Any good rider needs a riding companion, but how do you choose the right one for you? In the realm of powerful bikes, 400cc bikes have carved out a distinct niche. This is because 400cc bikes offer a sweet spot that caters to both experienced riders and relative newbies.
In this article, we’ll take you through some of the best 400cc bikes in India as well as bikes that perform like 400cc bikes. Hopefully, this should help make your purchase decision a little bit simpler.
Model |
Engine Displacement |
Ex-Showroom Price* |
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 |
452 CC |
₹2.85 lakh onwards |
Bajaj Dominar 400 |
373.3 CC |
₹2.29 lakh onwards |
Kawasaki Ninja 400 |
399 CC |
₹5.24 lakh onwards |
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 |
373.2 CC |
₹3.30 lakh onwards |
Benelli Imperiale 400 |
374 CC |
₹2.05 lakh onwards |
KTM 390 Duke |
373.2 CC |
₹3.11 lakh onwards |
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is an adventure touring motorcycle designed to conquer both paved roads and rugged trails.
Adventure enthusiasts seeking a capable on and off-road machine. It’s also a good choice for riders that prioritise comfort and ease of handling.
The Bajaj Dominar 400 is a sport-touring motorcycle that comes with an extremely powerful engine.
The Bajaj Dominar 400 is a fantastic option for riders that are looking for a bike that’s good for both daily commuting and occasional long-distance touring.
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is another very popular motorbike in the Indian market. The bike offers a good blend of performance, agility, and great design.
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great option for anyone that’s looking for a sporty yet approachable bike. The bike is also popular among youngsters, thanks to its stylish design.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is a stylish motorcycle that focuses on minimalism and urban riding. It’s become all the rage among Indians with an eye for unique design.
Since the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is an urban motorcycle, it’s best-suited for urban commuters braving the city. It’s also good for the occasional urban escape.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 is well-known for its timeless retro-style design and relaxed riding experiences.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 is great for riders who are fans of classic styling and a laid-back riding experience. The comfortable seat and relaxed ergonomics of the bike make for a leisurely ride.
The KTM 390 Duke is a popular naked street bike. It’s recognisable by even people that aren’t bike enthusiasts, thanks to its aggressive style.
The KTM 390 Duke is perfect for riders that prioritise performance and agility in urban environments. Its aggressive stance and powerful engine have also made it quite popular among bike enthusiasts.
These 400cc bikes provide a variety of options for Indian riders, ranging from sportbikes to adventure tourers and streetfighters. Choosing the right motorcycle can be quite challenging, but knowing your priorities can help greatly! Here are some things to consider before settling in on a motorcycle:
Be sure to assess your riding experience. While some 400cc bikes are suitable for beginners, others may be more performance-oriented and better suited for experienced riders. Evaluate your own riding capabilities and the bike’s offering to understand if it’s the right fit for you!
It’s crucial that you map out why you need the bike - what’s the primary purpose of making the purchase? Are you looking for a daily commuter, a long-distance tourer, an adventure bike, or a sporty weekend ride? Different 400cc bikes cater to various riding styles and purposes.
You might want to consider the offerings of the bike to understand how comfortable (or uncomfortable) it is. Consider its comfort and ergonomics’ features. Some things to look into would be - seat height, handlebar position, and overall riding posture. This is an important pointer that many of us overlook but it makes a huge difference in the riding experience, particularly with longer journeys.
Evaluate the maintenance costs and availability of spare parts. This exercise is especially important if you’re planning on purchasing a lesser-known or imported bike. Consider service intervals, cost of routine maintenance, and the overall cost of ownership in your purchase decision - your future self will thank you for it!
You might already be aware that 400cc bikes are not as fuel-efficient as smaller bikes. However, you should still consider fuel-efficiency while choosing your 400cc bike. This will help you save thousands (if not lakhs) of rupees in the long run!
It’s very important that you look into insurance costs as they’re not only compulsory but also recurring. Insurance costs can vary depending on the bike's make, model, and your location. You can check out a whole range of motor insurance options on Bajaj Markets.
The KTM 390 Duke is popular among bike enthusiasts for its aggressive styling, powerful performance, and advanced features like a TFT display and quick-shifter.
Well, yes and no, because the answer to this question will depend on the beginner’s riding and manoeuvring skills. Apart from that, it will also depend on the bike’s model and its power delivery. Some 400cc bikes are designed with beginner-friendly features, while others may be more performance-oriented. So, it’s always a good idea to take a look at the features and specifications of any bike before taking it out for a ride. This is particularly important if you're a beginner.
Fuel efficiency generally varies greatly depending on the model, riding conditions, and riding styles. Across the board, 400cc bikes may provide a balance between power and fuel economy. This makes them a great choice for both daily commuting and occasional long rides.
Most, if not all 400cc bikes are well-suited for highway cruising, as they offer a good mix of power and stability. Other features like comfortable riding posture and aerodynamic design are some things that you might want to consider. Comfort and ergonomic features greatly contribute to the riding experience, particularly on the highway.
Well, it depends! Maintenance costs greatly vary between models and brands. If you’re concerned about the maintenance costs in the long run, then you should make sure to check the manufacturer's service terms. Always get a bike whose maintenance you can afford comfortably as regular and timely maintenance greatly contributes to the longevity of the bike.
It really depends on which 400cc bike you’re referring to. Some 400cc bikes are designed for off-road adventures, some models, especially in the adventure-touring category, may have capabilities for light off-road use. Always make sure to do your research on the on-road and off-road capabilities to make sure you know what you’re getting into!
400cc bikes are quite versatile and are, hence, a good option for many kinds of riders. For starters, they’re generally preferred by those who have outgrown their smaller bikes and want a more powerful and versatile machine. They’re also good for urban adventurers looking for a sleek yet powerful bike that can accommodate their urban escapes.
Yes, many 400cc bikes are great for daily commuting. Here are some factors you should consider when looking for a 400cc bike that can help you brave the traffic - comfort, fuel efficiency, and manoeuvrability.