The mid-size super sport segment is still under growth in the Indian market. While players such as KTM have high sales volume in the segment with the KTM RC390, other manufacturers with more premium products and twin-cylinder engines are playing the value game.
Now, three manufacturers recently introduced their twin-cylinder super sport models in the Indian market with a price range that could buy you a small hatchback. In the Specification Comparison we bring you the Kawasaki Ninja 500, the Aprilia RS 457 and the Yamaha R3.
The Yamaha R3 which has the smallest engine of the lot comes with a price tag of INR 4.65 lakh ex-showroom. The Kawasaki Ninja 500, which actually has a 451cc engine comes with a price tag of INR 5.24 lakh ex-showroom. While you might think that the premium Italian is the most expensive. On the contrary, Aprilia which has the highest displacement comes with the comparatively lowest price tag of INR 4.10 lakh ex-showroom, making it the most value for money purchase between the three.
The Yamaha R3 comes with a 321cc in-line twin-cylinder liquid-cooled 8-valve engine. The engine makes 42 PS of power and 29.5 Nm of torque and comes with a 6-speed gearbox. Powering the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is a 451cc parallel-twin 8-valve liquid-cooled engine. The engine produces 45 PS of power and 43 Nm of torque and comes with a 6-speed gearbox. The Aprilia RS 457 comes with a 457 cc in-line twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that makes 48 PS of power and 43.5 Nm of torque. The 8-valve engine comes with a 6-speed gearbox.
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 comes with a 41mm right-side up telescopic front suspension and a monoshock on the rear. The Aprilia RS 457 features a 41mm upside-down fork with adjustable preload on the front and a mono shock on the rear. The Yamaha R3 features an upside down front suspension and a monoshock on the rear. In terms of braking, the Kawasaki comes with a 310mm front and 220mm rear disc brakes. The Aprilia RS 457 offers a larger 320mm front and 220mm rear disc brake setup. While the Yamaha gets a 298mm disc on the front and 220mm disc on the rear.
The Kawasaki Ninja 500 weighs 171 kgs at the kerb and comes with 785mm of seat height. The Aprilia RS 457 weighs 175 kgs at the kerb and comes with an 800mm seat height. The Yamaha R3 weighs 169 kgs at the kerb and offers a 780mm seat height.
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