Top 5 sports bikes for beginners in India: From Yamaha, KTM, Suzuki, TVS & Bajaj

The Indian motorcyclist is moving from only asking for fuel efficiency to sporty performance and so gone are the days when only those who could afford big bikes in India could enjoy riding. Now, there's plenty to pick from and if its sports or sports-oriented motorcycles you're looking for but have fresh hands that need to learn more or have a tight budget, two-wheeler majors like Yamaha, KTM, Suzuki, TVS and Bajaj Auto have something everyone.

5. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: 2020 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V produces 20.2 hp and 16.8 Nm, and the engine is paired with a five-speed transmission. The BS6 model has had a styling refresh along with features like Glide Through Technology (GTT), Smart Xonnect through which lets you connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, and and all-LED headlamp. It is priced at Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom)

4. Suzuki Gixxer 150 SF: Powering the new Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer SF is the same 155cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that now makes 13.4 hp and 13.8 Nm and is paired with paired with a five-speed transmission. It gets a fully digital instrument cluster and single-channel ABS. The fully faired SF is priced at Rs 1.22 lakh (ex-showroom) and the streetfighter Gixxer at Rs 1.12 lakh (ex-showroom).

3. Bajaj Pulsar RS 200: The RS 200 is powered by a 199.5cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes 24 hp at 9,750 rpm and 18.7 Nm at 8,000 rpm and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. It gets a dual channel ABS. Price: Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

2. KTM RC 125 and 125 Duke: Both powered by a 125cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine that makes 15 hp and 12 Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed transmission, the RC 125 offers a supersport stance and the Duke is a streetfight. The two get a fully digital instrument cluster and ABS. The price of the 125 Duke is Rs 1.42 lakh (ex-showroom) and the fully faired RC 125 at Rs 1.6 lakh (ex-showroom).

1. Yamaha R15: Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 is powered by a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 19 hp and 14 Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed transmission. Prime features include all-LED headlamps, all digital instrument cluster, USB charger, slipper clutch, and dual-channel ABS. It is priced at Rs 1.48 lakh (ex-showroom) You could also opt for its streetfighter version that is priced a bit lower at Rs 1.4 lakh (ex-showroom).