Enthusiasts know that it’s the power-to-weight ratio that tells a more detailed story when it comes to performance. That’s why we’ve decided to list out the top 10 bikes with the highest power-to-weight ratios and priced below the Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) mark. All figures have been calculated using kerb weights.
10. Apache RTR 200 4V
The Apache RTR 200 4V has a power to weight ratio of 137.7hp/tonne
The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V rounds out our top 10 with its proven 197.75cc, oil-cooled engine making 20.8hp at 9,000rpm and 17.25Nm at 7,250rpm. At 151kg, it's reasonably light for its class, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 137.7hp/tonne. The bike offers three riding modes – Rain, Urban and Sport – with Sport mode unlocking the full potential of the engine. Recent updates have added a new 37mm USD fork and hydroformed handlebar.
9. Hero Xpulse 210
The Hero Xpulse 210 has a power-to-weight ratio of 144.7hp/tonne
The Xpulse 210 uses the same engine as the Karizma XMR 210, which narrowly misses out on this list after its recent price hike pushed it above Rs 2 lakh. On the Xpulse, this motor produces 24.6hp and 20.7Nm. While it isn’t the lightest machine here, tipping the scales at 170kg, it still manages a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 144.7hp/tonne. True to its adventure DNA, the Xpulse continues to offer long-travel suspension, dual-purpose tyres, and a commanding riding position, making it one of the most versatile bikes on this list.
8. Bajaj Pulsar RS200
The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 has a power-to-weight ratio of 146.7hp/tonne
The RS 200 manages to balance its identity very well – the riding position is sporty, but far from extreme, and the handling is stable and enjoyable, but without being punishing over poor roads. With its full fairing and perimeter frame, the Pulsar NS weighs in at 167kg. While that makes the RS200 9kg heavier than its naked counterpart, the NS200, it’s still among the top 10 with a power-to-weight ratio of 146.7hp/tonne. It achieves this thanks to its four-valve, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that makes 24.5hp at 9,750rpm and 18.7Nm at 8,000rpm.
7. Bajaj Pulsar N250
The Bajaj Pulsar N250 has a power-to-weight ratio of 149.30hp/tonne
Launched early last year, this 250cc naked from Bajaj produces 24hp and 21.5Nm and tips the scale at 164kg. The Pulsar 250's power-to-weight ratio gives it a good balance, making it suitable for navigating crowded streets. At an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.51 lakh, the Pulsar N250 is not only a striking machine but also packed with features, making it a compelling choice in its segment. We had the Pulsar N250 for a long-term review, and when it was time to return it, the team wasn’t too happy to see it go.
6. Bajaj Dominar 250
The Bajaj Dominar 250 has a power-to-weight ratio of 150hp/tonne
A motorcycle you wouldn’t think would make it to this list is the Bajaj Dominar 250. That’s because it is essentially a less powerful version of the hefty Dominar 400. Despite its 180kg kerb weight, the Dominar 250 manages to make 150hp/tonne, thanks to its powerful 250cc engine. This engine is based on the KTM 250’s, but with big changes that includes a different cylinder head and compression ratio. The Dominar 250’s engine makes 27hp at 8,500rpm and 23.5Nm at 6,500rpm.
5. Bajaj Pulsar NS200
The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 has a power-to-weight ratio of 157hp/tonne
The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is a motorcycle you may have seen coming. Being 10kg lighter than the RS200, at 156kg, gives it a big advantage when it comes to its power-to-weight ratio. It makes 157hp/tonne, thanks to the same four-valve, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that makes 24.5hp at 9,750rpm and 18.7Nm at 8,000rpm. We recently compared the NS200 to its rivals and it turned out to be the fastest accelerating motorcycle in its class, with a 0-100kph time of 10.98sec.
4. Suzuki Gixxer 250
The Suzuki Gixxer 250 has a power-to-weight ratio of 164.5hp/tonne
Coming in at number four is the Gixxer SF 250’s naked counterpart. As we witnessed with the RS200 and NS200 shedding some bodywork does go a long way. Powering it is the exact same engine as the SF 250 and it makes identical power and torque numbers, but its 156kg weight figure gives it a higher power-to-weight ratio of 169.8hp/tonne.
3. Triumph Speed T4
The Triumph Speed T4 has a power-to-weight ratio of 172.22hp/tonne
The most affordable proposition out of a Triumph showroom makes it to our list. It features a 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine as the Speed 400 but produces lower peak power and torque. It is rated at 31hp and 36Nm of torque. This reduction in power is due to the internal rework which the brand has done. Key changes include a smaller throttle body, revised camshafts, a redesigned airbox, and a 31 percent increase in crank inertia. This motorcycle just about made the cut due to the recent price slash that brought its ex-showroom cost down to Rs 1.99 lakh.
In our experience, we have found that the Speed T4’s riding experience is much more enjoyable in the city than the Speed 400. Due to its heavier crankshaft, it requires fewer gearshifts and its mid-range grunt further accentuates that quality.
2. Hero Xtreme 250R
The Hero Xtreme 250R has a power-to-weight ratio of 178.8hp/tonne
The Xtreme 250R is Hero's latest addition and marks the brand's entry into the quarter-litre naked segment. The Xtreme 250R is powered by a new 250cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, making 30hp and 25Nm. The 250cc unit is derived from the existing 210cc mill first seen in the Karizma XMR. Hero claims the Xtreme 250R can achieve a 0-60kph sprint in 3.25 seconds.
1. Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z has a power-to-weight ratio of 247.1hp/tonne
The Pulsar topped this list when we first compiled it last year, and a recent update that added more power has only widened its lead. With a larger engine that produces noticeably more output than any other bike here, it enjoys a comfortable edge over the second-best motorcycle. The Pulsar NS400Z breathes new life into the KTM-derived LC4 373cc motor, which now delivers 43hp at 9,500rpm – 3hp more than before, and achieved 500rpm higher in the rev range. Peak torque remains unchanged at 35Nm, though it too now arrives 500rpm later. At Rs 1.92 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the NS400Z also holds the distinction of being India’s most affordable 400cc motorcycle.
Azaman Chothia
