Every month, the same bikes dominate every Indian motorcycle publication: the latest Royal Enfield, the newest KTM Duke, the updated CB300R. These are fine motorcycles. But the Indian market has five bikes right now that are delivering genuinely exceptional ownership experiences to a fraction of the buyers they deserve. If you have been following mainstream recommendations, you have been missing some of the best motorcycles in the country.
1. Honda CB350 H’Ness – The Bike That Beats the Classic 350 at Half the Discussion
The Honda CB350 H’Ness has been available in India since 2020, is priced within Rs 20,000 of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, and is – by almost every objective measure – a better motorcycle for daily use. Why does nobody talk about it? Because Honda does not have Royal Enfield’s marketing machine, community events, or heritage mythology.
What the CB350 H’Ness gives you: a more refined 348cc long-stroke single that revs more cleanly, an assist and slipper clutch as standard (the Classic 350 does not), Honda’s legendary reliability record, and a more comfortable riding position for taller riders. The engine does not have the RE thump – if that specific character is what you want, buy the Classic. But if you want an unhurried, refined, reliably-starting neo-retro motorcycle that costs similar money – the Honda deserves serious consideration.
| Spec | Honda CB350 H’Ness | Royal Enfield Classic 350 |
| Engine | 348cc air+oil-cooled | 349cc air+oil-cooled |
| Power | 21.1 bhp | 20.2 bhp |
| Slip + Assist Clutch | Yes – standard | No |
| USD Forks | No | No |
| Real Mileage | 35–42 kmpl | 35–40 kmpl |
| Price (Base) | Rs 2.05 lakh | Rs 1.93 lakh |
| Reliability History | Honda legendary standard | Improved but still variable |
2. Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z – The Most Performance Per Rupee in India
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is available at Rs 1.87 lakh ex-showroom – making it the most powerful naked street bike under Rs 2 lakh in India. The 373cc liquid-cooled single produces 39.4 bhp and 35 Nm: numbers that put it in genuine KTM 390 Duke territory for less than half the price. And yet it appears in almost no conversation about performance motorcycles in India.
Why? Partly because Bajaj’s Pulsar brand still carries the perception of being a budget brand rather than a performance brand. Partly because the NS400Z has not yet built the community following and YouTube presence of the KTM. But ride one back-to-back with a Duke 390 and the performance gap is far smaller than the price gap would suggest.
- 373cc liquid-cooled single: 39.4 bhp / 35 Nm – same league as the KTM 390 Duke
- Pirelli Sport Demon tyres as standard – premium rubber that many bikes at twice the price do not include
- Fully adjustable rear monoshock – not usually available below Rs 3 lakh
- Price: Rs 1.87 lakh – represents extraordinary performance value in the Indian market
3. Yezdi Roadster – The Touring Motorcycle India Forgot About
The Yezdi Roadster was relaunched in 2022 after a 25-year absence and was initially celebrated loudly – then almost immediately overshadowed by Royal Enfield’s new releases. Which is a shame, because the Roadster is a genuinely accomplished 334cc neo-retro touring motorcycle with features that bikes twice its price do not offer.
The Roadster comes standard with a USB charging port, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and – most unusually – standard rear disc brakes, which most competitors offer only as an expensive option. The 334cc liquid-cooled engine is smooth, tractable in traffic, and pulls well from low RPM for unhurried touring. It has a genuine fuel tank capacity of 14 litres – more than most competitors in the segment.
- 334cc liquid-cooled single: 30.2 bhp – stronger than it appears in mixed riding
- Rear disc brake: Standard – rarely seen at this price
- 14-litre fuel tank: Better highway range than most segment rivals
- Price: Rs 2.10 lakh ex-showroom – underpriced for what it includes
4. Suzuki Gixxer 250 – The Sport Bike That Riders Keep Discovering
The Suzuki Gixxer 250 has been available in India since 2018, is consistently updated, and is consistently overlooked in favour of the louder, more aggressive-looking KTM and Yamaha alternatives. This is a mistake.
The Gixxer 250’s oil-cooled 249cc single is not the most powerful in the segment, but it delivers an unusually linear and predictable power band that makes it an excellent choice for riders developing their skills. The handling balance – neither too sharp for new riders nor too soft for experienced ones – is the Gixxer 250’s genuine secret. And Suzuki’s reliability record in India is essentially unblemished.
- 249cc oil-cooled single: 26.5 bhp – linear and predictable power delivery
- Handling: Confidence-inspiring for new riders, responsive enough for experienced ones
- Real mileage: 30–35 kmpl – better than most liquid-cooled competitors
- Price: Rs 1.82 lakh – strong value for a fully-faired quarter-litre bike
5. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 – The Long-Distance Bike Nobody Chooses
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is the most overlooked motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s own lineup. While the Classic 350 gets the attention and the Guerrilla 450 gets the excitement, the Meteor quietly delivers the best touring ergonomics of any motorcycle in the Rs 2 lakh segment.
The semi-reclined riding position, wide handlebars, well-cushioned seat, and 13-litre fuel tank make the Meteor the most comfortable Royal Enfield for 300+ km rides. The Tripper navigation pod (built-in turn-by-turn Google Maps navigation display) remains one of the most useful features on any Indian motorcycle at any price. For riders who prioritise comfort and practicality over character, the Meteor 350 is the answer.
- Semi-reclined touring ergonomics: Best in class for Rs 2 lakh segment
- Tripper navigation: Turn-by-turn Google Maps on the handlebar display – practically invaluable
- Real highway mileage: 38–44 kmpl – excellent for a Royal Enfield
- Price: Rs 2.27 lakh – Rs 34,000 more than the Classic 350 for significantly better touring capability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z actually as good as the KTM 390 Duke?
A: In outright performance terms – close, but not quite. The KTM 390 Duke has more power (43.5 bhp vs 39.4 bhp), better braking, superior suspension, and a more polished overall package. But the NS400Z is available at Rs 1.87 lakh versus the 390 Duke’s Rs 3.21 lakh. For a rider who cannot stretch to Duke money, the NS400Z delivers approximately 85% of the experience at 58% of the price.
Q: Why is the Honda CB350 H’Ness not more popular if it is better than the Classic 350?
A: Royal Enfield has built something Honda has not: a lifestyle community. RE rallies, club rides, branded merchandise, the heritage story, the emotional resonance of the thump – these are real value-adds that the CB350 H’Ness cannot replicate despite its mechanical advantages. The RE is not just a motorcycle; it is a social identity for many riders. Honda makes a better machine; Royal Enfield makes a better experience.
Q: Is the Yezdi Roadster reliable?
A: Early 2022 units had some teething issues with the fuel injection system and electrics. By 2023–2024, these issues were largely resolved through OTA updates and service campaigns. Owners who bought post mid-2023 production units report strong reliability. Check that any used Roadster you consider has had the latest software update applied.
