You may have heard a lot about motorcycles that come equipped with a slipper clutch. So, just what is a slipper clutch, exactly? Simply put, this feature keeps the rear wheel from locking up during forceful downshifts by allowing the clutch to slip slightly during smooth downshifts. Additionally, it generally results in a very trouble-free lever motion. This kind of function is typically found on performance motorcycles.
However, there are also options available to you if money is tight and you’re searching for a performance motorcycle with a slipper clutch. Continue reading.
Best Affordable Bikes With Slipper Clutch
1. KTM RC 390
Let’s begin with the priciest bike available. One of the most well-liked sports bikes in India is the RC 390, which retails for Rs 3.63 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It also has all the high-end amenities you would anticipate from a motorbike focused on performance. It has a loud 373.3cc liquid-cooled engine, a computerized instrument cluster, and dual-channel ABS. This motor has a maximum torque of 35 Nm at 7000 rpm and 43.50 PS at 9000 rpm. The fully faired motorbike also has a slipper clutch, a feature that was originally seen on the RC 390 of the previous generation.
| ENGINE | 373.27 cc |
| POWER | 42.9 bhp @ 9000 rpm |
| TORQUE | 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 170 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 13.7L |
| PRICE | 3,63,298/- |
2. TVS APACHE RR310
In the Indian market, TVS Motor Company has introduced the 2021 Apache RR 310. The motorcycle’s most recent version offers several improvements over the 2020 model. These consist of several basic updates as well as add-ons, such as a slipper clutch.
A wave bite key, which is supposed to provide improved security and function as an in-hand adjuster for damping adjustments, is included in the list of standard enhancements. The color TFT display on the 2021 model has also been modified to incorporate a day trip meter, an over-speed alert, an engine rpm limit indicator, and the ability to store and display digital documents.
| ENGINE | 312.2 cc |
| POWER | 33.5 bhp @ 9700 rpm |
| TORQUE | 27.3 Nm @ 7700 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 160 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 11L |
| PRICE | 3,10,702/- |
3. BAJAJ DOMINAR 400
The Dominar 400, Bajaj’s flagship model, never truly took the sales chart by storm. But because of its value for money, it did resonate with some people. It comes equipped with niceties like a digital instrument cluster, a USD fork up front, and dual-channel ABS. The 2019 Dominar 400 has a slipper clutch, just like the model that came before it, and the lever movement is noticeably lighter than on the previous model.
| ENGINE | 373.3 cc |
| POWER | 39.42 bhp @ 8800 rpm |
| TORQUE | 35 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 155 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 13L |
| PRICE | 2,76,094 /- |
4. YAMAHA R15 V4
Yamaha Motor India has declared that the YZF-R15 range will be introduced in our market in 2023. The YZF-R15 standard variant’s color scheme has been modified by Yamaha Bikes for 2023, and the M version gains new features. For instance, the instrument cluster on the YZF-R15M has been replaced with a color TFT display from the LCD unit on the previous model. Like the unit on the previous iteration, the new display has Bluetooth connectivity, and the system is operated by a specific smartphone application.
The M variant retains the features of the previous model, including a quick-shifter (for upshifts only), two ride modes (Track and Street), dual-channel ABS, traction control, assist and slipper clutch, LED taillight, single bi-functional LED headlight with twin-LED DRLS and variable valve actuator (VVA). It also gains LED turn indicators.
| ENGINE | 155 cc |
| POWER | 18.1 bhp @ 10000 rpm |
| TORQUE | 14.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 140 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 11L |
| PRICE | 2,15,491/- |
5. TVS APACHE RTR 200 4V
The Apache RTR 200 4V Race Edition 2.0, which TVS introduced in 2018, was the company’s first motorbike to be equipped with a slipper clutch. It’s also the most reasonably priced of this lot, coming in at Rs 1.66 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It is the most affordable motorcycle with a slipper clutch available in India. According to the manufacturer, the slipper clutch on their motorcycle contributes to a 22% reduction in clutch effort.
As a result, the 2022 Apache RTR 200 has three ride modes (Rain, Sport, and Urban), a Showa rear monoshock, preload-adjustable Showa front suspension, TVS SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity, and adjustable clutch and brake levers.
| ENGINE | 197.75 cc |
| POWER | 20.54 bhp @ 9000 rpm |
| TORQUE | 17.25 Nm @ 7250 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 5 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 127 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 12L |
| PRICE | 1,66,741/- |
6. ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN 450
The 411cc model of the motorcycle is replaced by the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. It’s a whole new motorcycle that has been designed from the ground up, not an upgraded model. With its rebuilt frame, updated engine, and current amenities, it can now more seriously compete with bikes like the Triumph Scrambler 400 X and KTM 390 Adventure.
The redesigned exterior conceals a brand-new 450cc engine. With 40 horsepower and 40 Nm, this is Royal Enfield’s first engine with liquid cooling. It is standardly coupled to a six-speed gearbox that has a slipper clutch and assistance. Additional features include Bluetooth connectivity and a color TFT screen with Google Maps. It also has a ride-by-wire throttle and switchable ABS.
| ENGINE | 452 cc |
| POWER | 39.47 bhp @ 8000 rpm |
| TORQUE | 40 Nm @ 5500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 135 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 17L |
| PRICE | 3,29,312/- |
7. APRILIA RS 457
Aprilia’s newest supersport motorcycle for the Indian market is the RS 457. It draws inspiration for its design from the Aprilia RS660. The RS457 has an aggressive posture and an overall sleek and modern style.
The RS457 from Aprilia comes with a 457cc parallel-twin cylinder engine. It produces 43.5 Nm and 47.6 horsepower. Together with a slipper clutch, the engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
The Aprilia RS457 is equipped with three riding modes, traction control, ABS, an anti-roll system, complete LED illumination, and a five-inch TFT to cycle among rider aids like engine maps.
| ENGINE | 457 cc |
| POWER | 46.9 bhp @ 9400 rpm |
| TORQUE | 43.5 Nm @ 6700 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | – |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 13L |
| PRICE | 4,68,803/- |
8. TVS RAIDER 125
With the introduction of the Raider, TVS Motor Company created a stir in the 125cc premium commuter bike market. In the Indian market, the 125cc bikes class competitor from this Hosur-based two-wheeler manufacturer faces up against the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 and the Honda SP 125. The Raider model from TVS Motor Company comes with the choice of single-disc, drum brakes, and connected technology. From a safety perspective, this sports bike is equipped with two power modes and a wet multi-plate slipper clutch.
| ENGINE | 124.8 cc |
| POWER | 11.2 bhp @ 7500 rpm |
| TORQUE | 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 5 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 99 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 10L |
| PRICE | 1,11,393/- |
9. HUSQVARNA VITPILEN 250 AND SVARTPILEN 250
Because of its simple design philosophy, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 are without a doubt one of the most unique bikes on this list. However, that just makes these Swedish bikes more enjoyable to ride and nimble.
The KTM 250 Duke provided the same platform that is used by the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250. A 248.76cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that generates 24Nm at 7,500 rpm and 29.5 horsepower at 9,000 rpm powers the motorcycles. It is coupled to a slipper clutch and six-speed gearbox.
| ENGINE | 248.76 cc |
| POWER | 30.84 bhp @ 9000 rpm |
| TORQUE | 24 Nm @ 7250 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 150 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 9.5L |
| PRICE | Vitpilen 250 – Rs.2,60,167/-Svartpilen 250 – Rs.2,60,579/- |
10. HONDA HNESS CB350
The Honda Motorcycles launched the H’ness CB350 against the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and the Classic 350. A 348.36 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 21 horsepower and 30 Nm of peak torque powers the neo-retro cruiser. This engine is available with a five-speed gearbox that has a slip-and-assist clutch.
The Honda Selectable Torque Control system, which aids in preserving rear-wheel traction, is also included with the CB350. Regarding features, this bike has a semi-digital instrument console and is compatible with the Honda Smartphone Voice Control (HSVC) system, which enables users to connect a smartphone via Bluetooth to the console and access services like music, turn-by-turn navigation, and phone calls.
| ENGINE | 348.36 cc |
| POWER | 20.78 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| TORQUE | 30 Nm @ 3000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 5 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 125 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 15L |
| PRICE | 2,41,922/- |
