Kawasaki bikes in India (33)

TVS has been giving the Apache RR 310 an update almost every year since it came out, improving small areas like refinement, features and adding more colours too. Today's Apache RR 310 is a feature-loaded machine which has significantly improved NVH levels, although it's still a single-cylinder machine. So, you will have to deal with some vibrations in certain bands of the rev range. 

Since you seem to prefer a twin-cylinder sportbike experience over a single and have the budget to go for it, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is a bike we'd recommend you seriously consider. It has reasonably comfortable ergonomics and decently compliant suspension for daily usage. Its 451cc, twin-cylinder engine has a healthy spread of mid-range grunt, and it will also be fun to chase the redline, given some open tarmac. 

Yes, Kawasaki bikes are expensive to maintain, but that's something you will have to make peace with if you want a twin-cylinder sportbike today. You can also rest easy about E20 compatibility because all new bikes and scooters sold in India are compatible with our fuel. 

If you don't think the Ninja 500 justifies its high price tag, then move up to the little more expensive but quite a bit more capable Ninja 650. It is one of the few big bikes on sale in India that can genuinely be used on a day-to-day basis. As long as you're mindful of the low ground clearance and expensive rims.  

Coming to the TVS/BMW 450cc sportbike, an official launch is unlikely to happen anytime soon, considering we have only just spotted a heavily camouflaged test mule for the first time. 

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Within your budget, you will get very old examples of the Kawasaki Ninja 300, which will likely not be in good shape after all these years. We'd recommend you go for a new bike for the peace of mind that comes with it and the warranty coverage that comes with it. 

Since you have mentioned you want something sporty, we'd recommend the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. Both have energetic engines, good handling and will also be comfortable for day-to-day use with their upright ergonomics. 

Both are also reasonably comfortable bikes to carry pillion with, although larger people will be pressed for space. 

A test ride of these two should help you decide which is best for you. 

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a thoroughly dated machine in all respects, but it has some unique strengths in today's market. If you like the baby Ninja, then it still makes sense to go for it, although we'd recommend paying full price and going for the latest model. Because the older ones won't be E20 compatible. Real-world fuel economy is subjective and depends on a multitude of factors. So we can't tell you what you should expect; for reference, you may check out our fuel efficiency numbers from when we road tested the Ninja 300. 

Coming to the TVS Apache RR 310, this is a more modern and feature-rich machine and will also be cheaper to buy and maintain in the long run. However, purchasing it without taking a test ride is an avoidable risk, and we'd recommend you try to get a test ride from TVS once more before you make a decision. 

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.