Upcoming 200-500cc performance bikes in India

India is the biggest two wheeler market across the world and more than 70 percent share of the mileage conscious market comes from the commuter segment. However, these days 200-500cc performance segment is one of the fastest growing segment in it. Many of the existing and new manufacturers are condensing the segment with their amazing 200 to 500cc faired and naked machines. So, here are the upcoming entry level performance motorcycles in India.

1) Hyosung GD250N: The South Korean motorcycle manufacturer, Hyosung is all set to launch its affordable performance bike GD250N in both naked and faired versions. The naked sport bike will be launched by the second quarter of this year, followed by the faired version and will be priced under Rs. 2 lakh.

Hyosung GD250N will get an aggressive style with a masculine fuel tank, naked chassis, bold headlamp and minimised body panels. The compact bike will be powered by a 249cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, single cylinder engine mated with a 6-speed gearbox. Using electronic fuel injection system, the bike delivers a maximum power of 27.6bhp @9,600rpm and peak torque of 25Nm @7,000rpm.

2) KTM RC 390 and RC 200: In a recent event, Duke 390 Track Day, KTM also announced to launch its RC 390 and RC 200 sometime this year. The bikes are on test in India and expected to be launched by the end of third quarter of this year. The company is expected to put the RC 200 in sub 2 lakh INR category, while the RC 390 will come with a price tag of slightly higher than Rs. 2 lakh.

Both the bikes are faired version of their naked sibling, Duke 390 and Duke 200, which are identical to each other in appearance. They will get a RC8 inspired, full body fairing with twin projector headlamps on the platform of Duke. KTM RC 390 will get the 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine, which churns out a maximum power of 43bhp.

KTM RC 200 will take its power from the 199.5cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, single cylinder mill, belts out 25bhp of maximum power. Both the bikes will get electronic fuel injection system for better performance and a six speed transmission will control the power output.

3) Bajaj Pulsar SS400 and CS400: Inspired by its austrian partner, Bajaj Auto Limited is also bringing two flagship 400cc motorcycles in its Pulsar range. The first will be a faired Pulsar SS400, which is expected to launch soon, while a naked Pulsar CS400 will follow it. Both the SS400 and CS400 are already showcased at the 12th Auto Expo as the production and concept model respectively.

Both the bikes will be powered by a 373.2cc mill of the configuration similar to KTM Duke 390, however, power output will be slightly lesser than it. The Bajaj Pulsar SS400 looks based on the platform of Pulsar 200NS, while gets a racing inspired full fairing with twin headlamps.

Bajaj Pulsar CS400 concept model was looking awesome with its aggressive styling with a 9-unit LED headlamp. The concept was sporting many advance features like upside down front forks and two LDC screen instrument console, which might be missed in the production version. Both the bikes will be priced under Rs. 2 lakh in India.

4) Hero MotoCorp HX250R: The world's largest two wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp has already unveiled its highly advanced 250cc motorcycle- HX250R. Using the best in class 250cc, single, the bike is capable to deliver a maximum power of 31bhp, which is highest in the segment.

It looks like a proper track runner with its racing inspired full fairing with a transparent windsheild and dimensions like a full size superbike. The bike is expected to be launched next year with a price tag of around Rs. 2 lakh.

5) Mahindra Mojo 300: First showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo, Mahindra Mojo 300 didn't come out of cover for a long time. However, the company unveiled a locally updated version of the bike in 2014 Auto Expo.

The new roadster bring some drastic upgrades including a bigger fuel tank and more aggressive looks. The company has also used a new, locally developed, 300cc engine in the new model. Now the company seems to launch the bike soon with a price tag of around Rs. 2 lakh.

6) Yamaha R25: The Japanese auto giant, Yamaha, showcased a new model similar to its MotoGP machine YZR-M1, at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. That was the concept model of a new quarter litre performance bike- Yamaha R25. The company also showcased the similar model at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, however, it was just a concept.

The latest sketch of the bike looks far different from that model and gives a feel of YZF-R1. The concept was sporting a 249cc, parallel twin motor, which is expected to be continued in the production model as well and produce around 30bhp of maximum power. The bike is expected to make its world debut soon, while India might get it sometimes next year in a price bracket of Rs. 1.8-2.3 lakh.