5 Made-in-India performance bikes spreading joy around the world

India loves motorcycles. In fact, we love them so much, that we have become the largest two-wheeler market in the world. Two-wheeler makers from around the world have shifted their manufacturing to India due to several factors. Not only is the labour cheap, but the rising economy helped several parts suppliers to open shops in the country at an accessible price tag. Here is a list of 5 motorcycles made in India that are sold over the world:

KTM Duke 390: India’s answer to performance motorcycling

Price: INR 2.7 lakh

The Austrian bike maker was a sinking ship before Bajaj brought a significant stake in the brand way back in 2007. Bajaj and KTM together managed to pull off the impossible by not only making the brand the powerhouse of Europe but the world over. In fact, the KTM Duke 390 has become a sort of a benchmark.

KTM’s small capacity street (Duke 125, Duke 200, Duke 250 and Duke 390) and track friendly (RC125, RC200, RC250, RC390) bikes are manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan facility. The KTM Duke 390 is loved because it brings performance motorcycling to the masses. Powering the KTM Duke 390 is a 373.2 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected mill. The engine produces 43.5 PS of power and 37 Nm of torque. That’s a power-to-weight ratio of 267 PS/ton!

The KTM Duke 390’s features list is equally impressive. It includes ride-by-wire, LED headlamp, upside-down separate function fork, TFT instrumentation, and Bluetooth connectivity. Besides that, the powerplant is assisted by a slipper clutch. The KTM Duke 390 was initially a motorcycle exclusively made in India. However, to beat the growing demand the world over, KTM has started assembling the bike in several locations, including China and the Philippines.

In India, the KTM Duke 390 is priced at INR 2.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Also Read: 5 KTM motorcycles we wish to see in India

Harley-Davidson Street 750: Baby Harley continues to charm the world

Price: INR 4.26 - 5.47 Lakh

Showcased first at EICMA 2013 and launched in 2014. This was after speculations first came up in US media in 2011 with the brand's India journey speculated since 2009. Now Harley outsourcing its manufacturing to India was a big deal back in 2014. In fact, an American motoring scribe went on to say, that this is the most important Harley-Davidson in living memory.

At the heart of Harley-Davidson Street 750 is powered by a 749 cc V-Twin Revolution X engine. Coupled to a 6-speed gearbox the engine produces 59 Nm of torque. Harley-Davidson Street 750 is manufactured at the company’s Haryana facility. The bike for the North American market though is made only in the US itself.

Apart from the Street 750, other Harley motorcycles made in India include Street 500 and Street Rod 750 in India. Both motorcycles are also exported to the world over after being manufactured in the country.

Harley-Davidson Street 750 is priced in India at INR 4.69 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Also Read: Harley-Davidson to shut down its manufacturing plant in India next month - Report

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: Indian take on retro café-racer love

Price: INR 2.91 -3.13 lakh

India’s answer to the world’s growing love for neo-retro motorcycling is the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. This modern take of a cultural icon pays glowing tribute to the original British café racing scene. Combining tradition with modernity, Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 bears a sculpted tank, eager attitude and a tucked-in riding position. All hallmarks of a traditional café racer. Just like the Continental GT 250 from the 60s.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is powered by a 648 cc parallel-twin, air-cooled mill assisted by an oil-cooler. Coupled to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine can produce 47.5 PS of power and 52 Nm of torque. However, this middleweight motorcycle is not at all about outright performance, but everyday usable power. In fact, 80% of maximum pulling power is available from as low as 2,500 rpm.

Besides that, the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 gets features like a slipper clutch and Pirelli branded tyres. Also, the instrumentation console is a retro-styled twin-pod unit. Also, the café racer is also available in the form of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Both these models are manufactured at the company’s Chennai based facility and sold in several international markets.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is pieced at INR 2.91 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Also read - Online bookings for BS-VI Royal Enfield 650 Twins and Himalayan begin

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: India’s answer to sports motorcycling

Price: INR 1.29 - 1.34 lakh 

One of the motorcycles made in India is the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. Made on the lines of the Draken concept in TVS’ Chennai facility, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is the shining glory of accessible performance. This Indian-made motorcycle is a hit in the South East Asian market and has an aerodynamically chiselled body.

Features include all-digital instrumentation, race-tuned KYB monoshock and a slipper clutch. Besides that, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V gets optional Pirelli tyres. The new TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is available with a new LED headlamp. The powertrain is updated to meet the upcoming BS-VI emission norms. At the heart of the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is a 197.75 cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, fuel-injected engine. Coupled to a 5-speed gearbox, the engine can produce 20.82 PS of power and 17.25 Nm of torque. The bike tips the scales at just 152 kg and is a charm to ride, be it on the road or at a race track. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is priced at INR 1.29 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Also Read: Top 5 upcoming TVS bikes and scooters in 2020-21

Yamaha FZ-S FI: Affordable Lord of the Streets

Price: INR 1.04 - 1.09 Lakh 

One of India’s most favourite 150 cc motorcycle, the Yamaha FZ-S FI is a major crowd puller in several Asian markets. In its third generation, the Yamaha FZ-S FI continues with its muscular design language and naked streetfighter looks. FZ-S FI has even won the top slot in JD Power in Initial Quality Survey 2019 (India).

The last name in the list of motorcycles made in India is Yamaha FZ-S FI. The bike is powered by a 149 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, 2-valve, SOHC mill. Mated to a 5-speed gearbox the engine produces 12.4 PS of power and 13.6 Nm of torque. Don’t let these numbers fool you though. In fact, the Yamaha FZ-S FI is a gem for everyday city-centric riding conditions. Features list includes reverse backlit instrumentation, LED headlamp and a fat 140-section rear tyre.

The Yamaha FZ-S FI is priced at INR 1.04 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).