Here are our favourite bikes in the sub-500cc motorcycle segment
In the Indian motorcycle segment, the 300cc-500cc motorcycle segment is the hottest with many promising and capable bikes being launched one after another, setting the bar even higher in terms of performance, features as well as the value-for-money factor.
We have compiled a list of the most desirable bikes in the 300-500cc segment, which we would personally like to add to our garage:
1. 2025 KTM 390 Adventure
The hottest and most awaited launch of 2025, the new KTM 390 Adventure tops our list. At Rs 3,67,699 (ex-showroom), the 2025 390 Adventure is just Rs 3,557 more expensive as compared to the previous generation 390 Adventure, the new ADV offers better performance, features, underpinning and capabilities, which makes it one of the best ADVs in the sub-500cc segment.
The new 390 Adventure is powered by a more powerful 398cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 46PS at 8,500rpm and 39Nm at 6,500rpm. It is paired to a six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter. The bike also gets a new 5-inch TFT instrument console with smartphone connectivity. It also gets turn-by-turn navigation, cruise control, cornering ABS, switchable ABS modes, traction control, and three ride modes (Rain, Road and Off-road).
We are riding the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure this weekend and the review will be out soon, answering all your queries. STAY TUNED!
2. Aprilia RS 457
The Aprilia RS 457 would be our pick as the most desirable sportbike in the sub-500cc segment. Priced at Rs 4,20,000 (ex-showroom), the RS 457 is one of the best-looking and most value-for-money bikes in the segment. It gets a 457cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 46.7PS at 9,400rpm and 43.5Nm at 6,700rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter.
The RS 457 comes feature-loaded with a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster. Aprilia also offers smartphone connectivity features as optional add-on. Rider aids on the bike include a ride-by-wire throttle, 3 riding modes and 3 levels of traction control. The traction control can also be turned off completely.
3. KTM 390 Duke
The KTM 390 Duke is one of the most fun-to-ride and the most powerful single-cylinder naked bikes in the 300cc-500cc segment. It was already value-for-money before, but the latest price reduction of Rs 18,000 by KTM brings down its price to Rs 2,95,136 (ex-showroom). The 390 Duke is enjoyable to ride around the city, can be used for touring, can be taken to the racetrack and it can even handle a bit of off-road as well, which makes it one of the most versatile bikes in the segment.
The 390 Duke is powered by a 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that delivers 46PS and 39Nm. It is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox with slip-and-assist clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter. The bike gets the same 5-inch TFT display as the above-mentioned 390 Adventure, along with call and SMS alerts and turn-by-turn navigation. Rider aid features on the Duke include ride-by-wire throttle, launch control, traction control, cornering ABS, Supermoto ABS and two ride modes (Rain and Street).
4. Royal Enfield Classic 350
How can we even miss the Royal Enfield Classic 350 when talking about the most desirable bikes in the 300-500cc segment? It is one of the most popular bikes with a hardcore fanbase in India. Royal Enfield sold a total of 30,582 Classic 350s in January 2025.
The Classic 350 has a 349cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder J-series engine that produces 20.21PS at 6,000rpm and 27Nm at 4,000rpm. It comes paired with a 5-speed gearbox. It also gets a semi-digital instrument console with an analogue speedometer. The digital inset shows the odometer, trip meter and fuel gauge readouts. It also gets an optional tripper navigation pod for turn-by-turn navigation. The navigation pod is now standard on the Emerald and Stealth colour options.
5. Triumph Scrambler 400 X
The Triumph Scrambler 400 X, at Rs 2,64,496 (ex-showroom) is one of the best value-for-money 400cc bikes in the market. It is a great choice for those who want to get a bike that can do city commutes, long rides as well as off-road rides effortlessly.
The Scrambler 400 X gets a 398.15cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that generates 40PS at 8,000rpm and 37. 5Nm at 6,500rpm. It is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch. The bike gets a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer and a digital inset that shows range, gear position, speed, fuel level and other telltale lights. However, it misses out on smartphone connectivity features.
The above-mentioned bikes are our personal picks in the 300-500cc segment and we would love to know your views as well. So, which among these are your favourite bikes in the sub-500cc segment? Tell us in the comments below!
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