Need advice: Looking for a sports bike in a budget of Rs. 5 lakh

He is looking to sell his Pulsar, which is under 3k on the odo and upgrade to a better bike.

BHPian Warking recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Greetings to all fellow BHPians.

Now, I really wish I was writing this post for myself, however this will not the case for today, but someday.

A few days ago, the GM for my company approached me asking for some recommendations for a sports bike.

Currently he has a 2021/22 Harrier, WagonR, and a 2018/19 Bajaj Pulsar 200 in his garage. He is looking to sell his Pulsar, which is under 3k on the odo and upgrade to a better bike. As of now, he hasn't short listed any bike yet. The following are the criteria for a bike he is looking for:

• On-road price should not be more than 5 lakh, but can stretch by a lakh if it's worth it.
• Needs to be a sports bike. He is looking for something looks aggressive and full bodied.

Based on his criteria, the bikes these I've suggested to him are:

• BMW G310RR.
• Kawasaki Ninja 300.
• Kawasaki Ninja 400.

As mentioned, no bike has been shortlisted nor have any test rides been done. It would be really helpful for him if ou alll can suggest what should he go for. He is open to both routes, new and pre-owned, meeting his criteria and likes.

Also, please do suggest if you have any references as to where he can look for bikes in Delhi NCR.

Here's what BHPian saitvsk23 had to say on the matter:

I would recommend the TVS Apache RR310 wholeheartedly instead of the BMW. Their spares network might be unreliable and service costs will go through the roof. The Ninjas are not value for money at all, and the older models do not have ABS on them (cannot be retrofitted also).

The RR310 can be customised with the Race kit or the Dynamic kit according to their preferences.

Here's what BHPian WhiskeyTangoFox had to say on the matter:

I think at this price point,New Ninja 300/400s, pre-owned Ninja 650s, the Apache RR310, KTM RC 390 would be your best bet. If he is into the retro faired style, he can get a new Continental GT650 and purchase an aftermarket Fairing from MK Designs for it. Image below:

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say on the matter:

If he has ridden sport bikes and wants one for the way they ride, nothing beats the RC390. It has enough grunt and such a beautifully balanced yet aggressive chassis where you get to sit on top and feel like you are orchestrating the entire ride.

That said, many people buy sport bikes just for the looks in which case a Benelli 302R would be a good buy even used since it came with a 5 year unlimited kilometer warranty at some point, adjustable forks, a slick color scheme and a cool sounding engine. Even the Ninja might feel just right for him.

With bikes it is best to go out there and test ride everything absolutely no other way to decide what to buy. I remember when I first wanted to buy a bike everyone recommended a CBR250 which even I liked the look of an being a Honda it is a solid product but I just didn't like the way my body fit on it. I did not like the fit of the R15 either (V2). These are arguably good bikes but it all depends on one's frame, height and level of eagerness/riding style and preferences.

Here's what BHPian sunilch had to say on the matter:

Given his location and budget, Ninja650 is a very good option from the pre-owned segment. Kawasaki will give him the snob value as it seems to be a desired factor. a less than 2 year old piece can be easily had in this budget.

Skip the BMW and buy the TVS in case he wants a new one and stays within budget. Same bike, better price.

Here's what BHPian AtheK had to say on the matter:

Having owned and ridden both Apache RR310 and Ninja 650, Ninja 650 is a no brainer, it is a better built bike, has very less vibrations and you can tour on it all day long. Apache looks just a bit better, and has a fancy instrument cluster now, but overall it does not hold a candle to Ninja 650. Well kept pre owned Ninja Should be the way to go!

Here's what BHPian Mustang_Boss had to say on the matter:

Only a CBR 650R could be considered in this range, but only by stretching 2-3 Lakhs.

If he seeks more madness, then Yamaha's Tenere 900 or FZ9 are well worth the 2X price he spends on it.

Well, he has to stretch his budget by ~1.5-2X times for the real fun of a super bike. Rest all in this budget are just imposters of a super bike.

Here's what BHPian harmanjeet14 had to say on the matter:

Hi Warking,

As many of the members have suggested, Ninja 650 makes a great option within the said budget.

I myself was in a similar situation as your GM. Got a pre-owned Ninja 650, and it has been keeping me enthralled.

Sharing my ownership review in case it helps.

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