10 Best under 300cc Sport Bikes in India to Purchase in 2018

Motorcycles under 300cc have become the heart of the Indian biking scene — practical, stylish, affordable, and thrilling enough to enjoy the road without burning a hole in the pocket. Whether you’re a college student looking for a first ride, a commuter searching for comfort, or an enthusiast wanting a fun weekend machine, this segment has something for everyone.

Here are 10 popular motorcycles under 300cc that have won riders’ hearts across India.

1. Bajaj Pulsar 220F

The Bajaj Pulsar 220F has remained a cult favorite for more than a decade. Known as the "fastest Indian" when launched, it is still admired for its performance, aggressive looks, and practicality. It offers a balanced mix of power, handling, and comfort, making it suitable for both city rides and long highway cruising.

Enjoy a powerful and smooth ride with the Bajaj Pulsar 220, perfect for city rides and long-distance travel.

Specs & Why Iconic:

• Engine: 220cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled
• Power: 20.4 bhp
• Torque: 18.5 Nm
• Mileage: ~40 km/l
• The Pulsar 220F is iconic because it redefined the Indian biking landscape in the late 2000s, offering affordable performance that was earlier unthinkable for Indian roads.

Niche: Everyday performance commuter, loved by young riders.

Price Range: ₹1.4 – ₹1.5 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Showroom/Location: Bajaj Showroom Locator

ONN Placement: If you want to test ride a Pulsar before buying or just need one for a weekend trip, you can easily rent one at ONN Bikes.

2. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

The Apache RTR 200 4V is TVS’s flagship street naked motorcycle under 300cc. It is sharp, stylish, and loaded with features such as riding modes, slipper clutch, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Ride with power and precision on the TVS Apache RTR, ideal for city commuting and sporty performance.

Specs & Why Iconic:

• Engine: 197.7cc, oil-cooled, 4-valve
• Power: 20.5 bhp
• Torque: 16.8 Nm
• Mileage: ~38 km/l
• Its racing DNA from TVS Racing and features like riding modes make it one of the most advanced motorcycles in its segment.

Niche: Performance commuter and city sports bike.

Price Range: ₹1.45 – ₹1.6 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Showroom/Location: TVS Dealerships

ONN Placement: Great pick for those wanting a sporty rental for daily commutes or short trips — book one easily on ONN Bikes.

3. Yamaha R15 V4

The Yamaha R15 has always been the entry point into Yamaha’s R-series DNA. The V4 iteration takes it a step further with updated design inspired by the R7, improved aerodynamics, and ride modes.

Experience a sleek and sporty ride with the Yamaha R15, perfect for city rides and high-performance thrills.

Specs & Why Iconic:

• Engine: 155cc, liquid-cooled
• Power: 18.4 bhp
• Torque: 14.2 Nm
• Mileage: ~40 km/l
• The R15 is iconic for bringing supersport styling and handling to an affordable entry-level bike, inspiring an entire generation of bikers.

Niche: Entry-level supersport, student favorite.

Price Range: ₹1.8 – ₹1.9 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Showroom/Location: Yamaha Showroom Finder

ONN Placement: Don’t want to buy one yet? Rent it from ONN Bikes for a weekend ride or to relive the supersport thrill.

4. KTM Duke 200

The KTM Duke 200 is the bike that introduced India to the “ready to race” KTM philosophy. Known for its aggressive styling, sharp handling, and exhilarating performance, it is a benchmark in the sub-300cc naked streetfighter segment.

Enjoy a sporty and powerful ride with the KTM Duke 200, perfect for city cruising and thrilling road experiences.

Specs & Why Iconic:

• Engine: 199.5cc, liquid-cooled
• Power: 25.4 bhp
• Torque: 19.5 Nm
• Mileage: ~35 km/l
• Iconic for being India’s first true affordable performance naked bike, setting a new standard for enthusiasts.

Niche: Aggressive streetfighter for enthusiasts.

Price Range: ₹1.96 – ₹2.05 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Showroom/Location: KTM Dealers

ONN Placement: Planning a trip around twisty roads? Rent a Duke 200 from ONN Bikes and experience its sharp handling.

5. Honda Hornet 2.0

Honda Hornet 2.0 blends style with refinement, backed by Honda’s reliability. It features sharp design lines, LED headlamps, and a refined engine for daily use and occasional highway runs.

Experience a stylish and powerful ride with the Honda Hornet 2.0, perfect for city rides and smooth performance.

Specs & Why Iconic:

• Engine: 184.4cc, air-cooled
• Power: 17.3 bhp
• Torque: 16.1 Nm
• Mileage: ~40 km/l
• The Hornet 2.0 is iconic because it established Honda’s presence in the premium commuter space with sporty yet practical design.

Niche: Stylish premium commuter.

Price Range: ₹1.4 – ₹1.45 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Showroom/Location: Honda BigWing Dealers

ONN Placement: Looking for a balanced ride for both city and weekend trips? The Hornet 2.0 is available on ONN Bikes.

6. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 (Technically 249cc, fits in this range)

Suzuki’s Gixxer SF 250 is a fully-faired motorcycle that provides a balance of sporty performance and comfortable ergonomics, making it practical for everyday use as well as long rides.

Specs & Why Iconic:

• Engine: 249cc, oil-cooled
• Power: 26.1 bhp
• Torque: 22.2 Nm
• Mileage: ~38 km/l
• Iconic for being one of the most comfortable yet sporty faired motorcycles in the sub-300cc range.

Niche: Sport-tourer with everyday usability.

Price Range: ₹1.9 – ₹2.1 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Showroom/Location: Suzuki Dealers

ONN Placement: For long weekend trips, renting a Gixxer SF 250 from ONN Bikes is a great way to enjoy comfort and performance together.

7. Royal Enfield Classic 350 (Technically 349cc, but popular in this category)

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the king of retro-modern motorcycles in India. With timeless styling, a thumping exhaust note, and RE’s signature comfort, it appeals to riders across age groups.

Enjoy a timeless and comfortable ride with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, perfect for city cruising and relaxed long rides.

Specs & Why Iconic:

• Engine: 349cc, air-oil cooled (slightly above 300cc but included for relevance)
• Power: 20.2 bhp
• Torque: 27 Nm
• Mileage: ~35 km/l
• Iconic for its heritage design and touring comfort, the Classic 350 is a legend on Indian roads.

Niche: Retro classic tourer.

Price Range: ₹1.9 – ₹2.2 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Showroom/Location: Royal Enfield Dealers

ONN Placement: Planning a heritage ride or long road trip? Rent a Classic 350 from ONN Bikes and enjoy the thump.

8. Bajaj Dominar 250

The Dominar 250 is designed for those who want a budget-friendly touring motorcycle with good performance and highway manners. It inherits the styling and presence of the Dominar 400.

Specs & Why Iconic:

• Engine: 248.8cc, liquid-cooled
• Power: 26.6 bhp
• Torque: 23.5 Nm
• Mileage: ~35 km/l
• Iconic for making power touring accessible to budget-conscious Indian riders.

Niche: Budget touring motorcycle.

Price Range: ₹1.8 – ₹1.9 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Showroom/Location: Bajaj Showroom Locator

ONN Placement: Perfect choice for weekend road trips — book a Dominar 250 from ONN Bikes.

9. Jawa 42

The Jawa 42 brings retro-modern vibes with sporty handling. Its sleek lines, chrome finish, and peppy engine make it stand out among retro bikes.

Specs & Why Iconic:

• Engine: 293cc, liquid-cooled
• Power: 27 bhp
• Torque: 27 Nm
• Mileage: ~34 km/l
• Iconic for reviving the nostalgic Jawa brand while delivering modern performance.

Niche: Neo-retro commuter and cruiser.

Price Range: ₹1.95 – ₹2.1 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Showroom/Location: Jawa Dealerships

ONN Placement: Rent a Jawa 42 on ONN Bikes to enjoy a retro-inspired weekend ride.

10. Hero Xpulse 200 4V

The Hero Xpulse 200 4V is India’s most affordable adventure motorcycle. With updated engine refinement, long-travel suspension, and off-road focus, it’s perfect for young explorers.

Take on any terrain with the Hero Xpulse 200, perfect for adventure rides and off-road exploration.

Specs & Why Iconic:

• Engine: 199.6cc, oil-cooled
• Power: 18.8 bhp
• Torque: 17.3 Nm
• Mileage: ~40 km/l
• Iconic for making adventure biking accessible in India at a very affordable price.

Niche: Entry-level adventure motorcycle.

Price Range: ₹1.5 – ₹1.6 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Showroom/Location: Hero Dealerships

ONN Placement: If you want to try an adventure ride without owning one, you can rent the Xpulse 200 from ONN Bikes.

Conclusion

Motorcycles under 300cc are the sweet spot for Indian roads. They are stylish, fuel-efficient, and powerful enough for both city commutes and weekend escapes. From retro classics like the Royal Enfield Classic 350 to modern performance machines like the KTM Duke 200 and Yamaha R15, this list offers something for everyone.

Whether you want a commuter, a sportbike, a tourer, or an adventure motorcycle — there’s a sub-300cc bike for you. And if you’re not ready to buy one yet, just rent your favorite from ONN Bikes and experience the joy of riding.

FAQs on Bikes Under 300cc

Q1: Which is the best bike under 300cc for beginners?

Yamaha R15, Hero Xpulse 200, and Honda Hornet 2.0 are excellent beginner-friendly options.

Q2: Which bike under 300cc is best for long rides?

Bajaj Dominar 250 and Royal Enfield Classic 350 are great for touring comfort.

Q3: Which sub-300cc bike offers the best mileage?

Bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar 220F and Honda Hornet 2.0 return ~40 km/l.

Q4: Which is the best budget adventure motorcycle in India?

The Hero Xpulse 200 4V is the most affordable and capable adventure bike.

Q5: Can I rent these bikes instead of buying?

Yes, ONN Bikes offers most of these models for rent across multiple cities in India.