1.Suzuki GSX250R - $4,999(indian rs:400000)
The smallest displacement model in this list is also the cheapest in terms of money, but don’t mistake low price or small engine for a lack of fun. The funky Suzuki GSX250R not only looks like a miniature sports bike but has chassis dynamics that match bikes costing four times as much.
The single-cylinder, 249cc engine produces 24.7 horsepower and 17.1 foot-pounds of torque and pushes along an all-in weight of 392 pounds but the raw numbers don’t tell the whole story. There is something about using all of a bike’s performance 100% of the time that is just intoxicating.
If you want to learn how to ride fast, then learning how to maintain corner speed is the key, and the less power your bike has, the more you have to learn to not scrub off too much speed going into corners. That needs a good chassis and that is exactly what the Suzuki has. Brilliant, simple fun.
2.Yamaha YZF-R3 - $5,299(indian rs:418700)
Even sports bikes can possess practicality, which, of course, is essential as they are often only a bike. The Yamaha YZF-R3 is a YZF-R1 miniature clone but has enough R1 DNA to make it a proper sports bike pocket rocket.
The R3 is a brilliantly dynamic motorcycle, the chassis, and suspension working in perfect harmony to give a true sports bike feel on the road or track. There’s a parallel twin engine, producing 41.4 smooth horsepower and giving the R3 enough performance to keep any rider happy.
What Yamaha has managed to do is make the R3 more comfortable than you would expect from an uncompromising sports bike, with a comfortable seat and easy reach to the ‘bars. Being physically small, you might expect it to be cramped for taller riders but Yamaha has worked magic to make it fit any height of the rider.
Small displacement it may be, but the parallel-twin engine still manages to sound throaty and will scream all the way up to 14,000rpm, which only helps the sensation of being on a full-size sports bike. The gearbox has to be worked hard, as with all small-displacement bikes but the ‘change is slick and smooth, positively encouraging flicking through the ‘box to find the right ratio for the riding conditions.
3.KTM RC390 - $5,799(indian rs:458200)
KTM might be known primarily for its off-road and adventure bikes, but that’s not to say they don’t know how to make a great sports bike: you only have to look at the RC8 and 1290 Super Duke R to see that.
The secret to the RC390’s success is a good power-to-weight ratio, the single-cylinder engine producing 44 horsepower, and the whole bike weighing in at 342 pounds.
Like the R3 and GSX250R, it has the looks of a liter-superbike, but in a much more accessible package which, with a well-developed chassis and excellent WP APEX suspension, gives the best combination of sharp handling and suppleness over bumps.
A great electronics package includes cornering traction control and ABS, while a ByBre caliper on the single front disc gives excellent braking feel and power. It feels a little more cramped than the R3, thanks to higher-mounted foot pegs, but this just means more ground clearance if you have the confidence to push it to the limits on the track.
With more power and less weight than the R3, the engine on this bike is a single-cylinder unit and isn’t as smooth as the Yamaha and won’t rev to as high a ceiling, but the punchy torque is all you need. Combined with the chassis, this is such a well-rounded baby sports bike that will never fail to put a big grin on your face.
4.Kawasaki Ninja 400 - $5,799(indian rs:458200)
Neatly rounding off the ‘baby’ superbike class is the Kawasaki Ninja 400 which is a combination of the best bits of both the Yamaha R3 and KTM RC390.
The 399cc parallel-twin pushes out a useful 44 horses, which is the same as the KTM and around 3 more than the Yamaha, while it weighs 370 pounds, more than the KTM but on a par with the Yamaha.
With top marks for build quality and reliability, the Ninja 400 is, again like the Yamaha and KTM, so easy to live with but exciting at the same time, with big-bike character and comfort, refinement, great performance (119mph top speed) and great looks.
Perhaps the performance is on the limit for a single front disc but how many riders are going to be pushing it that hard all the time anyway? Brilliant handling but the suspension is supple enough to soak up bumpy roads.
There really is nothing to choose between the R3, RC390, and Ninja 400 so pick a color that matches the rest of your garage!
5.Kawasaki Ninja 650 - $8,299(indian rs:655700)
Quite a jump in price from the Ninja 400 and its immediate rivals, the Ninja 650 is similar in that it is a toned-down sports bike, this time in the 600cc class. It is nowhere near as frantic and hardcore than the ZX-6R, the Ninja 650 marries the best of both worlds: comfort and perfectly adequate performance and chassis dynamics.
The 650cc parallel-twin engine pushes out a useful 67.3 horsepower which the chassis and suspension can cope with adequately although the overall package feels a lot softer than the Ninja 400 and certainly nowhere near the ZX-6R.
This is to its advantage as it’s a superbly accessible bike with just enough of everything to prevent you from feeling short-changed. The riding position is a little cramped and the seat is hard but if you are after a fun and engaging middleweight motorcycle with the looks of a full-on sports bike, Kawasaki build and engineering quality, and better performance than the 400, then the Ninja 650 is a very good choice.
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