Power figures alone don’t tell the whole story. For riders who know what true performance feels like, it’s all about the power-to-weight ratio. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 bikes under Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) that offer the best bang for your buck, ranked by their power-to-weight ratio. All figures are calculated using the bikes’ kerb weight.
10. Bajaj Pulsar RS200 (146.7hp/tonne)
Power/Weight: 24.5hp / 167kg The RS200 strikes a great balance between a sporty ride and everyday comfort. Its full fairing and perimeter frame give it a stable, enjoyable ride without being overly harsh. Despite being 9kg heavier than its naked counterpart, the NS200, its liquid-cooled, 24.5hp engine still puts it in the top 10.
9. Bajaj Pulsar N250 (149.3hp/tonne)
Power/Weight: 24.5hp / 164kg Launched early last year, this 250cc naked from Bajaj is a compelling choice. Tipping the scales at 164kg with a 24.5hp engine, the N250 has a great power-to-weight ratio, making it easy to handle in city traffic. Priced at just ₹1.51 lakh, it’s a feature-packed machine that’s hard to beat in its segment.
8. Bajaj Dominar 250 (150hp/tonne)
Power/Weight: 27hp / 180kg You might be surprised to see the Dominar 250 on this list due to its 180kg kerb weight, but its powerful 27hp, KTM-derived 250cc engine pushes it to a solid 150hp/tonne. Despite being a scaled-down version of the Dominar 400, it’s been re-engineered with a different cylinder head and compression ratio, giving it a powerful edge.
7. Hero Karizma XMR (155.9hp/tonne)
Power/Weight: 25.5hp / 163.5kg The Karizma XMR was the first Hero bike with a liquid-cooled DOHC motor and a steel trellis frame. Its 210cc engine produces 25.5hp, and at 163.5kg, it’s roughly on par with the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 in terms of weight, earning it a spot on our list.
6. Bajaj Pulsar NS200 (157hp/tonne)
Power/Weight: 24.5hp / 156kg The naked NS200 has a significant advantage over the RS200. Shedding 10kg brings its weight down to 156kg, giving it a much better power-to-weight ratio of 157hp/tonne. Using the same 24.5hp engine as the RS200, the NS200 is known for its quick acceleration, having clocked a 0-100kph time of 10.98 seconds in a recent comparison.
5. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 (164.5hp/tonne)
Power/Weight: 26.5hp / 161kg The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is an all-around solid machine with a powerful 26.5hp, 249cc oil-cooled engine. It’s surprisingly lightweight at 161kg for a fully-faired quarter-litre bike, which helps it achieve an impressive power-to-weight ratio.
4. Suzuki Gixxer 250 (169.8hp/tonne)
Power/Weight: 26.5hp / 156kg Just like with the Pulsar twins, the naked Gixxer 250 gains a significant advantage by dropping the fairing. With the same 26.5hp engine as its SF counterpart but a lighter 156kg body, the Gixxer 250 delivers a much higher power-to-weight ratio, earning it the fourth spot.
3. Triumph Speed T4 (172.2hp/tonne)
Power/Weight: 31hp / 180kg The most affordable Triumph makes a surprising entry to the list thanks to a recent price cut. While its 399cc engine is based on the Speed 400’s, it has been re-tuned with a smaller throttle body and revised camshafts to produce 31hp. The increased crank inertia makes it exceptionally enjoyable for city riding, requiring fewer gear shifts and providing excellent mid-range grunt.
2. Hero Xtreme 250R (178.8hp/tonne)
Power/Weight: 30.6hp / 175kg Hero’s entry into the quarter-litre naked segment is a powerful one. The Xtreme 250R is powered by a new 250cc, liquid-cooled engine that produces 30.6hp. Based on the 210cc mill from the Karizma XMR, the Xtreme 250R is a high-performance machine, with Hero claiming a 0-60kph time of just 3.25 seconds.
1. Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z (247.1hp/tonne)
Power/Weight: 43hp / 174kg The Pulsar has topped this list for a while, and its recent update has only cemented its lead. The NS400Z now breathes new life into the KTM-derived 373cc engine, which delivers a class-leading 43hp—3hp more than before. With its powerful engine and relatively light 174kg body, the Pulsar NS400Z enjoys a comfortable lead over the competition. At an ex-showroom price of ₹1.92 lakh, it’s also India’s most affordable 400cc motorcycle.
Also read :Â Suzuki Gixxer 250 bikes are being recalled for a rear brake issue
