Top 10 Sports Bikes of 2023, in India

If you are a bike enthusiast, you know the thrill of riding a sports bike on the open road. A sports bike is not just a mode of transport, it’s an emotion. You can feel the adrenaline rush as you accelerate, brake, and corner with precision and confidence.

India is a country where sports bikes are gaining popularity every year. According to the data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the sports bike segment in India witnessed a growth of 12.7% in the fiscal year 2022-23, with a total sales of 1,23,456 units. This is compared to the sales of 1,09,545 units in the previous fiscal year, which saw a decline of 8.4% due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But how do you choose the best sports bike for yourself? There are so many options available in the market, each with its own pros and cons. That’s where this article comes in handy. We have done the research for you and compiled a list of some of the best sports bikes in India, in 2023.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into it.

10. KTM Duke 390 | Rs. 2.97 lakh (ex-showroom)

The KTM Duke 390 is one of the most popular and affordable performance bikes in India. According to the latest data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), KTM sold 1,280 units of the Duke 390 in June 2023, which is a 12.28% increase from the previous month. Making the Duke 390 one of the best sports bike you can get under 3 lakh.

Key Specification:

• Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled engine.
• Engine Displacement: 373cc
• Powertrain: 42.9 bhp @ 9000 rpm | 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm
• Vital Features: Slipper Clutch & Dual-Channel ABS
• Available Colours: Metallic Silver & Ceramic White
• Top Speed: 167 kmph
• 0 to 100 kmph: 4.34 seconds

Pros:

• A fun and agile bike that is easy to ride and handle.
• Powerful and responsive engine that delivers a aggressive yet linear power delivery.
• The bike offers best in class features and technology for its price.

Cons:

• The aggressive riding position and stiff suspension may not be very comfortable for long rides.
• The bike may have some quality and reliability issues with its electrical components and switches.
• This might need a high maintenance cost due to its frequent service intervals and expensive spare parts.

9. Honda CBR650R | Rs. 7.29 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Honda CBR650R is a middleweight sportbike that was launched in India in July 2020. The bike features a sleek design, an inline-four engine with DOHC and 16 valves, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The CBR650R is priced at Rs 9.35 lakh (ex-showroom) and competes with the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Benelli TNT 600i. Honda sold 23 units of the CBR650R in June 2023, which is a 9.52% increase from the previous month. Making the CBR650R one of the best sports bike you can get under 8 lakh.

Key Specification:

• Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled engine.
• Engine Displacement: 648.72 cc
• Powertrain: 85.82 bhp @ 12000 rpm | 57.5 Nm @ 8500 rpm
• Vital Features: Wet Multiple Clutch & Dual-Channel ABS
• Available Colours: Grand Prix Red & Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic
• Top Speed: 230 kmph
• 0 to 100 kmph: 4.34 seconds

Pros:

• The bike has a top notch build quality and a refined engine, that carries the Honda bullet proof attributes.
• It has Showa Separate Function Big Piston front shockers that are adequately stiff, and a seven-step mono shock with adjustable preload at the rear, that let you tune it just the way you want it.
• The bike does not guzzle fuel and does a good 20+ km/ltr and has a 15 ltr tank capacity that gives a good 300+ km range.

Cons:

• The bike is missing an adjustable clutch lever and the levers are long for short hands.
• The bike lacks on some touring features such as the USB port on the handle, and bluetooth connectivity with map integration.
• It has a low ground clearance of 130 mm which is the same as a BMW Z4 sporty roadster and could scrape the bottom with a pillion onboard.

8. Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS | Rs. 17.95 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Triumph Speed Triple RS is a premium naked streetfighter that was unveiled in January 2021. The bike boasts of a stunning design, a powerful engine, and advanced electronic features. The Speed Triple RS is one of the most expensive bikes in its segment, and hence has a limited customer base. Triumph sold 63 units of the Speed Triple RS in June 2023, which is a 6.78 % decrease from the previous month. Still making the Speed Triple 1200 RS one of the best sports bike you can get under 18 lakh.

Key Specification:

• Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled engine.
• Engine Displacement: 1160cc
• Powertrain: 177.5 bhp @ 10750 rpm | 125 Nm @ 9000 rpm
• Vital Features: Assist And Slipper Clutch & Dual-Channel ABS
• Available Colours: Sapphire Black, Matt Silver Ice & Baja Orange
• Top Speed: 230 kmph
• 0 to 100 kmph: 3.2 seconds

Pros:

• A superbike that offers an outstanding performance and agility on the road and track.
• A refined and sophisticated bike that has a smooth and torquey engine, a precise gearbox, and a balanced chassis.
• A modern and stylish bike that has a sleek and aerodynamic design, a full-LED headlight, and a TFT instrument console.

Cons:

• The bike require a high level of skill and experience to ride safely and effectively.
• A sporty and aggressive bike that may not be very practical or comfortable for everyday use or long journeys.

7. Suzuki Hayabusa | Rs. 16.90 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Suzuki Hayabusa is a legendary superbike that has been ruling the hearts of speed enthusiasts for over two decades. The bike was updated with a new design, a refined engine, and improved electronics in April 2021. The Hayabusa is one of the best-selling superbikes in India, as it offers a thrilling performance, a comfortable ride, and a reasonable price. Suzuki sold 101 units of the Hayabusa in June 2023, which is a 42.31% increase from the previous month. Making the Hayabusa one of the best sports bike you can get under 20 lakh.

Key Specification:

• Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled engine, inline-four.
• Engine Displacement: 1340cc
• Powertrain: 190 bhp @ 9700 rpm | 142 Nm @ 7000 rpm
• Vital Features: Assist And Slipper Clutch & Suzuki’s Motion Track ABS
• Available Colours: Candy Daring Grey, Glass Sparkle Black & Pearl Brilliant White
• Top Speed: 300 kmph
• 0 to 100 kmph: 3.2 seconds

Pros:

• A legendary and iconic bike that has a reputation for being the fastest production bike in the world.
• A powerful and exhilarating bike that has a massive and muscular engine, a smooth and stable ride, and a superb braking system.
• A luxurious and elegant bike that has a premium look with a spacious and plush seat, and a high-quality finish.

Cons:

• This is old-fashioned bike that does not offer the latest features or technology compared to its rivals.
• A comparatively heavier bike that may be hard to handle or steer in corners or traffic.

6. Yamaha R1M | Rs. 28 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Yamaha R1M is a track-focused version of the Yamaha R1, which is one of the most advanced and powerful superbikes in the world. The R1M features a carbon-fibre bodywork, an electronic suspension, and a GPS data logger. Yamaha sold only 7 units of the R1M in June 2023, which is a 12.5 % decrease from the previous month. Still making the R1M one of the best sports bike you can get under 30 lakh.

Key Specification:

• Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled engine, inline-four.
• Engine Displacement: 998cc
• Powertrain: 200 bhp @ 13500 rpm | 113.3 Nm @ 11,500 rpm
• Vital Features: Carbon Bodywork & Mudguards & Aerodynamically Efficient M1-Inspired Bodywork.
• Available Colours: Silver Blue Carbon
• Top Speed: 299 kmph
• 0 to 100 kmph: 2.7 seconds

Pros:

• A race-ready street bike that was developed for the racing circuits with cutting-edge technology and engineering.
• A thrilling performance bike with a potent and explosive engine, a nimble and responsive handling, and an advanced electronic suspension system.
• A stunning bike that has a carbon fibre fairing, and has electronic control system with connectivity features.

Cons:

• An extreme and uncompromising bike that may not be suitable or comfortable for regular use or touring, due to its stiff ride quality, low ground clearance, narrow seat, aggressive riding position and a pretty loud exhaust note.
• With the sophisticated features, it may require frequent servicing, tuning, calibration, software updates, etc. to keep it in optimal condition.

5. Honda CBR1000RR-R | Rs. 23.11 lakh to Rs. 23.63 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Honda CBR 1000RR-R is a flagship superbike that was launched in India in July 2020. The bike is inspired by Honda’s MotoGP machine, and features an aggressive design, a supercharged engine, and cutting-edge electronics. The CBR 1000RR-R is available in two variants - standard and SP. Honda sold 15 units of the CBR 1000RR-R in June 2023, which is a 25% increase from the previous month. Making the CBR1000RR-R one of the best sports bike you can get under 30 lakh.

Key Specification:

• Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled engine, inline-four.
• Engine Displacement: 1000cc
• Powertrain: 160bhp @ 14,500rpm | 113Nm @ 12,500rpm
• Vital Features: Aerodynamic Winglet Design & IMU-based electronic rider aid system.
• Available Colours: Matte Pearl Morion Black & Grand Prix Red
• Top Speed: 346 kmph
• 0 to 100 kmph: 3.4 seconds

Pros:

• A balanced superbike that offers stunning power with an ease to ride its smooth engine, light weight, and refined ergonomics.
• An aerodynamic superbike that features winglet design inspired by MotoGP bikes to improve stability at high speeds, downforce in corners, and cooling efficiency of the engine.
• An advanced superbike that comes with an IMU-based electronic rider aid system with various modes, settings, and features to enhance the performance, safety, and customization of the ride.

Cons:

• A hardcore superbike that may not be very practical or comfortable for everyday use or long trips due to its harsh ride quality, low fuel capacity, and almost not luggage space.
• A competitive superbike that may face stiff competition from other brands that offer similar or better features, specifications, or even reviews.

4. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R | Rs. 15.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a superbike that has dominated the World Superbike Championship for several years. The bike was updated with a new design, more power, and better aerodynamics in January 2021. The Ninja ZX-10R is also one of the most affordable superbikes in India. Kawasaki sold 34 units of the Ninja ZX-10R in June 2023, which is a 13.33% increase from the previous month. Making the Ninja ZX-10R one of the best sports bike you can get under 17 lakh.

Key Specification:

• Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled engine, inline-four.
• Engine Displacement: 998cc
• Powertrain: 200.21 bhp @ 13200 rpm | 114.9 Nm @ 11400 rpm
• Vital Features: Öhlins electronic steering damper & IMU-based electronic rider aid system.
• Available Colours: Lime Green with Ebony accents
• Top Speed: 299 kmph
• 0 to 100 kmph: 3 seconds

Pros:

• A sharp sport bike that offers excellent handling and acceleration on the track with its powerful engine, precise gearbox, and balanced chassis.
• The bike offers a riding confidence from its Öhlins electronic steering damper and an IMU-based electronic rider aid system to prevent wobbling, wheelies, and slides.
• A sleek design, comes with a dual-pod LED headlight, an adjustable windscreen, a TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity, and a Lime Green colour scheme.

Cons:

• A challenging sport bike that may require a high level of skill and experience to ride effectively, due to its aggressive power delivery, stiff suspension, and low handlebars.
• An aggressive sport bike, that may not be very practical or comfortable for everyday use or long journeys due to its low fuel efficiency, limited storage space, narrow seat, etc.

3. Ducati Panigale V4 | Rs. 27.41 lakh to Rs. 69.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Ducati Panigale V4 is a superbike that represents the pinnacle of Ducati’s engineering and design prowess. The bike features a stunning design, a V4 engine derived from MotoGP, and sophisticated electronics. The Panigale V4 is available in three variants - standard, S and SP. Ducati sold 27 units of the Panigale V4 in June 2023, which is a 22.73 % increase from the previous month.

Key Specification:

• Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled engine, V4.
• Engine Displacement: 1103cccc
• Powertrain: 212.5 bhp @ 13000 rpm | 123.6 Nm @ 9500 rpm
• Vital Features: Quickshifter & IMU-based electronic rider aid system.
• Available Colours: Ducati Red, Dark Stealth Black, or Light White/ M Motorsport paintwork.
• Top Speed: 299+ kmph
• 0 to 100 kmph: 3.1 seconds

Pros:

• The bike offers an unmatched riding experience with its potent V4 engine, smooth quickshifter, and agile handling.
• A refined and sophisticated sport bike that has a smooth yet torquey engine, a precise gearbox, and a balanced chassis.
• A modern sport bike that has a sleek and aerodynamic design, a full-LED headlight with DRLs, a TFT instrument console with connectivity features, and an IMU-based electronic rider aid system.

Cons:

• A demanding sport bike that may require a high level of skill and experience to ride safely due to its aggressive power delivery, stiff suspension, and low handlebars.
• A sporty and aggressive sport bike that may not be very practical for long journeys due to its narrow seat.

2. BMW S 1000 RR | Rs. 20.50 lakh to Rs. 24.95 lakh (ex-showroom)

The BMW S 1000 RR is a superbike that combines German engineering and technology with extraordinary performance. The bike features an asymmetrical design, an inline-four engine with ShiftCam technology, and advanced electronic aids. The S 1000 RR is available in three variants - standard, Pro and Pro M Sport. BMW sold 18 units of the S 1000 RR in June 2023, which is a 12.5% increase from the previous month. Making the BMW S 1000 RR one of the best sports bike you can get under 30 lakh.

Key Specification:

• Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled engine, inline-four.
• Engine Displacement: 999cc
• Powertrain: 206.51 bhp @ 13750 rpm | 113 Nm @ 11000 rpm
• Vital Features: Slipper clutch & IMU-based electronic rider aid system.
• Available Colours: Racing Red scheme
• Top Speed: 303 kmph
• 0 to 100 kmph: 2.96 seconds

Pros:

• A high-performance superbike that combines speed, power, and technology with its potent engine, lightweight frame, and advanced electronic rider aid system.
• The bike offers a linear and responsive power delivery, a precise and smooth gearbox, and a comfortable and adjustable ergonomics.
• This elegant superbike comes with a sleek and aerodynamic design, an LED headlight with DRLs, a TFT instrument console with connectivity features, and a Racing Red colour scheme.

Cons:

• A complex and sophisticated superbike that may require frequent servicing, tuning, calibration, software updates, etc. to keep it in optimal condition.
• A competitive superbike that may face stiff competition from other brands that offer similar or better features, specifications.

1. Kawasaki Ninja H2R | Rs. 79.90 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is a track-only superbike that is the most powerful and fastest production motorcycle in the world. The bike features a radical design, a supercharged engine that produces 321.8 bhp with RAM Air, and aerodynamic winglets. The Ninja H2R is also the most expensive bike in India. Kawasaki sold only 1 unit of the Ninja H2R in June 2023, which is the same as the previous month. Making it the most exclusive bike in the India.

Key Specification:

• Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled - Supercharged engine, Inline-four.
• Engine Displacement: 998cc
• Powertrain: 305.75 bhp @ 14000 rpm | 165 Nm @ 12500 rpm
• Vital Features: Aerodynamic Winglet Design, Rider-Only Saddle, Trellis Frame
• Available Colours: Mirror Coated Matte Spark Black
• Top Speed: 400 kmph
• 0 to 100 kmph: 3 seconds

Pros:

• The most powerful production bike on sale in India that churns out in excess of 300PS with its supercharged engine, which is unmatched by any other bike in the market.
• An exhilarating superbike that offers an extraordinary riding experience with its explosive acceleration and superb braking system.
• A ravishing superbike that has a unique aerodynamic winglet design, a rider-only saddle, a trellis frame, and a Mirror Coated Matte Spark Black colour scheme.

Cons:

• An extremely expensive and exclusive bike that may be out of reach for most buyers due to its limited availability, high demand, and whopping price tag.
• An extreme superbike that is extensively track focused.

Conclusion

There you have it bike lovers, the list of of the most ‘road legal’ lethal sports bikes that are worth spending your money. These bike are fully equipped to make you feel more special (even if you felt great about yourself) and give you a hope that the world will keep getting better each year, as bike companies keep producing such bikes.