When assessing motorcycle performance, power-to-weight ratio is a telling figure that reveals how much power a bike makes relative to its weight, and it can be a solid indicator of its acceleration. We recently put together a similar list for bikes under Rs 2 lakh, and we’re now looking at motorcycles priced between Rs 2 and 3 lakh.
Incidentally, every bike on this list is a part of the Bajaj group.
All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Triumph Speed 400 (40hp/179kg) - 223.4hp/tonne
The Speed 400 is powered by the manufacturer’s TR series engine – a 398.15cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 40hp and 37.5Nm. At 179kg, it’s 6-7kg lighter than its Scrambler counterparts, helping it just make the cut on this list. With its blend of classic styling and modern performance, the Speed 400 is a compelling package, and at Rs 2.51 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it's also the most affordable motorcycle on this list.
Triumph Thruxton 400 (42hp/181kg) - 232hp/tonne
The Thruxton 400 is the fifth and latest addition to Triumph’s 400cc line-up in India. It shares its 398.15cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with its siblings but in an altered state of tune – peak output is bumped up from 40hp to 42hp. Despite being 2kg heavier than the Speed 400, with which it has a lot in common, the gain in horsepower results in a higher power-to-weight ratio.
KTM 390 Adventure X (46hp/181kg) - 254.1hp/tonne
Taking third place on this list is the lower-spec KTM 390 Adventure X, priced at Rs 2.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) with a power-to-weight ratio of 254.1 hp/tonne. Although the top-spec KTM 390 Adventure is just 1kg heavier, its higher price places it outside the scope of this list.
The 390 Adventure X uses the same 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine as its sibling and produces 46hp and 39Nm. While the standard 390 Adventure is more off-road focused, the X variant is geared towards road use with alloy wheels and road-oriented tyres. It still packs in most of the same tech, including traction control, cornering ABS, multiple riding modes, a bi-directional quickshifter and a TFT display.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (46hp/171.2kg) - 268.7hp/tonne
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 shares its 399cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with its KTM siblings, making an identical 46hp. It stands out with its scrambler-inspired design that’s more understated than its KTM counterparts; it also happens to be a rarer sight on our roads.
The 2024 update brought significant changes, including a lower seat height of 820mm – down from 842mm – for improved accessibility, and a full TFT display. These updates make the Svartpilen 401 an even more appealing option than it ever was.
KTM 390 Duke (46hp/168.3kg) - 273.3hp/tonne
The KTM 390 Duke remains the undisputed king in this segment for power-to-weight ratio and exciting performance. While peak power is identical to that of multiple bikes above, its relatively lower kerb weight translates to a noticeable difference in performance. The 2025 update further enhanced its appeal, introducing cruise control alongside an already comprehensive suite of features. The update solidifies the KTM 390 Duke’s reputation as one of the most capable and well-rounded motorcycles available under Rs 3 lakh.
.jpg?w=728&q=75)
