The dream of owning a sports bike is a rite of passage for many Indian motorcycling enthusiasts. It’s a vision of sharp aerodynamics, the thrilling sound of a high-revving engine, and the feeling of becoming one with the machine on an open road. Gone are the days when this dream was an exorbitant, out-of-reach fantasy. Today, the Indian market is brimming with incredible options that offer exhilarating performance and head-turning style without completely emptying your wallet.

If you have a budget of around Rs.5 lakh, you're in the sweet spot. This segment is fiercely competitive, offering everything from track-focused weapons to versatile all-rounders. Here’s our roundup of the top sports bikes you can buy in India for under Rs.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

1. KTM RC 390: The Uncompromised Track Weapon

• The Vibe: Pure, unapologetic performance. The KTM RC 390 has always been the benchmark for raw, track-focused aggression in this category, and the latest generation is more sophisticated than ever.
• Why It's a Top Pick: With its MotoGP-inspired design, top-tier electronics, and a fire-cracker of an engine, the RC 390 is built for the corners. It features a full-colour TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, traction control, cornering ABS, and even a quickshifter+ as standard. The adjustable suspension on the international model is a miss, but it remains the sharpest handler here.
• Who Is It For? The thrill-seeker and the aspiring track day enthusiast who prioritizes handling and cutting-edge tech above all else.
• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 373cc, Single-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled
  • Power: 43.5 PS
  • Torque: 37 Nm
  • Standout Features: Quickshifter+, Cornering ABS, Traction Control, TFT Display.
• Approx. Ex-Showroom Price: Rs.3.18 Lakh

2. TVS Apache RR 310: The Tech-Loaded All-Rounder

• The Vibe: Sophistication meets versatility. Co-developed with BMW Motorrad, the Apache RR 310 is a testament to Indian engineering and is arguably the best all-rounder on this list.
• Why It's a Top Pick: The RR 310 packs a feature list that can embarrass more expensive motorcycles. Its vertical TFT screen offers multiple riding modes (Track, Sport, Urban, Rain) that alter engine response and ABS intervention. With TVS's "Built To Order" (BTO) platform, you can even equip it with fully adjustable suspension and sportier ergonomics right from the factory. It’s a comfortable tourer, a capable commuter, and a fun track machine all rolled into one.
• Who Is It For? The rider who wants one bike to do it all – from daily commutes to weekend tours and occasional track days.
• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 312.2cc, Single-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled
  • Power: 34 PS
  • Torque: 27.3 Nm
  • Standout Features: Riding Modes, Bluetooth-enabled SmartXonnect, Glide Through Technology+, Optional Fully Adjustable Suspension.
• Approx. Ex-Showroom Price: Rs.2.72 Lakh

3. Kawasaki Ninja 400: The Smooth Twin-Cylinder

• The Vibe: Refined power and big-bike feel. The Ninja 400 is the successor to the legendary Ninja 300 and brings a larger, more powerful, and incredibly smooth parallel-twin engine to the party.
• Why It's a Top Pick: If you crave the sound and feel of a twin-cylinder engine, the Ninja 400 delivers. It’s exceptionally user-friendly for its power, with a light clutch and a confidence-inspiring chassis. While it lacks the fancy electronics of the KTM and TVS, it makes up for it with sublime engine refinement, strong performance, and the premium feel associated with the Kawasaki brand. It feels like a proper "big bike."
• Who Is It For? The enthusiast who values engine refinement and a premium brand experience over a long list of electronic gadgets.
• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 399cc, Parallel-Twin, Liquid-Cooled
  • Power: 45 PS
  • Torque: 37 Nm
  • Standout Features: Assist & Slipper Clutch, Superb Engine Refinement, Lightweight Trellis Frame.
• Approx. Ex-Showroom Price: Rs.5.24 Lakh (Note: Slightly over the 5L mark, but often available with discounts that bring it closer).

4. BMW G 310 RR: The Premium Badge

• The Vibe: The Apache RR 310 in a designer suit. The BMW G 310 RR is mechanically identical to its TVS cousin but wears the prestigious blue-and-white roundel.
• Why It's a Top Pick: You get the proven performance, reliability, and excellent chassis of the Apache RR 310, but with the aspirational value and premium finish of the BMW brand. The bike comes in the iconic BMW motorsport colours, which are a huge draw for many. However, it misses out on some of the top-spec features of the TVS, like the adjustable suspension from the BTO program.
• Who Is It For? The brand-conscious rider who loves the RR 310's package but wants the premium experience and bragging rights of owning a BMW.
• Key Specs:
  • Engine: 312.2cc, Single-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled
  • Power: 34 PS
  • Torque: 27.3 Nm
  • Standout Features: Riding Modes, TFT Display, Premium BMW Branding and Paint Schemes.
• Approx. Ex-Showroom Price: Rs.3.05 Lakh

Honourable Mentions: A Different Flavour of Sporty

Yamaha YZF-R3

The legendary R3 is back, and it brings a gem of a parallel-twin engine that loves to be revved. It’s smooth, potent, and an absolute joy to ride. However, its high CBU (Completely Built Unit) import price and lack of modern features put it at a disadvantage against the competition, making it a choice for the true Yamaha loyalist. 

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

Not a "sports bike" in the traditional faired sense, but a true "sporty" motorcycle. This quintessential café racer offers an aggressive riding posture and the soulful torque of a 650cc parallel-twin engine. For under Rs.5 lakh, you get an unmatched retro-modern experience and a visceral connection to the road. It’s the king of style in this budget. 

Conclusion: Take a Test Ride!

The sub-₹5 lakh segment is a buyer’s paradise. Whether you want the razor-sharp focus of the KTM RC 390, the all-round brilliance of the TVS Apache RR 310, the premium feel of the BMW G 310 RR, or the smooth power of the Kawasaki Ninja 400, there’s a machine waiting for you.

Our final piece of advice? Specs on paper only tell half the story. The "feel" of a bike is deeply personal. Shortlist your favourites and, most importantly, take a test ride before you make your final decision.