Priced between Rs. 2 lakh to 4 lakh, these are some of the most powerful and efficient bikes in this segment. With classy designs, extraordinary performance and engines, these bikes continue to rule Indian roads. Here’s a deep insight into what each of them has to offer you in terms of looks, engine, mileage, and performance with the final verdict.
RC390 vs GT250R vs YZF-R3 vs Ninja 300
KTM RC 390 is currently the fastest motorcycle by KTM in India, with a top speed close to 179 kmph. It is a full-faired version of 390 Duke with some changes in chassis leading to improvements in riding dynamics. 2016 model of KTM RC 390 features all-time on headlamps, NOK seal, improved paint quality, vapor recovery system, improved seating, adjustable handlebar levers, new ECU mounts, fuel tank with vapor recovery system, new pillion seat assembly, front forks with plastic flaps, improved radiator fans for better cooling and increased disc brake thickness. KTM RC 390 is priced at Rs. 2,14,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).
Hyosung GT250R is a younger sibling of GT650R with a new faring and unique styling features. This entry level sports bike by Hyosung in the Indian market gives a direct competition to Kawasaki Ninja 300, Yamaha YZF-R3 and KTM RC 390. When it comes to performance and pricing, this Korean bike has taken a middle path in the quarter litre segment. Some of its most visible features include: chrome-finished exhaust, two stage projection beam, an aerodynamic body along with a digital display and fuel gauge. Hyosung GT250R is priced at Rs. 3,00,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).
Yamaha YZF-R3 has proved to be a game changer for the company. It has been a tough competition for KTM RC390 and Ninja 300. The lightweight bike with powerful performance gives you no less than a heavenly feel for riding it. Its design is inspired by the bigger Yamaha supersports motorcycles. Along with the fairing, it has got twin headlamp unit with an air intake, pilot lamp in the centre and a sharp pointed tail for the rear section. Yamaha YZF-R3 is priced at Rs. 3,26,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).
The worthy successor of Ninja 250 R, Kawasaki Ninja 300 was launched back in October 2013. The sports bike is a tough competition to Hyosung GT250R and Yamaha R3. The Ninja 300 is found to have many styling updates that differentiate it from Ninja 250R. The front cowl comes with an altogether different setup for twin headlamp. The bike also features a fuel-gauge, analog digital meter, and pass-light switch but doesn’t has the ABS even as an option. Kawasaki Ninja 300 is priced at Rs. 3,65,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).
Design and Style
KTM RC 390 has got impressive features with styled body panels, aggressive riding position, sharp fairing, handlebar with new clips and inward moved footrests to enhance the joy and comfort of the ride.
The bike features advanced designed windshield with aerodynamic front, new steel fuel tank to fit in bike’s style and design, two-part seat with superior ergonomics and a compact 3-chamber silencer. To add to its unique design, it has flaming orange frame sections, thin tail with stylish number plate holder, sporty new twin headlights, blinkers integrated with mirrors, new aluminum-forged triple clamps and new footrests.
Hyosung GT250R is a full fairing bike with sporty and aggressive looks. It features vertically aligned twin projector lamps which form the headlight of the bike along with edgy lines on the front cowl giving it a sharp look. The bike has got black color for its rear view mirrors which are mounted on the cowl and the transparent visor rests on the top of its headlight. The bike gets a bulky look due to its fatty front forks and the mudguard along with twin disc plates.
Another noticeable feature of the bike is the dual-tone color on the bike with bolts fitted on the fairing. The bike has got aerodynamic look due to its side decals and air inlets. The rear cowl with split grab rail in black along with integrated side panel are again an attractive feature of the bike. It has got a well-designed fuel tank with decal of Hyosung on it.
Yamaha YZF -R3 has been built around a lightweight diamond-type semi-trellis steel frame giving it a beautiful and tough look and also improving its handling dynamics. It features iconic sharp tail light design with a unique front design having distinct headlights with a visor which is placed perfectly. The bike also got a perfectly shaped exhaust which is a noticeable feature of the motorcycle.
The bike features a well-designed sculpted windscreen, edgy design for the fuel tank, split seats and Y-spoke wheels. The overall design is striking and that’s why it gives a tough competition to other bikes in the segment. The clip-on bars and rear-set foot pegs give the bike a sporty stance with a good riding posture.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 is the best one in terms of looks, it has an impressive design which includes front sharp twin headlights and long V-shaped pointed visor which is mounted with rear view mirrors in black. To add on to its aggressive and sporty looks the bike features a short sized edgy front fender, newly designed alloy wheels, integrated engine cowl and side fairing. It also has neatly designed air-inlets which match with the color theme of the bike.
The bike maintains its premium look with elegantly designed fuel tank with the name written on it. The split seats rests on the top of its integrated side panel and rear cowl. The LED tail light has been placed in its rear cowl and the side indicators can be found in the extended rear fender.