Best Sports Bikes you can buy under 3 Lakhs In India – 2023 Updated

There is a lot of competition among motorcycle companies to provide the best motorcycle in whatever segment they are competing. The 300cc-400cc segment has even more competition which is emerging over time. Sports bikes have a separate fan base in India & many people tend to buy their first sports bikes in the 300cc-400c segment.

The dedicated riding position, better handling, and cornering capabilities are a few reasons why people consider sports bikes over other bikes.

Bikes from this segment (300cc-400cc) perform decently and have a good enough mileage under affordable price options (in most cases). This specialty attracts a lot of buyers toward these Bikes.

So, the bikes in this range provide a complete package of performance, efficiency, and affordability.

Today I am going to tell you about the Top Sports Bikes you can buy for under 3 Lakhs in India in 2023 updated. Do let me know which one is your favorite in the comment section.

1. KTM RC 390:

When we talk about “Track focussed” bikes, we can’t miss talking about KTM RC390. It is one of those few motorcycles which the character of a Track Focussed Sports bike.

It is equipped with all the technology that you require while riding.

Key features:

• Dedicated Riding Position
• Cornering
• Light Weight
• Best Power-to-Weight ratio

Pros:

• It is the most Powerful Single-Cylinder Sports bike in the segment available in the market.
• It has the highest Power-to-Weight ratio in the segment.
• The riding stance is Track Focussed i.e., better control over the bikes on the track. It helps in greater cornering on the track.
• Its lightweight makes it more controllable and maneuverable.
• Nicely equipped with all the electronics needed. 
• The suspension setup is best suited for track focused riding. Hard suspensions help in better cornering and give the rider more confidence while cornering.

Cons:

• It has heating issues in regular traffic conditions. As we know this motorcycle is not meant for that kind of usage but people are going to ride it inside the city and on the highways only.
• It is very much uncomfortable for long rides. Again, it is impractical to expect a comfortable riding stance from a track-focused sports motorcycle(sports tourer being an exception) but, people who are looking to buy a sports motorcycle for touring purposes must look out for some other options.
• Fuel efficiency is a big concern. Being the most powerful single-cylinder motorcycle, it is also one of the least fuel-efficient motorcycles in the segment.
• The fuel Tank is very small. Not only less efficient, but it also has less fuel carrying capacity at just 9.5 Litres.

It is a good track motorcycle, but you should not expect it to perform like a street motorcycle or even a sports tourer, doing that would do an injustice to this motorcycle.

If you are keenly interested in KTM RC390, must keep these points in mind, and don’t forget to take a test ride before your booking.

2. TVS Apache RR 310:

The next bike in our list is TVS Apache RR310, the flagship by TVS which has undergone a lot of improvement over the years is now among the best bikes you can buy under 3 Lakhs.

Apart from its technical enhancements, this bike is the most beautiful in the segment.

Key Features:

• Beautiful design 
• LED Instrument Console
• Riding Modes
• Ergonomics

Pros:

• The beautiful Design of this bike is the reason for its better road presence. You can’t ignore this bike. You will most probably turn your head for a second glance.
• The Updated model(BS-6) has undergone a lot of technological improvements. It has got an all-new LED Instrument Console which contains almost everything you need on the go.
• This bike has a lenient power delivery. It won’t scare you. For new riders as well, this motorcycle is a good choice.
• It has 4 different riding modes:(1)Street, (2)Rain, (3)Sport, (4)Track. You can set the required mode according to the requirement to get the best out of the motorcycle. 
• The ergonomics of this motorcycle are very much comfortable. Being a Sports Motorcycle it provides a slightly relaxed riding stance(better than most of the sports motorcycles in the segment).
• Fuel efficiency is also good considering it is not the most powerful motorcycle in the segment. You can expect a mileage of anywhere between 30-35KMPL(may vary according to the riding pattern).

Cons:

• The first thing which most of people didn’t like about this motorcycle is the pricing. Although the value it gives at that price point is exceptional, it is still expensive.
• Exhaust note also feels like a 150-200cc motorcycle. It is not bassy like its competitors(it sounds good at higher speeds though).
• Power figures could have been slightly better. You won’t feel the need for additional power most of the time, but when you compare it with other motorcycles in the segment, it feels “slightly” underpowered.
•  Pillion seat is not comfortable. The size and the position of the pillion seat make it quite difficult for anyone to sit comfortably. This motorcycle is meant to be enjoyed alone 🙂
• Fuel Tank capacity could have better. Currently, it is 11 Litres with useable fuel of 9 Litres, I wish TVS increases the volume to around 13 Litres to make it more value for money.

This bike is good for track-based rides, but personally feel it can be enjoyed fully as a Sports Tourer. It has a comfortable riding stance, good mileage, and looks to fall for. You can consider this motorcycle for your first purchase as well.

But if you want a powerful machine with a dedicated riding stance, you should consider other options.

For more information, click here.

3. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250:

Gixxer SF 250 is Suzuki’s quarter-litre sports bike available in the Indian market. It has some decent specifications. One can opt for this bike for one’s daily commute or even weekly rides it can do everything.

Pros:

• The seating position is very comfortable and one can even tour on this bike. It is more of a sports tourer than a proper sports motorcycle.
• Fuel Efficiency. It is one of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles in the segment(250cc). You can expect a mileage of anywhere above 35KMPL(may vary according to the riding pattern). Backed by a decent size fuel tank of 12 Litres, it has a tremendous riding range.
• Refinement. This motorcycle is very refined. You won’t feel much vibrations in the entire rev band(extreme top end feels slightly buzzy, can be reduced by using good handle grips and gloves).

Cons:

• It Lacks a Slipper Clutch. At a premium price of 2 Lakhs, it should have been provided, considering the potential of this motorcycle. The absence doesn’t justify the pricing.
• Instrument console looks dated. Although it contains everything one needs while riding but again at this price we need a more stylish(better designed) console. Also, this is the same console which is installed in Gixxer/Gixxer SF 155cc(backlight is different).
• Right now, there are just 2 colours available. Hope to see new paint schemes in the updated model.
• Pricing. As I have said earlier, this motorcycle has everything one needs. But there are a few minor areas that need to be improved to justify the price.

Suzuki has made a good motorcycle. It is a very capable sports tourer nut needs certain minor areas to be improved in the next-gen models. Overall, it is a complete package for those who like touring on sports motorcycles.

You may also need an aftermarket visor to tackle windblasts as the bike’s visor is not sufficient for higher speeds.

4. KTM RC 200:

KTM RC 200, Another track focussed motorcycle from KTM, but this one has a smaller engine of 200cc. The power is sufficient for usage according to entry-level objectivity and the price is also quite less. One can consider this motorcycle to experience the true sense of sports bikes. The only major difference between RC200 and RC390 is the engine, rest everything is same. 

Key Features:

• Dedicated Riding Position
• Lightweight
• Cornering
• Good Power-to-weight ratio

Pros:

• Just like its elder sibling, this one is also among the most powerful motorcycle in the segment(200cc). One can expect better performance on the highways.
• It has the highest Power-to-Weight ratio in the segment(200cc).
• The riding stance is Track Focussed i.e., better control over the motorcycle on the track. It helps in greater cornering on the track.
• Its lightweight makes it more controllable and maneuverable.
• Nicely equipped with all the electronics needed.
• The suspension setup is best suited for track-focused riding. Hard suspensions help in better cornering and give the rider more confidence while cornering.

Cons:

• Just like its elder sibling, this one also heats up in day-to-day traffic conditions. Be aware of the traffic conditions before doing injustice with this machine.
• It is very much uncomfortable for long rides. Again, it is impractical to expect a comfortable riding stance from a track-focused sports motorcycle (sports tourer being an exception) but, people who are looking to buy a sports motorcycle for touring purposes must look out for some other options.
• The fuel Tank is very small. Not only less efficient, but it also has less fuel carrying capacity at just 9.5 Litres.
• Fuel efficiency is better than RC390 still it is less comparing it with its segment motorcycles (200cc).

So, this motorcycle is more of a Mini version of RC390. Those who desperately want RC but budget is not allowing, can consider this motorcycle.

For beginners, I would suggest looking for other options as this one has an aggressive power delivery and novice riders might not be able to control it properly. Although, if you have plenty of experience in riding, you can consider this motorcycle.

5. Bajaj Pulsar RS 200:

The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 “The Fastest Indian” has a huge fanbase in India. Since the time it has been in the market and known for its “Bumblebee” kind of look, it became a head-turner. With good performance (thanks to KTM) at an affordable price, this motorcycle is quite popular among young riders.

Pros:

• Performance of this motorcycle is superb as it has borrowed its engine from KTM 200cc siblings. The power output is similar to KTM 200cc siblings. It is one of the best-performing 200cc motorcycles in India.
• Ergonomics. Unlike its KTM rival RC 200, this one is more comfortable as it has an upright riding position. It can be used for touring as well.
• Maintenance is easy and cheap. One won’t get a dent in one’s pocket for maintaining this bike. 
• The exhaust note is awesome. You won’t hear anything better than this in any other 200cc motorcycle in the market right now. This is the best-sounding 200c motorcycle.

Cons:

• Fit and finish could have been better. Its fairing has a lot of issues due to vibrations while riding and of course due to poor quality :(. There have been certain cases where the fairing used to make some unnecessary sound while riding.
• Rear-view mirrors are useless on such a motorcycle. You should go for aftermarket options. There is no proper visibility, they also tend to vibrate a lot while riding which hampers the rearview.
• The instrument console is dated and should be replaced with a new unit which must have all the required features. Right now, it even lacks a gear position indicator.

This is a performance-oriented machine but has certain amendable flaws which should be amended in the topmost priority. I wish Bajaj works on these cons to make it even more value for money motorcycle.

I would just tell that wait for the newer model if you are not comfortable with the current model, the bike might get up-to-date in the newer model. 

If you in urgent need of a performance-oriented machine at an affordable price, you can go with this bike.

6. Yahama R15 V3:

This premium offering from Yamaha has been in the Indian market for quite a long time now. It is one of the most successful bikes in India with a fan base of millions. Since the beginning, it has attracted the young riders due to its sporty look and performance. The 3rd generation of R15 is even more than just an R15.

Pros:

• Performance. This is the best bike in the 150-160cc segment. It even has a neck to neck competition with 200cc Bikes. 
• Dedicated riding stance offers better control over the motorcycle and it also helps in better cornering and wind protection.
• It has everything one needs and expects a motorcycle to have(being e premium motorcycle). From having a gear position indicator to VVA Technology, it is equipped with everything you can ask for.
• Appearance. Many people buy this motorcycle for its appearance. It is a head-turner.

Cons:

• It is an expensive machine and after being from the 150cc segment. Although its performance is on par with all 1500cc motorcycles, still the pricing is a bit too high.
• The seating position is uncomfortable for the rider as well as the pillion. For day-to-day rides, it is not much of a problem, the problem arises when one takes this motorcycle for long rides. Long rides are not at all comfortable on this motorcycle.
• The headlights could have been better. They just look good but fail to give good visibility at night. I wish Yamaha installs some more powerful LEDs to make it better.

This is a wonderful motorcycle with some of the best features and quality Yamaha has on offer. One can surely opt for this motorcycle if riding stance is not a problem for you and your budget allows you to buy this motorcycle.

If you are not comfortable mainly with the ergonomics, better go with some other options mentioned above.

The Final Verdict!

So, this is my pick on Top Sports Bikes you can buy under 3 Lakhs in India. I hope you have decided on your favorite Sports Bikes, do let me know in the comment section. 

Here are some of the selected best sports bikes under 3 lakhs in India – 2023 Updated.

Frequently Asked Questions On Sports Bike

For any query and suggestions feel free to use the comment section. I will be happy to answer all!