Naveen Soni 
It has been an action-packed year. From a light entry-level sports tourer like the Hero Karizma XMR to a performance-packed power cruiser like the Ducati Diavel V4, the year 2023 witnessed them all. The new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 was probably the most anticipated motorcycle launch of the year and if you can stretch your budget a bit, you should definitely check out this option. However, here we are talking about the top 6 interesting motorcycles that were launched in India in 2023 and are priced under INR 2.5 lakh.
2024 Honda CB350
Honda launched the 2023 model year H’ness CB350 and CB350RS in India with a starting price tag of Rs 2.10 lakh (ex-showroom). Although there aren’t many significant updates to the retro cruiser motorcycles, the quality and experience that the H’ness offers are impressive.
It still uses the same 348.3cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine, but now it complies with OBD-2 emission norms and can generate 21PS and 30Nm of peak torque. The H’ness now features a split seat set-up, and both the motorcycles are also equipped with an emergency stop signal system that flashes turn signals after detecting sudden braking. Honda is also offering a host of customisation options for these motorcycles, so you can make it your own!
2024 KTM 250 Duke
KTM also launched the updated 250 Duke in India with OBD 2 updates, now available for INR 2.38 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). While it still lacks the TFT instrument cluster and Bluetooth connectivity, the bike offers a sporty ride experience with WP USD forks and a rear mono-shock, along with dual-channel ABS that includes a supermoto mode.
The 248.8cc liquid-cooled motor produces 31.27PS at 9,000rpm and a peak torque of 24Nm at 7,500rpm and is connected to a six-speed gearbox with a standard slipper clutch.
TVS Apache RTR 310
The TVS Apache RTR 310 is a well-engineered, fun, and tech-loaded motorcycle that makes a statement. It features a radical streetfighter design with a host of first-in-class features like speed-sensitive headlights, a heating and cooling seat, and more. The bike’s technology is also impressive, featuring a five-inch TFT with GoPro controls, music and telephony control, smart helmet device connectivity, and turn-by-turn navigation. Additionally, the Apache RTR 310 comes with five different ride modes – Urban, Rain, Sport, Track, and Supermoto.
TVS has fitted the Apache RTR 310 with a 312.2cc, liquid-cooled motor that develops 35.6PS at 9,700rpm and 28.7Nm at 6,650rpm. The bike feels quick off the line, with TVS claiming a 0–60 kmph acceleration in under three seconds. At a starting price of INR 2.43 lakh (ex-showroom), the Apache RTR 310 is competitively priced. However, if you want all the bells and whistles, including the most advanced features, the sticker price could cross the INR 3 lakh mark, making it an uncomfortable space for buyers.
Harley-Davidson X440
We witnessed the fruition of Harley-Davidson’s association with India’s Hero MotoCorp — the X440. The most affordable Harley-Davidson launched in India with prices starting at INR 2.29 lakh for the base Denim variant and going up to INR 2.69 lakh for the top-spec S variant. More surprising, perhaps, is tech equipment that includes a TFT dash—albeit a small 3.5-inch one—that includes phone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation as well as control over music, calls, and messages. On top of that, there are front USD forks, LED lighting all around, disc brakes front and rear with dual-channel ABS as standard.
The beating heart of the X440 is an air/oil-cooled, 440cc, single-cylinder engine that’s rated for 27.37PS at 6,000rpm and 38Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Nestling this engine is a steel trellis frame and the setup makes it a great option for both commuting and cruising.
2024 Honda CB300R
The Honda CB300R is another bike that joined the bandwagon to comply with the latest BS6.2/OBD-2 emissions standards. The liquid-cooled, 286cc, single-cylinder engine in the CB300R is still good for the same 31.14PS and 27.5Nm of torque.
The interesting part is engine retains its earlier power figures despite the stricter emission norms, and also manages to carry over its lithe 146kg kerb weight. But the most exciting fact about the 2024 Honda CB300R is its revised price tag of INR 2.40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It offered a massive INR 37,000 price cut as an edge over its competitors, such as the BMW G 310 R and KTM 390 Duke.
Triumph Speed 400
Like Harley-Davidson, Triumph also launched its most affordable motorcycle this year – the Speed 400 – followed by just slightly more expensive Scrambler 400X. The neo-retro roadster Speed 400 has taken inspiration from the bigger Speed Twin in the bikemaker’s Bonneville lineup. Its fit and finish also look quite premium, despite its relatively affordable price tag. The Speed 400 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 398cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 40PS at 8,000rpm and 37.5Nm at 6,500rpm. While the output figures are similar to those of the KTM 390s, the redline comes earlier in the rev band. The bike has almost everything you would expect, from full LED lighting to a slipper clutch, ride-by-wire throttle, dual-channel ABS, and switchable traction control. It even has heated grips, which is a rare feature in this category and quite useful for long winter rides.
The front USD forks and rear mono-shock provide a balanced ride experience. But what’s most impressive is that the Triumph Speed 400 has a starting price of INR 2.33 lakh (ex-showroom), which comfortably undercuts its chief rivals like the KTM 390 Duke, BMW G 310 R, and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
