Best Bikes Under 2 Lakh In India 2019

New Bikes Under 2 Lakh: The Rs. 2 lakh bracket is a good budget to have, especially if you are looking to upgrade from a beginner's bike or even to have a more powerful, more involving ride. Whether you're looking for pure performance, practicality or a bike that doubles up as a daily ride and take on touring duties, there are several bikes which offer different levels of performance and personality. Here's a list of motorcycles which meet these requirements.

Best Bikes Under Rs. 2 Lakh

1. KTM Duke 200

(New Bikes Under 2 Lakh: KTM 200 Duke)

The KTM 200 Duke is Rs. 1.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it comes with a newly introduced anti-lock brakes sourced from Bosch. The non-ABS variant of the KTM 200 Duke will also continue to be available for now, priced at Rs. 1.51 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The KTM 200 Duke continues to come with the same 199.5 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which is now BS-IV compliant. There is no change in power output and the motor continues to make 24.6 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 19.2 Nm of torque at 8000 rpm, while mated to a 6-speed gearbox. When KTM introduced the 2017 model year, the bike was 5 kg heavier.

2. Royal Enfield Classic 350

(Best Bike Under Rs. 2 Lakh: Royal Enfield Classic 350)

This list begins with the most popular and highest selling Royal Enfield motorcycle – the Royal Enfield Classic 350. With classic ‘60s styling, yet with some added chrome and design elements which differentiate it from the other 350cc Royal Enfield bikes, the RE Classic 350 gets redesigned fenders, new taillight section, optional upswept exhaust and a split seat with a sprung rider's seat. Powered by a 346cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled engine, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 offers a bike for city use as well as the occasional long distance ride. With 19.8bhp on tap and 28Nm of torque available, the RE Classic 350 isn't exactly the performance bike, but retro looks, decent fuel economy and great ride quality make it a popular choice.

3. KTM RC 200

(Best Bike Under Rs. 2 Lakh: KTM RC 200)

The KTM RC 200 offers a full-faired supersport at a budget. Powered by the 200cc single-cylinder engine of the 200 Duke, the RC 200 offers superb handling and the engine loves being revved and needs to be kept at high rpms to extract maximum performance. The short ratio six-speed transmission means you can quickly shift through the gears while riding in traffic and settle into an easy and comfortable pace in top gear. To get some juice from the free-revving engine, you may need to downshift a few gears and rev the engine, but it rewards you with an entertaining performance. Great for city riding, and as a beginner's track machine, the RC 200 offers a great package that is difficult to resist, although the aggressive riding position may not be very comfortable for extended use.

4. Honda CBR250R

(Best Bike Under Rs. 2 Lakh: Honda CBR250R)

The Honda CBR250R is one of the most affordable 250cc motorcycles on sale and continues to remain a favourite with its friendly ergonomics and comfortable riding position. A fully faired bike, the CBR250R is perfect for the daily commute or even for touring. In fact, the Honda CBR250R has become one of the most favourite touring bikes in India. Powered by a 250cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine which makes 26bhp and 22.9Nm of torque, the CBR250R doesn't really have crackling performance, but it's got enough power for the experienced rider and new riders will not find the bike very intimidating either. Power delivery is seamless and both ABS and non-ABS variants are available on sale.

5. Bajaj Pulsar RS 200

(Best Bike Under Rs. 2 Lakh: Bajaj Pulsar RS 200)

The Bajaj RS 200 offers an affordable performance bike with a strong top end; the engine begs to be revved and the Pulsar RS 200 offers a level of performance that is immediately likeable. Based on the KTM 200 Duke's engine, the RS 200 makes 24.4bhp at 9,750rpm and 18.6Nm at 8,000rpm. For spirited riding, and high speed cruising, the Pulsar RS 200 ticks all the right boxes as an affordable performance bike. The only drawback is the design; although the RS 200 may appeal to many, overall the fairing design, projector headlamps, cuts and creases on the bodywork and even the graphics tend to go a bit overboard. That said, the RS 200 still is a very good choice in the budget performance market.

6. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350

(Best Bike Under Rs. 2 Lakh: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350)

If you're in the market for a Royal Enfield, you're into touring and you need some extra power from the engine than the 350cc Royal Enfield engine, then the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 could be the bike you need. The Thunderbird 500 has trademark cruiser styling, large 20-litre fuel tank for increased range, a comfortable seat and wide, raised handlebar for long hours in the saddle. The bike is powered by a 499cc, single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel injected engine which makes 27.2bhp power at 5250rpm and 41.3Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Ideal for riders who ride on the highway often, the Thunderbird 500's oodles of torque helps climb high mountains, even with a pillion on board and offers a decent cruising speed, higher than the 350s. At 195kg kerb weight, the bike isn't very light and doesn't exactly offer crackling performance, if that's what one is looking for.

7. Royal Enfield Himalayan

(Best Bike Under Rs. 2 Lakh: Royal Enfield Himalayan)

The third Royal Enfield on this list is the Royal Enfield Himalayan – purpose-built for adventure with design and performance to cruise highways and explore the back of beyond. Looks are subjective and to us, the Royal Enfield Himalayan isn't what could be called stylish or particularly good looking. But what it offers is ‘built for the job' looks and ‘go anywhere' personality. The new 411cc engine is less powerful than the 500cc Royal Enfield engine, making 24.4bhp power and 32Nm of torque. Long travel suspension, high ground clearance and monoshock rear suspension (the first for any Royal Enfield) gives the Himalayan tremendous versatility to take on any kind of terrain. What it lacks is actual high speed cruising ability. It does display a speedo indicated top speed of over 130km/h, but the engine feels stressed out and the vibrations start creeping in at high revs. But where the tarmac ends, the Himalayan offers the perfect bike to take on broken roads and rocky terrain.