Most powerful bikes under Rs 5 lakh

We recently brought you a list of the most powerful bikes under Rs 2.5 lakh, but this list doubles that budget. All entrants on this list make over 40hp, but none of them breach 47.6hp as they need to comply with the European A2 licence requirements, which caps power at 35kW (47.6hp) – and the bikes sold in India are European-spec ones.

5. Yamaha MT-03, R3

42hp

In this company, Yamaha’s likable 321cc twin-cylinder twins (sorry, not sorry) have the misfortune of being the most expensive and the least powerful machines. What the R3 and MT-03 have, though, are a screamer parallel-twin motor, which is hard to find at this price point. The Yamaha MT-03 will cost you Rs 4.60 lakh, and the fully-faired R3 commands Rs 4.65 lakh (both prices ex-showroom, India).

Also See: Yamaha R3 review: Capable, simple & sweet

4. KTM RC 390, 390 Adventure

43.5hp

The KTM RC 390 is the most powerful single-cylinder sportbike in the country currently, even though it is using the previous-gen 373cc motor making 43.5hp. With an asking price of Rs 3.20 lakh, it is one of the more affordable options on this list.

The 390 Adventure is another bike making the same peak output numbers as the RC, but has a more comfortable riding position and different intent. Depending on the variant you choose, expect to shell out between Rs 2.83 lakh-3.63 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Also See: KTM 390 Adventure-X review: X marks the spot?

3. Gen 3 KTM 390 Duke

46hp

The first of the small-capacity KTMs to debut the all-new 399cc motor is the Gen 3 390 Duke. While a lot has changed on the Gen 3, its riotous nature continues. It also has the advantage of being priced below most of its brethren at Rs 3.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Also See: 2024 KTM 390 Duke review: still the benchmark

2. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Benelli Leoncino 500

47.5hp

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Benelli Leoncino are both rated for an identical 47.5hp, so these are tied for second place. The Interceptor is a more old-school in both look and feel, has a simple air/oil-cooled motor (which, at 52.3Nm, makes the most torque here), and runs on wire-spoke rims in certain colours. The modern Leoncino 500 is packing in a liquid-cooled powerplant, has all-LED lighting and runs on 17-inch alloys shod with premium Pirelli rubber.

That should (briefly, at least) explain why the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 costs between Rs 3.03 lakh-3.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai) and is the most affordable bike on this list. The Benelli Leoncino 500, meanwhile, commands a much higher Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India), after its recent price cut.

Also See: 2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 review: Retros refreshed

1. Aprilia RS 457

47.6hp

The Aprilia RS 457 is the most powerful bike under Rs 5 lakh, although by the tiniest of margins – it is 0.1hp up on the Benelli and Royal Enfield. It is also the only one in its segment to have a 270-degree firing order (in India, at least). Other noteworthy features this little Indo-Italian sportbike has are an aluminium twin spar frame and styling that bears an uncanny resemblance to the bigger Aprilia RS models.

Also See: Aprilia RS 457 vs Yamaha R3 comparison

Some honourable mentions that couldn’t quite make the cut due to their price, but are sorted bikes in their own right are the Kawasaki Ninja 500 (Rs 5.24 lakh), Kawasaki Eliminator 500 (Rs 5.62 lakh) and the Honda NX500 (Rs 5.90 lakh). 

While it doesn't quite make the cut due to its 40.2hp peak power output, the Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 Recon must deserve special mention here due to the staggering 100Nm of torque its motor develops. For reference, that's more than a Kawasaki Z900.