The Triumph Speed T4 is a rare sub-2 lakh (ex-showroom) motorcycle that makes you forget its price. Its 349cc liquid-cooled TR engine produces 29PS and 31Nm, paired with a slick six-speed gearbox and torque-assist clutch. Built on a rigid hybrid-perimeter frame with a 43mm front fork and a gas-charged monoshock, it offers unmatched control among retro-styled bikes. Premium looks, easy city and highway handling, and a 16,000km service interval make it a bike worth checking out.
However, if you are curious to explore what else this budget can offer, you’ll find the alternatives below are genuinely interesting.
Honda CB350 H’ness
Price: Rs 1.93–1.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
If you are looking for a stronger vintage flavour, the CB350 H’ness is one of the most refined, reliable and relaxed classic machines on the market. Taking inspiration from the 1970s’ Honda CB series, it features a simple design and metal body construction but with a modern finish. It gets a semi-digital console and offers features such as Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation and call management as an optional package. All-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS and traction control are standard, though.
It is built on a duplex cradle frame with a telescopic fork and twin rear shock absorbers. Paired with a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, the setup delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. Its 348.36cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine delivers 30Nm at just 3,000rpm and provides a strong low-end pull and refined cruising experience.
The CB 350H’ness is not an outright performance motorcycle, but it offers a deep classic character along with a kind of long-term ownership confidence that only Honda can offer.
Yezdi Scrambler
Price: Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
If the T4 offers class, the Yezdi Scrambler brings character — loud, rugged, and unapologetically retro. It is built on a simple double-cradle frame but has long suspension travel. The seat height is accessible at 813mm. Mixed with minimalistic bodywork and spoked wheels – a 19-inch front, a 17-inch rear, and dual-sport tyres – the setup handles mixed terrain more confidently than a road-biased machine would.
Paired with a six-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch, its 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine delivers 30PS and 30Nm. The Scrambler also gets switchable dual-channel ABS that lets you intentionally slip the rear with a dedicated off-road mode. It has a semi-digital instrument console, twin exhausts and knuckle guards
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
Price: Rs 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 offers a completely different proposition. With its GSX-inspired, supersport-like full-body fairing, it seems like a very committed hardcore performance motorcycle. However, it flips the thought as soon as you sit on it. Behind its aerodynamically optimised cowl are raised clip-on bars and a comfortable seat – the riding posture is relaxed with a hint of sportiness. It has a diamond frame, a telescopic fork and a link-type rear monoshock, all of which deliver a composed and comfortable ride. Plus, it gets nice wide tyres and dual-channel ABS for confident control, whether you are navigating traffic or speeding on open roads.
Under its sporty skin sits a 249cc oil-cooled engine, producing about 26.5PS and 22.2Nm. The motor feels pretty refined and offers linear power delivery. It also gets a digital instrument console with call/SMS alerts and navigation – all of which is missing on the T4.
Bajaj Dominar 400
Price: Rs 2.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
If you frequently ride long distances, the Dominar 400 is the most capable highway tourer in this price bracket. The perimeter frame, the USD front fork and the gas-charged monoshock give it excellent high-speed composure. Plus, the wide radial tyres and large disc brakes inspire genuine confidence at triple-digit speeds.
It has a 349cc liquid-cooled engine, married to a six-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch for effortless shifts. The motor produces over 40.6PS and around 33.2Nm, making it the most powerful motorcycle on this list. It also brings a more complete electronics package, featuring four riding modes, traction control, ride-by-wire and dual-channel ABS.
It feels bigger, heavier and less agile in traffic, but once you hit open roads, it feels right at home..
KTM 200 Duke
Price: Rs 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The KTM 200 Duke is the one to pick if you want a motorcycle that makes urban riding a whole lot of fun. It gets a 5-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, ride-by-wire, and dual-channel ABS with switchable rear channel. It has the smallest engine on this list, delivering around 25PS and 19.3Nm. But the Duke’s real advantage is its light and sharp chassis. Paired with the super-responsive WP suspension setup, it feels sporty and precise. Weighing just under 160kg, the 200 Duke really changes direction with almost no effort at all.The 200 Duke makes for a fun ride in cityscapes and makes an even wider grin on your face during a spirited run on a twisty road.
