A look at the most powerful bikes within Rs 20 lakh

Twenty lakh rupees is a considerable amount of money to spend on a motorcycle. However, the bikes on this list are so tempting, not to mention immensely capable, that they can convince you to part with an organ or a few, to scratch that itch. 

Ducati Streetfighter V2 

153hp

Ducati has always had smaller, more accessible versions of the Panigale and Streetfighter series of bikes, and the V2 is the most recent addition to the ‘middleweight’ Ducati family. If you can call a bike with 153hp, 101Nm making 955cc L-twin engine a middleweight, that is. With the same aggressive styling as its big brother and the trademark single-sided swingarm, the Streetfighter V2 is a special motorcycle with more than enough performance at a relatively digestible price tag, at least in the Ducati stable. 

BMW S 1000 R 

165hp

BMW’s flagship sporty naked, the S 1000 R, is considered a mellow and practical offering compared to its Italian peers. However, with a peak power output of 165hp, this is no slouch. Add to it the fact that you can option the S 1000 R with carbon-fibre wheels and heated grips, and it would seem that this litre-class naked is one that combines practicality with explosive performance. The standard variant is priced at Rs 19 lakh. The higher Pro and M Sport variants have a price tag of Rs 20.45 lakh and Rs 23.30 lakh, respectively. 

Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 

180hp

Triumph revamped the Speed Triple a few years ago, and this wasn’t just a facelift or an update; it was a brand-new model from the ground up. It was much lighter than the erstwhile 1050 and much more powerful, too. With this step up in performance, Triumph also gave the Speed Triple keyless ignition, carbon fibre bits and heated grips to increase its premium quotient. At Rs 17.95 lakh, the Speed Triple 1200 RS is the most affordable European supernaked you can purchase today, which makes it great value in this category.

Suzuki Hayabusa

190hp

When Suzuki updated the Hayabusa to its latest avatar (Gen 3), it decided to take a more measured approach instead of going all gung-ho about it. The ’Busa lost a tiny bit of power but gained a gaggle of electronic assists, plusher suspension and more comfortable ergonomics. And with 190hp and 150Nm, this is still a ludicrously quick and capable mile muncher. The standard Hayabusa is priced at Rs 16.90 lakh, while the 25th-anniversary edition costs Rs 17.70 lakh. 

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 

203hp 

Ever since Kawasaki decided to bring the Ninja ZX-10R to India via the CKD route, thereby attracting lower taxes and duties, it has been the most popular option in the Indian market. The ZX-10R makes 203hp from its 999cc inline four screamer (213hp with RAM air assistance) and comes with electronic riding aids galore. While it is a serious supersport, with the move to Euro 5/BS6 in 2021, Kawasaki endowed it with cruise control, which should add a dash of practicality to this focused machine. The cherry on top is that the most powerful bike here is also the most affordable, at Rs 16.79 lakh.