Horsepower alone is seldom the best way to judge how quick a motorcycle is. A lighter bike with modest power can sometimes outshine a heavier, more powerful machine. In our previous list, we looked at bikes priced between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4 lakh, and this time, we’re stepping up to the Rs 4 lakh-6 lakh range. Here are the top five motorcycles based on their power-to-weight ratio.
Brixton Crossfire 500X (47.6hp/190kg) – 250.52hp/tonne
Brixton Crossfire 500X prices start at Rs 4.74 lakh
Brixton is a relatively young brand in India, having entered the market in late 2024, and the Crossfire 500X is its most affordable offering here. Powered by a 486cc twin-cylinder engine producing 47.6hp and 43Nm, the Crossfire 500X features minimalistic bodywork and sleek, neo-retro roadster styling. There’s also a scrambler-inspired 500XC variant, but at 5kg heavier, it narrowly misses a spot on this list.
Kawasaki Eliminator (45hp/176kg) – 255.68hp/tonne
Kawasaki Eliminator prices start at Rs 5.76 lakh
The Kawasaki Eliminator is a low-slung cruiser powered by the same 451cc parallel-twin engine as the Ninja 500, albeit in a more relaxed state of tune. It produces 45hp at 9,000rpm and 42.6Nm at 7,500rpm, with identical power but peak torque arriving 1,500rpm later than on the Ninja. It’s also one of the very few Japanese cruisers at this price point currently on sale in India.
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo Retro Street/Scrambler (55.6hp/215kg) – 258.83hp/tonne
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo prices start at Rs 4.99 lakh
The Moto Morini Seiemmezzo is offered in two variants, Retro Street and Scrambler, with the differences being mostly cosmetic, aside from the Scrambler’s wire-spoke wheels versus the alloys on the Retro Street. Both use the same 649cc parallel-twin engine producing 55.6hp and share an identical kerb weight of 215kg, earning them a joint spot on this list. In our tests, we found the engine and chassis to be quite enjoyable, though the overall fit and finish left room for improvement.
A recent price cut of around Rs 2 lakh has made the Seiemmezzo a far more compelling proposition than when it first launched.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 (45.4hp/171kg) – 265.49hp/tonne
Kawasaki Ninja 500 prices start at Rs 5.29 lakh
The Ninja 500 replaced the Ninja 400 in Kawasaki’s line-up and shares its 451cc parallel-twin engine with the Eliminator, but in a sportier state of tune. It produces 45.4hp at 9,000rpm and 42.6Nm at 6,000rpm. At 5kg lighter than the Eliminator, the Ninja’s reduced weight gives it a noticeable boost in power-to-weight ratio, making it the more performance-focused machine of the two.
Also see:
Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs rivals: specifications compared
Aprilia RS 457 (47.6hp/175kg) – 272hp/tonne
Aprilia RS 457 prices start at Rs 4.24 lakh
The Aprilia RS 457’s street-naked sibling, the Tuono 457, topped our previous power-to-weight list, and now it’s the supersport’s turn. Powered by a 457cc parallel-twin engine producing 47.6hp at 9,400rpm and 43.5Nm at 6,700rpm, the RS 457 is right on par with the others here on paper. However, having ridden it extensively both on track and in the city, we’ve found its engine to offer a sweet blend of high-revving performance and everyday tractability.
