MY20 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – What else can you buy?

Kawasaki has launched the MY20 model of its litre-class sportsbike, the Ninja ZX-10R. The motorcycle continues to be sold as a CKD (completely knocked down) model and has been priced at Rs 13.99 lakhs (ex-showroom). That is Rs 31,000 cheaper than the previous model which makes the ZX-10R an attractive proposition. However, the Indian market offers six other premium motorcycles around this price range and we take a look at them.

Starting with adventure motorcycles, this genre consists of three offerings which include the Honda Africa Twin, Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx. Honda launched the 2019 edition of the Africa Twin last month with a new blue metallic colour scheme in the form of an update. The motorcycle is powered by a 998cc, parallel twin motor which makes 86.04bhp and 93Nm and comes mated to a six-speed automatic dual clutch transmission. Priced at Rs 13.5 lakhs, the Africa Twin is around Rs 50,000 cheaper than the ZX-10R. 

The closest competitor of the Africa Twin in terms of price, styling and displacement is the Suzuki V-Strom 1000. The motorcycle is retailed at Rs 13.54 lakhs. Powering the bike is a 1037cc, twin-cylinder engine which produces 99bhp of power and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. Now, move a bit higher in terms of pricing and you can consider the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx. With its spoke wheels, dual purpose tyres and long travel suspension, the Tiger 800 XCx is a highly capable ADV. Moreover, powering the motorcycle is an 800cc triple-cylinder motor which churns out 94bhp and 79Nm. Triumph offers the Tiger 800 XCx at Rs 14.03 lakhs. 

If you prefer mile munching with all the comfort a bike can offer, opt one of the cruisers in this segment. First up is the Indian Scout which can be bought at Rs 13.60 lakhs. The Scout belts out 100bhp and 97Nm from its 1130cc, liquid-cooled, V-twin motor. The motorcycle carries several blacked-out components which lend it a modern appeal. However, if a chrome-laden cruiser is your choice, Harley-Davidson has the Low Rider. It features Harley’s Milwaukee Eight 107 engine with 1764cc of displacement which delivers a healthy peak torque of 149Nm at 3000rpm. The Low Rider can be bought at Rs 13.59 lakhs.

Last but not the least, you can buy the legendary Suzuki Hayabusa at Rs 13.79 lakhs. The fully-faired sportsbike is an invincible amalgamation of blistering performance as well as comfort. The 1340cc, in-line four motor of the Hayabusa pumps out 197bhp and 155Nm and comes mated to a six-speed constant mesh gearbox.  The motorcycle had debuted in 1999 and held the crown of the fastest production motorcycle back then. 

(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)