Motorcycles in the mid-size segment spanning the 200-400 cc segment are seeing a lot of interest and consumer attention in India. Royal Enfield sells an average of 60,000 bikes a month with the company's bestselling Royal Enfield Classic 350 leading sales volumes for the company, and is one of the highest selling bikes in this segment. With the festive season already underway, more and more consumers are looking at motorcycles which provide more than just a daily commuter, with a dose of extra performance. Today, there are quite a few motorcycles on offer in this space, from the increasingly popular Royal Enfield Classic 350, the Bajaj Dominar and even the Yamaha FZ25.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 in Redditch Blue shade
Without a doubt, this is the highest-selling motorcycle model in this price bracket. The Indian motorcycle buyer has an unbeatable attraction towards the Royal Enfield brand, and more so, towards the 1960s retro design that has been carried over from the 1950s since Royal Enfield first started manufacturing in India. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is contemporary in a way, with retro design. It's powered by a single-cylinder, 346 cc air-cooled twinspark engine which makes 19.8 bhp of power at 5250 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The Classic 350 recently got several new colour options, the most recent being the new Gunmetal Grey shade introduced just ahead of the festive season. Priced at Rs. 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Royal Enfield Classic 350 still demands a waiting period of over a month. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 in the new Gunmetal Grey shade costs Rs. 1.43 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
The Bajaj Dominar 400 is a very good value-for-money motorcycle loaded with features
The Bajaj Dominar was launched late last year and attempts to offer a whole lot of attributes. Beefy looks, features like full-LED headlight, ABS, decent performance with an engine sourced from the KTM 390 Duke, able commuter and a capable long distance tourer as well. The Dominar's 373 cc single-cylinder engine makes over 34 bhp of power, and 35 Nm of torque and it comes with a slipper clutch as well. With decent performance for the rider looking to upgrade to a larger displacement motorcycle from a commuter bike, the Bajaj Dominar offers a value for money product. Priced at Rs. 1.41 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Bajaj Dominar competes squarely with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, but claims contemporary styling and better performance.
Also Read: Bajaj Dominar First Ride Review
The KTM 250 Duke offers a very good price-to-performance motorcycle
The KTM 250 Duke sits right between the entry-level 200 Duke and its larger sibling the KTM 390 Duke. With similar styling and design, the 250 Duke offers edgy and aggressive looks, and enough performance to give it an edge over its quarter-litre competitors. The 248.8 cc single-cylinder engine is derived from the 390 Duke, and on the 250, it makes 29.6 bhp of power at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. Positioned as a street bike, the 250 Duke offers an agile handling package with best-in-class performance. Priced at Rs. 1.75 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the KTM 250 Duke is on the higher side of this range of bikes, but offers a very good price-to-performance package.
Also Read: KTM 250 Duke First Ride Review
The Yamaha FZ25 pulls from low speeds in higher gears
The Yamaha FZ25 is a well-rounded 250 cc motorcycle. With the overall styling inspired by its popular 150 cc FZ-S naked street motorcycle, the Yamaha FZ25 is a well-proportioned, good-looking motorcycle. The only gripe, some would say, is that it looks too similar to its smaller sibling. The FZ25 is powered by an air-cooled 249 cc, four-stroke engine which makes 20 bhp of power and 20 Nm of peak torque. A smooth and refined engine, with a precise five-speed transmission, as well as very predictable road manners make the FZ25 a balanced, well-rounded product. And it's got enough power for occasional highway duties as well. The only downside is that the FZ25 isn't offered even with optional ABS. The brakes though offer decent bike and feedback. As a do-it-all motorcycle, the Yamaha FZ25 offers a very good, well-rounded package offering superb city manners and decent performance at Rs. 1.19 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Also Read: TVS Apache 200 4V Vs Yamaha FZ25 Comparison Review
TVS Apache 200 Offers the Option of Pirellis or TVS Tyres
The TVS Apache RTR 2004V is the last bike on this list. But that doesn't mean it's lacking in any way. Sharp, edgy looks, a torquey and smooth engine give the Apache 200 superb road manners. And to top it, it handles with point-and-shoot precision, offering great handling and responds intuitively to quick direction changes . The Apache RTR 200 4V is powered by a single-cylinder oil-cooled engine which makes 19.7 bhp of power and 18.1 Nm of peak torque. With superior Pirelli tyres offered as an option and even optional ABS, the Apache RTR 200 is one of the best equipped bikes in this range offering fantastic everyday usability. With prices starting at Rs. 97,915 (ex-showroom Delhi), the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is also the least expensive motorcycle in this list, making it the most value for money product.
