The Best 200cc Motorcycles In India: Naked, Sport, Adventure Tourers And More

The most popular motorcycles in India are sub-125cc machines. Our nation is in the developing stage and most of the citizens do not have that much money to afford a superior mode of transportation. These motorcycles simply get the job done with bare minimum running and maintenance costs, hence these are the default choice for most people. 

However, if you feel, you have graduated from a 125cc machine and want something with more power and character, do not worry. The Indian motorcycle market is one of the richest in the world and it offers a large variety of entry-level performance motorcycles which do not cost a bomb. 

Upgrading from 100cc or 125cc to much larger capacity bikes with 400cc or bigger engines is not something we recommend to everyone because it may be intimidating for many and is not a wise financial decision. Hence we recommend you opt for something from the 200cc category.

The 200cc motorcycles offer great performance, comfort and fuel economy for their prices and their maintenance costs are also pocket-friendly. Hence, we have curated a comprehensive list of all sorts of motorcycles such as sports, naked and ADVs. We have also made it very simple for you to understand the characteristics of these motorcycles so that you can choose the most suitable product as per your requirements.

Top 200cc motorcycles in India

1. KTM RC 200

If you always found yourself twisting the throttle of your previous motorcycle till it redlines, then a sportsbike may be the ultimate choice for you. The KTM RC series has been known to be a rider’s delight for years. This 200cc iteration also packs enough thrill for beginner riders without scaring them. It uses a 199.5 cc engine which churns out 24.6 hp @ 10,000 RPM and 19.2 Nm at 8000 RPM. These power figures are almost double the power output of most 125cc motorcycles, so anyone upgrading to this machine should be happy.

The only con, I would say, is that the riding posture, which is very committed. So, you trade in comfort for aerodynamics and performance here. Other than this, the 835 mm seat height and 156 mm of ground clearance may also be problematic for some people. The starting price of INR 2,20,192 is also a bit on the higher side, but, the RC's performance on the track or on the smooth highways is unmatched. Hence it justifies its price well.

2. Pulsar NS 200 

Do not like the the committed posture on the RC? No worries, you can take the Pulsar NS 200 home.

This naked machine has proven its legacy with over a decade of successful tenure in the Indian market. People love it for its brisk performance, agile riding characteristics and easy maintenance costs. Many stunt riders also prefer the NS 200 because of its lightweight build and crazy value-for-money offering. The NS 200 draws its power from a 199.5 cc mill which churns out 23.8 hp and 18.74 Nm, this is one of the fastest and the most fun-to-ride Indian motorcycles of its class and that is the main reason why it has been selling like hotcakes ever since its inception. At an INR 1,49,901 starting price, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 is a no-brainer for anyone looking to get a naked motorcycle.

3. TVS Apache RTR 200

Want something else that is not related to Bajaj? You will have a great time with the RTR 200 from TVS. At first glance, this machine looks very similar to the NS, but the riding dynamics of both machines are very different -- the Apache is tuned for cornering and balance. The RTR also has a cult following in the market because of its immense value-for-money offering and thrilling performance. The aggressive pricing of INR 1,52,620 makes this a tempting offering.

4. Bajaj Pulsar RS 200

If you want a motorcycle with a full fairing, the rich 200cc motorcycle market also has an option for you, it's none other than the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200. I feel this motorcycle sells largely because of its looks. It looks much bigger than a 200cc motorcycle. The performance of the RS is also amazing considering its price and the segment. The RS 200 borrows its engine from the NS 200, which has already proven to be a great performer. Power figures of the RS are also the same as the NS and we feel it to be adequate for most beginner riders.

The RS 200 recently received an update and it costs only slightly more than its predecessor. However, the starting price of INR 1,84,115 is completely justified by this motorcycle's distinct styling and decent performance.

5. KTM 200 Duke
   

Another orange motorcycle has found its palace on our list, this time it has shredded its fairings and is in its naked avatar. I am talking about the KTM 200 Duke. This is one of the most powerful motorcycles on our list, in the country, and of course, in the 200cc segment. The motorcycle borrows its mill from the RC 200 which produces similar power figures on this machine too. Just like the RC, the Duke is also very expensive at INR 2,03,412 but it justifies its price with its thrilling performance. If you want the thrilling performance of the RC but do like its committed sitting posture, the 200 Duke is your bike.

6. Honda CB 200X

Finally, a Japanese motorcycle is on our list. If you want the most comfortable 200 cc machine for highway cruising, you can get the Honda CB 200X. This motorcycle has an upright sitting posture and a tall windscreen, and it also resembles the styling of an adventure tourer motorcycle. The CB 200X gets an 184.4cc engine which churns out 17.03 hp and 15.9 Nm, now this is something that limits the top speed capabilities of this machine on the highways. However, it may be a good choice at INR 1,51,450 if you believe in moving steadily. 

7. Hero Xpulse 210

Hero has the ultimate machine in this segment if you want to fulfil all your off-road adventure dreams. The Xpulse has recently received a comprehensive update and it now comes with a brand new 210cc engine which churns out 24.2 hp and 20.7 Nm of peak torque. The Xpulse also has the potential to be a great highway tourer. The new price of INR 1,75,800 is absolutely justified by the on and off-road capabilities of this machine and it also has the benefit of Hero’s wide sales and service network.

8. Hero Karizma XMR

If you want a fully faired machine in the 200cc class from Hero, then the Karizma XMR is the bike for you. It carries the legacy of the Hero Honda Karizma in its name. The OG Karizma used to be an aspirational machine for many youngsters back in the day, but I doubt if people feel the same about this motorcycle too. However, the Karizma XMR also gets the 210cc engine which churns out 24.8 hp and 20.4 Nm of peak torque. The best part about the XMR is its low starting price of INR 1,81,400.

These were the top eight 200cc motorcycles, currently on sale in the Indian market. We believe each motorcycle on our list offers great value for money. If you are looking to buy any of these motorcycles then we recommend you take multiple test rides and then make a decision.