Suzuki recently widened its portfolio by launching the Gixxer 250 in India. The motorcycle is priced at Rs 1.60 lakhs which makes it around Rs 11,000 more affordable than its fully-faired sibling. With the contemporary design and a 250cc, oil-cooled, FI motor, the Gixxer 250 is an attractive proposition. However, there are a few alternatives in this price range which can be considered.
By paying Rs 7000 less than the Gixxer 250’s pricing, one can get their hands on Royal Enfield’s highest-selling model, the Classic 350. Featuring a modern-classic styling with chrome-finished components, the motorcycle is powered by a 346cc, air-cooled, carbureted motor which makes 19.8bhp and 28Nm. The bikemaker also offers the motorcycle in special edition versions such as Classic 350 Signals, Gunmetal Grey and Ridditch.
Boasting of a retro styling similar to the Classic 350, the Thunderbird 350 is a touring-focused offering in RE’s line-up. While it is powered by the same motor as the Classic, the Thunderbird comes equipped with a pulled-back handlebar, forward-set footpegs and comfy seat which makes it suitable for long rides. As for the pricing, it demands a premium of around Rs 3,000 over its Classic sibling.
For the modern-classic enthusiasts who want something different from RE, Jawa’s Standard and Forty Two are ideal options. While the former gets a styling identical to the original Ideal Jawa of olden days, the latter is a modern take on the same. Both bikes share a common 293cc, liquid-cooled motor which produces 27bhp and 28Nm. While the Standard is priced at Rs 1.64 lakhs, the Forty Two is more affordable at Rs 1.55 lakhs.
Now, around the same price as the Gixxer 250, one can opt for the more manic KTM 200 Duke. The motorcycle churns out 24.6bhp and 19.2Nm from its potent 199.5cc, liquid-cooled, fuel injection motor which comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. Based on a steel trellis frame, it comes equipped with premium components such as upside down forks at the front, aluminum swingarm and ByBre brakes. The 200 Duke can be bought by paying just Rs 2000 over the Gixxer 250.
For the fully-faired motorcycle fanatics who desire to own a KTM in this price range, the RC 125 makes for a strong case. Most affordable model in the RC line-up, its shares its styling and a majority of components with its bigger siblings, the RC 200 and RC 390. Powering the motorcycle, however, is a smaller 124.7cc motor which gets liquid-cooling and fuel-injection. This mill churns out 14.3bhp and 12Nm. Priced at Rs 1.47 lakhs, the KTM RC 125 is around Rs 13,000 cheaper than the Gixxer 250.
