer is the perfect option for those looking for a bike that will offer the best of both worlds: an easy-going commuter on weekdays and a fun handling bike on the weekends. 

Yamaha FZ 25 Range: Rs 1.34 lakh onwards

Just yesterday, Yamaha slashed the price of the FZ-25 range, making it the most affordable 250cc bike in India. Both variants receive a price cut of up to Rs 19,000 without compromising on equipment or features. Speaking of which, the FZ-25 isn’t the most feature-packed bike here, but it is one of the most comfortable and easy-going ones. 

The 249cc mill powering the bike has enough grunt for city use and occasional highway runs. What you’d love the most, though, is the comfortable split seat and the plush suspension setup. The bike may not be the prettiest of the lot, but it’s definitely the most affordable and practical option in this segment.