Kawasaki bikes in India (33)

The Kawasaki Eliminator 175cc is a very old model that was discontinued many years ago. Therefore, parts for it are unlikely to be available at authorised dealerships. Our bet would be to check with local mechanics in and around your area for this part or reach out to some big third-party garages as well. 

You could also check with some vintage bike mechanics, since these people usually have a large number of contacts that deal in rare parts for uncommon bikes. 

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 - while priced very high for what it is - is a sweet, capable and in true Japanese fashion. It is a machine that is likely to be reliable and last you for years without giving significant issues, provided you maintain it correctly. 

You could also take a look at the Yamaha R3, although most dealers we have spoken to in major metro cities have informed us that they don't have any stock, nor are they expecting a new shipment anytime soon. 

Its best to speak to your nearest authorised Yamaha dealer and see what the situation in your area is like. The R3 is a rather simple machine with no frilly features. But it packs a potent engine and chassis, and it has also cemented its reputation for reliability in our market. 

The Kawasaki Z650 and Ninja 650 are the only reliable big bike options below the 10 lakh rupee mark from a reputed make. Also, you'll have to considerably extend your budget for anything else. Should you be able to do so, bikes like the Suzuki GSX-8R and Honda CB750 Hornet will be the next stepping stones. 

Try to take a test ride of these machines to see which one suits you best before you make a decision. 

Unfortunately, within your budget, you won't find a brand-new machine from a reputed Japanese or European maker on the market today. In fact, some of the most affordable big bikes in India, like the Kawasaki 650s, Triumph Trident 660 and the Honda CB750 Hornet, all start above the Rs 7 lakh (ex-showroom) mark, with GST 2.0 partly contributing to this.

If you are open to the idea of a used machine, you will find Kawasaki Z650 / Ninja 650 and perhaps even a Honda CBR650F in your budget. Do bear in mind that you need to be cautious and do a thorough background check on these machines. Because a replacement mechanical part will cost you a pretty penny. And these older bikes also won't be E20 petrol compatible, so that's another factor to consider. 

The KTM 390 Adventure X will make for a good upgrade over your current Royal Enfield Scram 411. What you've mentioned about the KTM's electronic niggles can occur. However, these issues are sometimes sporadic and can also boil down to how you clean/maintain your bike. By and large, you should be okay with the KTM in the long run. 

You should also seriously consider the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 because it has a proven track record, by and large. Also, it has far fewer electronic aids than the KTM, which will also mean fewer things to go wrong. 

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a stone-simple machine with only dual-channel ABS in the name of electronics, and it will be by far the most reliable machine in the long run. However, this bike thoroughly feels its age when ridden against the competition, and it only comes with wire-spoke wheels and tubed tyres, which will make fixing a puncture quite difficult. 

The TVS Apache RTX 300 is a phenomenal package, but it is still too new a platform, and you'll have to wait and watch what owners say about its reliability. 

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is a great sportsbike at a very steep price, just like its predecessor, the Ninja 400. If you can stretch for the Ninja, it is a capable, refined, comfortable and reliable machine which will serve you well. Do bear in mind that Kawasaki spares and service have a reputation for being on the pricey side and that the company's dealer network is quite small across the country. 

The Aprilia RS 457 is a truly great sportsbike, but because of its focused nature, it won't be the best fit on broken city roads. Another aspect to consider is that the 457cc engine has been reported to have multiple reliability issues that keep recurring. So, we would recommend you not go with the RS.

The Honda CBR500R is not sold in India, so it shouldn't factor into your decision. 

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a machine that thoroughly feels its age today, but remains a unique offering in the class with its twin-cylinder engine. The single-cylinder TVS Apache RR 310 will feel quite dull to ride in comparison to these twin-cylinder machines. But it is also much more affordable and easier to maintain. 

Take a test ride to decide which bike is better for you. 

Since you mentioned you want a bike that can reach triple-digit speeds without feeling too strained, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a good option to consider. It is a proven, reliable package that is decently comfortable, easy to maintain, and has pleasing retro looks. Do bear in mind that at 218kg, it is much heavier than your current Speed 400. 

If you can stretch for it, another option to consider is the Honda NX500. With its liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine, the NX will be a calm but capable companion on the highway. For a similiar riding experience, you can even consider the Kawasaki Versys 650, which will be the most powerful bike among our recommendations. 

Do bear in mind that its price will nudge or surpass the Rs 10 lakh mark on-road, depending on where you reside.

If you prefer the look and riding experience of a sportbike, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is a great option - although it is very pricey - that will also handle triple-digit speeds with relative ease. 

A test ride should help you decide which bike is best for you. 

The Keeway V302C is a unique offering with its V-twin engine and mean, bobber looks, and it is also a rare sight on our roads, which might persuade you to get one. However, in our experience, there are a lot of areas where this bike needs work. Its rear suspension has very little travel, leading to a jarring ride over less-than-perfect roads. 

Its fit and finish, as well as overall build quality, cannot justify its Rs 4.15 lakh (ex-showroom) price tag, and Keeway has a minuscule dealer network across India. Also, the V302C isn't a machine that has cemented its reputation for reliability like other, more mainstream rivals. All this being said, we recommend you steer clear of the Keeway V302C and, for that matter, other Chinese-origin bikes on sale in India. 

Sadly, the cruiser space in the middleweight displacement segment has seen very few entrants and aside from the Super Meteor, you are limited to the Kawasaki Eliminator 500 (Rs 6.16 lakh) and Vulcan S (Rs 8.13 lakh), the only two offerings from a reputed make under the Rs 10 lakh mark. Other options will require you to significantly increase your budget.