If you are a beginner and serious about bike racing, let me help you pause your search for the perfect performance bike with good mileage to improve your bike racing career. A 200cc bike is perfect for you.
2. KTM RC 200: Performance Killer
If your only need is performance, then go for KTM. The KTM brand is solely focused on performance; their engine, chassis, and aerodynamics are all designed for the racetrack.
- 199.5cc engine
- Top speed: 140 km/h (0 to 100 in 8.9 sec)
- Power: 25 PS
- Torque: 19.2 Nm
- Mileage: 35 kmpl
- Ex-showroom price: 2.17 lakh
However, in today's time, KTM's brand image is not good as it is considered a "chapri bike." It also lacks a slipper clutch and other features. But I believe it has the power, and a professional rider doesn't need a slipper clutch or quick shifter to win.
Yamaha R15: Awesome Looks with Awesome Features
If you need a good-looking bike with every feature you need on the racing track, then the R15 is the best choice. It has a slipper clutch which allows you to downshift aggressively. The quick shifter allows you to shift up gears without the clutch at higher RPMs, saving time and effort. Traction control helps maintain bike tire friction to the ground.
- Engine: 155cc with VVA
- Top speed: 145+ km/h (0 to 100 in 9.56 sec)
- Power: 18 PS
- Torque: 14.2 Nm
- Mileage: 40 to 45 kmpl
- Ex-showroom price: 1.94 lakh
It lacks long ride comfort and is extremely bad for pillion comfort. The bike ergonomics are tuned only for racing.
Apache RTR 200 4V: The Perfect All-Rounder
The TVS brand is an Indian brand, and it knows what Indians need. If you want a bike that can easily ride on the track or in the city, then give the RTR 4V a chance. It has three different riding modes which help you adjust performance and mileage according to your mood. When you are in the city and need mileage, switch to the lower mode which helps the engine produce less power and give good mileage.
- Top speed: 140 km/h
- Engine: 197.75cc
- Power: 20.82 PS
- Torque: 17.25 Nm
- Mileage: 45+ kmpl
- Ex-showroom price: 1.42 lakh
People often overlook this bike because it has only 5 gears, while other bikes have 6 gears. However, you only need a 6th gear on the highway when you need a continuous cruising speed above 110 km/h. A cruising speed of 100 km/h is not bad. In the city, you will appreciate the 5th gear.
NS 200: The Oldest Killer
If you get a thrill from the RPM needle and want good after-sale service, Bajaj is the brand for you. Bajaj bike parts are easily available in any city at a very low cost, whereas other brands can't provide that. The NS200 has the same KTM 200cc engine with slightly different tuning from Bajaj. It doesn't have many features, but it has the most advanced engine in the 200cc segment. It has liquid cooling and a 6-speed gearbox. It provides all the basic features a rider needs like ABS, upside-down suspension, and more.
- Top speed: 150 km/h (0 to 100 in 8 sec)
- Engine: 199.5cc
- Power: 24.13 bhp
- Torque: 18.74 Nm
- Mileage: 36 kmpl
Ex-showroom price: 1.42 lakh
However, Bajaj still hasn't improved the headlight setup. It still uses halogen bulbs, whereas today's bikes have LED setups. But you get the best service from Bajaj, as every part of your motorbike is available at a very low cost.
RS 200: Bajaj's Best Performer
The RS 200 was known as the best and fastest bike in its segment when BS4 bikes were running. However, after the BS6 update, both the NS200 and RS200 lost some performance. Now in 2023, Bajaj has given some updates to these bikes. The performance remains the same as the NS200, just covered with fairing.
Engine and power are the same as the NS200.
Ex-showroom price: 1.71 lakh
This bike is a bit on the heavier side, but it is still a powerful machine.
Xpulse 200: Perfect Off-Roader
This bike is not really for the racetrack; it is for the torque on jumps or riding on dirt. This bike has the lowest power figure in the 200cc segment, but it has enough power to make you smile. It offers a different experience, better mileage compared to other bikes, and is nimble enough to handle city traffic. It has great suspension travel, providing an enjoyable ride on Indian roads, and a simple engine requiring less maintenance.
- Top speed: 123 km/h (0 to 100 in 14.5 sec)
- Engine: 199.6cc
- Power: 17.8 bhp
- Torque: 16.45 Nm
- Mileage: 45+ kmpl
- Ex-showroom price: 1.38 lakh
It is a good bike, but it still lacks tubeless tires which can sometimes cause discomfort. Its engine is not as technically advanced as other bikes, giving it less maintenance cost and a fun ride.
I have almost covered every bike that can give you the best performance according to your needs.
