With a plethora of options now available at lower price points from various brands, the dream of owning a litre-class motorcycle is more attainable than ever. Here’s a look at the five most affordable motorcycles with engine capacities of 1,000cc and above on sale in India today.
Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX
Rs 14.42 lakh.
The Ninja 1100SX is the only fully faired motorcycle on this list. Priced at Rs 14.42 lakh, it offers a 1,099cc engine that produces 136hp and 113Nm. The Ninja 1100SX is loaded with features such as cruise control, a TFT display, traction control and a bi-directional quickshifter.
Kawasaki Versys 1100
Rs 13.89 lakh.
The Versys 1100 is a comfort-biased sport tourer, featuring a taller stance, upright ergonomics and enhanced wind protection. Designed for long-distance touring and pillion comfort, it's strictly road-focused due to its relatively heavy 257kg kerb weight and 17-inch wheels. It shares its engine with the Ninja 1100SX but misses out on a TFT display and bi-directional quickshifter. However, at Rs 13.89 lakh, the Versys 1100 is Rs 53,000 more affordable than the Ninja 1100.
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP
Rs 13.29 lakh.
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is the higher-spec variant of the model and the only one available in India – and Honda has managed to price it competitively. It’s powered by a 999cc, inline-four, liquid-cooled engine that produces 157hp and 107Nm. Priced at 13.29 lakh, not only is it one of the more affordable inline-four motorcycle on this list but also the most powerful.
Kawasaki Z1100
Rs 12.79 lakh.
The Kawasaki Z1100 is the newest entrant on this list and is currently the most affordable inline-four motorcycle you can buy in India. It pairs familiar Sugomi styling with the Ninja 1100SX platform, sharing the same 1,099cc inline-four engine that produces 136hp and 113Nm, along with the same main frame and fully adjustable Showa suspension. It also comes equipped with a comprehensive electronics suite, including IMU-enabled rider aids and a 5-inch TFT display.
Triumph Bonneville T120
Rs 12.35 lakh.
The Bonneville T120 is powered by a 1,200cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing 80hp and 105Nm, featuring a 270-degree crank that delivers a raspy exhaust note. This same engine also powers the Scrambler 1200 XC in Triumph’s line-up. While the T120 looks properly retro, it comes equipped with modern features like ride-by-wire, traction control and cruise control, all wrapped in classic styling.
There are other models in Triumph’s line-up that use the same engine but come in cruiser, roadster or scrambler form factors, and you can consider them if they’re more up your alley. However, do bear in mind that they all cost quite a bit more than the Bonnie.
There’s also the Brixton Cromwell 1200 (Rs 7.84 lakh) that sits in a similar class as the Bonneville T120 but is offered at a lower price point. However, Brixton’s presence is still too niche, with minimal deliveries and barely any visible points of sale – which is why it hasn’t been included here.
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
