The Aprilia RS457 is the company’s new, sub-500cc, twin-cylinder sportsbike and the reason why it has piqued interest among enthusiasts is because it offers a lot of value for money. At least on paper, as we are yet to road test the bike. What you have is a 46.9bhp bike with traction control, TFT display and the promise of good ride and handling. Not to mention, the attractive design of the bike. All of this for Rs 4.10 lakh, ex-showroom.
However, if you are looking at other options in and around the same price point, here’s a list of them.
Rs 3.16 to Rs 3.17 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai.
The Austrian motorcycle offers unbeatable value. Powered by a 373.27cc single-cylinder engine that makes 42.9bhp, the bike offers good performance to keep the enthusiast on a budget feeling satiated. The other hallmarks of the bike include a great balance between ride and handling, while the ergos aren’t taxing on your body which means one can commute and tour on this bike, with the occasional trackday thrown in the mix. The list of features include Bluetooth connectivity, quickshifter, traction control and more.
Yamaha R3
Rs 4.65 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai.
The Yamaha R3 is one of the most loved motorcycles out there and it is not hard to see why. From the design to the sweet, parallel-twin engine, the R3 is an endearing bike as far as the riding experience goes. In fact, the ergonomics of the bike aren’t too committed, enabling one to ride the R3 for long distances without crying in pain because of a backache. The chassis and suspension are fantastic as well and at this point we seem to be showering praises on the bike, and deservedly so. That’s until Yamaha India dropped the bomb by pricing it at an astronomical Rs 4.65 lakh. For that kind of money, the equipment levels are sparse, especially in light of the Aprilia RS457. We hope Yamaha considers manufacturing the R3 here in order to price it competitively.
Rs 3.43 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai
The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has been around for what seems like an eternity but the company refuses to pull the plug on it. Some may argue that why fix it if it ain’t broken as the Ninja 300 has proven itself as a good sportbike for people stepping up from single-cylinder, 200-250cc bikes. The Ninja’s parallel-twin engine makes 38.88bhp and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. It’s a reliable unit but there isn’t much to praise the bike for otherwise, simply because it is too old and under-equipped to put your money down on in 2024.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Rs 4.3 lakh to Rs 4.65 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai
Royal Enfield’s flagship cruiser has a lot going for it be it the way it looks, the quality and finish levels as well as the performance from its ultra-sweet parallel-twin engine. The other surprising bit is the way it handles; the 240+ seemingly disappearing once the bike is off the stand. The only major issue we’ve got is with the bike’s stiff rear suspension that takes the fun out of the equation while riding over bumps and broken roads.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Rs 3.18 lakh to Rs 3.45 lakh
The Continental GT 650 is a niche motorcycle, its cafe racer style and forward-set riding position throwing some practicality out of the window. That said, it is hugely desirable, largely for its design, engine and the uber cool factor. The introduction of alloy wheels and sticky, Vredestein tyres have made it an even sweeter handler than before but it isn’t devoid of flaws. Royal Enfield hasn’t updated it comprehensively after introducing it around five years ago. Nevertheless, it holds its own in this price bracket and for those who want to buy into the Royal Enfield universe.
Rs 3.37 lakh to 3.59 lakh
The KTM 390 Adventure is the undisputed champion in the sub-500cc class of ADVs. Blending fast and involving on-road performance with impressive off-road ability, the 390 Adventure is quite the package when you consider a do-it-all bike. The spoke wheel variant adds another layer of ability to the 390 Adventure’s abilities, since the adjustable suspension offers better adaptability to changing road / off-road conditions. There’s a low seat height version as well, improving the bike’s accessibility to a wider audience. All said, the bike will be on sale for possibly a year only as KTM is readying a brand-new 390 Adventure and it promises to offer more power, technology and features.
