Top 5 Performance Bikes Under Rs 4 Lakh To Buy In Diwali 2020

This festive season, we alleviate your confusion to find the right bike to purchase

It has been a tough year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with Diwali around the corner, we do have a reason (or five) to cheer up. The festive season is considered an auspicious period for new purchases and the automotive market too sees a massive surge in sales number during this period. 

Lately, our two-wheeler market has seen a lot of action. From brand new motorcycles to thorough updates of some of the most popular performance motorcycles, leaving you spoilt for choice. But fret not, this season we are alleviating your confusion by bringing our top five performance motorcycles under Rs 4 lakh to buy in Diwali 2020.

KTM 390 Duke

If we were to credit a bike for bringing about action in the Indian motorcycling scene in the last decade, it would certainly be the KTM 390 Duke. Ever since its introduction back in 2013, the bike has remained virtually unchallenged, thanks to its stupendous price-to-performance ratio. Despite new competitors challenging the throne, the bike has continued to remain at the top. 

What makes it so special? KTM’s 373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine belting 43.5PS and 37Nm that is still hard to beat. Paired with the sharp chassis and slipper clutch, the KTM is a hoot to ride and manages to make you grin every time you crack open the throttle. 

Making the proposition more interesting this year is the addition of a bi-directional quickshifter for clutchless up and downshifts. Though the system is not as sophisticated as bigger bikes, it will make commuting a tad easier. At Rs 3.01 lakh, it is slightly pricier, especially with the Beemer in the picture, but continues to remain as exciting as ever.

BMW G 310 R

For most of us, a BMW in our garage has always been a dream. When the Bavarian brand first introduced the G 310 R and G 310 GS, they had the crowds swooning over the baby Beemers. The G 310 R was everything one could ask for. The looks, the fit and finish, the ride and handling, everything was worthy of the BMW Moniker. What didn’t work in its favour was the price, especially because we are a market spoilt by a certain Austrian brand. This year though, the story is different. Earlier this month, BMW Motorrad launched the BS6-compliant G 310 R at Rs 2.75 lakh with a massive price cut of Rs 54,000 compared to the BS4 iteration. 

The 2020 BMW G 310 R gets a new LED headlamp with LED DRL, ride-by-wire throttle, slipper clutch along with adjustable brake and clutch levers. Even in the BS6 avatar, the performance hasn’t dipped. The reverse-inclined 313cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine still churns 34 PS at 9,500rpm and 28Nm at 7,500rpm. 

 TVS Apache RR 310

The flagship model from the Hosur-based manufacturer was always applauded for its stunning, shark-inspired design but fell short due to its issues like engine vibration and mediocre tyres. However, for 2020, the brand has dialled it up a notch, making it not just better for clocking faster lap times but also for the everyday hustle.

While aesthetically the bike remains unchanged, save for the new paint scheme, it gets some subtle updates. For starters, the vertical dash is now a crisp Bluetooth compatible 5-inch LCD display displaying a plethora of information, including lap times and navigation. TVS has utilised the ride-by-wire tech introduced last year to equip the RR 310 with four riding modes- Rain, Urban, Sport and Track. A sophisticated version of the Glide Through Traffic tech seen on the BS6 Apache RTR 160 4V and Apache RTR200 4V, now finds its way in the RR 310 as well, making it easier to live with the supersport. The RR 310 now comes shod with Michelin Road 5 tyres, offering superior grip in dry as well as wet conditions.

The bike continues to use the 312cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 34PS and 27.3Nm in the Sport and Race mode while the outputs are restricted to 25.8PS and 25Nm in the Rain and Urban mode.  Though it is not as explosive as the KTM RC 390, it certainly is more versatile and easier to live with than the Austrian supersport. And also, it’s more affordable at Rs 2.82 lakh (on-road, Delhi).

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Royal Enfield changed the game when it introduced the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650, the cheapest twins one can own in India. At Rs 3.05 lakh, the RE Interceptor may not have sophisticated dash or bodywork on even electronic aids like other bikes, it woes you with its elegant retro design and an equally exciting engine. 

The Interceptor’s 648cc parallel-twin engine churns out 47.6PS and 52Nm. The bike has lost its top-end performance in the BS6 avatar, but gains refinement and the engine is now more free-revving, making commuting easier.  

KTM RC 390 

Sharing its heart with the 390 Duke, the RC 390 is one of the most exciting track-bred motorcycles to own producing 43PS and 37Nm. Unlike the RR 310 that pleases you with its everyday usability, the RC 390 is a no-compromise supersport. Virtually unchanged since its launch in India, KTM recently added a new paint scheme to the range-topping supersport which is now priced at Rs 2.91 lakh (on-road, Delhi). 

With the ban on imports of tyres imposed, the RC 390 now gets MRF tyres, seen on the 200 Duke and RC 200 as well as the 250 Duke. However, if you are looking to book one, now would be the right time since the brand is offering merchandise worth Rs 5,000 on booking the older BS6 model.