The list includes bikes with both single-cylinder and parallel-twin engines.
The Rs 3 to 4 lakh price bracket opens the door to some genuinely exciting options. We recently covered the Rs 2 to 3 lakh segmentwhere every model happened to come from the Bajaj umbrella of brands. This time, the field is far more diverse, with different manufacturers, varied engine configurations, and a wider range of motorcycle types.
Yamaha MT-03 (42hp/167kg) – 251.4hp/tonne
Yamaha MT-03 prices start at Rs 3.50 lakh
The MT-03 is powered by a 321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that produces 42hp and 29.5Nm. And as the lightest bike on this list at 167kg, it manages a power-to-weight ratio on par with the KTMs, despite having the smallest engine and lowest peak output. When the MT-03 finally arrived in India, its high price tag limited its appeal, but a substantial Rs 1.1 lakh price cut earlier this year has made it a far more appealing option.
Also see:
Yamaha MT 03 review: The sibling of choice?
KTM 390 Adventure (46hp/182kg) – 252.7hp/tonne
KTM 390 Adventure prices start at Rs 3.68 lakh
The KTM 390 Adventure and its sub-Rs 3 lakh ‘X’ variant featured on our previous list, and now it’s the range-topping model’s turn. Mechanically identical to the lower-spec variant, it uses the same 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 46hp and 39Nm.
The small difference in weight comes down to added hardware – most notably, fully adjustable WP suspension and larger spoked wheels. Equipment includes traction control, cornering ABS, multiple riding modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, and a TFT display.
Also see:
2025 KTM 390 Adventure review: Second time’s the charm
KTM RC 390 (43.5hp/172kg) – 252.9hp/tonne
KTM RC 390 prices start at Rs 3.22 lakh
The KTM RC 390 is the only fully faired option on this list and a fantastic choice if you ever plan to take your bike to the track. It also happens to be the only ‘390’ in KTM’s current line-up that still uses the older 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, producing 43.5hp and 37Nm – slightly lower than the newer 399cc unit. Even so, the RC 390 remains a sharp, capable machine that’s as rewarding for newcomers to track riding as it is for seasoned riders looking for an engaging, lightweight sportbike.
Also see:
New KTM RC 390 spotted testing overseas
KTM Enduro 390 R (46hp/177kg) – 259.8hp/tonne
KTM Enduro 390 R prices start at Rs 3.38 lakh
The KTM 390 Enduro R shares the same 399cc powertrain and peak output as the Adventure models. While it’s only 4-5 kg lighter on paper, our real-world tests reveal it feels noticeably more compact and agile. The Enduro R features a more off-road-biased suspension setup, along with dual-sport wheels and tyres.
Also see:
KTM 390 Enduro R review: compromised but still capable enough?
Aprilia Tuono 457 (47.6hp/175kg) – 272.0hp/tonne
Aprilia Tuono 457 prices start at Rs 3.98 lakh
Topping the list is the Aprilia Tuono 457, powered by a 457cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine producing 47.6hp and 43.5Nm. With its premium build quality and strong performance, the Tuono 457 stands apart from the rest of the field. Its larger displacement and higher output figures give it a performance edge, while its price places it at the upper end of this segment.
Also see:
Aprilia Tuono 457 review: All the thunder you need
Honourable Mention:
Yamaha R3 (42hp/169kg) – 248.5hp/tonne
Yamaha R3 prices start at Rs 3.60 lakh
Just missing out on the top five is the Yamaha R3, which shares its 321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine and chassis with the MT-03. However, the additional bodywork adds around 2kg, which slightly impacts its power-to-weight ratio and keeps it out of the main list. Still, with its fully faired design and smooth twin-cylinder performance, the R3 remains an attractive option for riders seeking a versatile and refined machine in this segment.
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