Top 5 most powerful bikes under Rs 3 lakh

The KTM 390 Duke and the Royal Enfield 650 twins have always been at the forefront of bang-for-buck motorcycling in India but today, a new one of any of those will comfortably set you back upwards of Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Fret not, for here we’ve compiled a list of 5 bikes that still cost under Rs 3 lakh while also offering a decent level of performance. 

All prices ex-showroom Delhi.  

5. 2024 KTM 250 Duke 31hp 

The 250 Duke has been updated with many of the same features as the Gen 3 390, and is the most powerful 250cc bike in India today. In fact, its also the only one to get a bi-directional quickshifer, a segment-first. While the Rs 2.39 lakh 250 Duke makes the same 31hp (peak) as the higher ranked CB300R, it weighs considerably more at 163kg, which is why we have ranked it lower.

We’ve put the updated 250 Duke through its paces and our review will go live on November 3, so keep watching this space for more. 

4. Honda CB300R 31hp 

The CB300R has always been an underrated bike but with its revised price tag of Rs 2.40 lakh, it now poses a more serious threat to its rivals than before. The ace up the CB’s proverbial sleeve is its ltihe 146kg kerb weight (lighter than even the KTM 125 Duke!), which translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 212.33hp/tonne, higher than even the next bike on the list. 

Also See:

Honda CB300R review, road test

3. TVS Apache RTR 310 35.6hp

The 312cc motor is in its most powerful guise ever in the Apache RTR 310, making 35.6hp. The largest Apache is also a very feature-rich bike even in its base guise, priced at Rs 2.43 lakh. To read more about the different features and optional packs in detail, tap here.

2. Triumph Scrambler 400 X 40hp

The second product to emerge from the Bajaj-Triumph partnership is the Scrambler 400 X, essentially a Speed 400 that’s taller, more spacious and capable of taking on some light off-roading. At Rs 2.63 lakh, the Scrambler 400 X is about Rs 30,000 more than the Speed 400 and still represents amazing value.

Also See:

Triumph Scrambler 400 X review: Bigger differences

1. KTM 390 Adventure X 43.5hp

At Rs 2.80 lakh, the 390 Adventure X is the most affordable model in KTM’s entire 390 lineup. It still uses the ‘older’ 373cc mill, not the latest 398cc one, but still makes 43.5hp and 37Nm of torque. You don’t get any electronic rider aids and a simple LCD display replaces the fancier TFT units found on the other 390s. However, if you want maximum power and capability on a sub Rs 3 lakh budget, the 390 Adventure X is hard to fault. 

Also See:

KTM 390 Adventure-X review: X marks the spot?