13 Best Liquid-Cooled Engine Bikes in India 2024
Home » 13 Best Liquid-Cooled Engine Bikes in India 2024
List of the Best Liquid-Cooled Engine Bikes in India in 2024
Name | Starting Price (₹) |
---|---|
KTM 390 Adventure | 3.40 Lakh |
Kawasaki Ninja 300 | 3.18 Lakh |
KTM Duke 390 | 2.87 Lakh |
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | 2.83 Lakh |
TVS Apache RR 310 | 2.63 Lakh |
Yezdi Adventure | 2.44 Lakh |
BMW G 310 R | 2.50 Lakh |
Jawa Perak | 2.13 Lakh |
Bajaj Dominar 400 | 1.92 Lakh |
Jawa 350 | 1.99 Lakh |
Yamaha R15 V4 | 1.82 Lakh |
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 | 1.82 Lakh |
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 | 1.58 Lakh |
How a Liquid-Cooled Engine Works
Coolant Circulation
A liquid-cooled engine uses a mixture of water and antifreeze (coolant) to regulate temperature. This coolant circulates through channels and passages within the engine block, cylinder head, and other components.
Heat Absorption
As the engine runs, it generates heat due to combustion. The coolant absorbs this heat from the engine components, preventing them from overheating.
Radiator and Cooling System
The heated coolant flows to the radiator, located at the front of the motorcycle. The radiator has a network of thin tubes and fins. Air passing through the radiator cools the tubes and fins, dissipating heat from the coolant.
Thermostat
The thermostat regulates coolant flow. When the engine is cold, the thermostat restricts flow to allow faster warm-up. As the engine reaches operating temperature, the thermostat opens fully, allowing maximum coolant flow.
Water Pump
The water pump circulates coolant through the system. It’s usually driven by a belt connected to the engine.
Cooling Fans (if applicable)
Some motorcycles have electric cooling fans. These fans turn on when the engine temperature rises, providing additional cooling.
Benefits of Liquid Cooling
- Efficient heat dissipation: Liquid cooling is more effective than air cooling.
- Consistent temperature: Helps maintain optimal engine temperature.
- Allows higher performance: Liquid-cooled engines can handle higher power outputs.
Additional Considerations
- Thermal Efficiency: Liquid-cooled engines can maintain a more consistent operating temperature, which can improve thermal efficiency and reduce engine wear.
- Noise Reduction: Liquid cooling systems can help reduce engine noise compared to air-cooled engines, as they often operate more quietly.
- Compact Design: Liquid cooling allows for more compact engine designs, which can be beneficial in modern motorcycle designs where space is at a premium.
Top 13 Liquid-Cooled Engine Bikes in India
1. KTM 390 Adventure
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 373.2 cc |
Mileage | 25-30 km/l |
Maximum Power | 42.9 bhp @ 9000 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 liters |
Ground Clearance | 200 mm |
Kerb Weight | 177 kg |
2. Kawasaki Ninja 300
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 296 cc |
Mileage | 25-30 km/l |
Maximum Power | 38.4 bhp @ 11000 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 27 Nm @ 10000 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 17 liters |
Ground Clearance | 140 mm |
Kerb Weight | 179 kg |
3. KTM Duke 390
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 373.2 cc |
Mileage | 25-30 km/l |
Maximum Power | 42.9 bhp @ 9000 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 13.4 liters |
Ground Clearance | 185 mm |
Kerb Weight | 163 kg |
4. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 648 cc |
Mileage | 20-25 km/l |
Maximum Power | 47 bhp @ 7250 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 52 Nm @ 5250 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 13.7 liters |
Ground Clearance | 174 mm |
Kerb Weight | 202 kg |
5. Jawa Perak
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 334 cc |
Mileage | 30-35 km/l |
Maximum Power | 30 bhp @ 8200 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 31 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 14 liters |
Ground Clearance | 145 mm |
Kerb Weight | 179 kg |
6. TVS Apache RR 310
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 312.2 cc |
Mileage | 30-35 km/l |
Maximum Power | 33.5 bhp @ 9700 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 27.3 Nm @ 7700 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 11 liters |
Ground Clearance | 180 mm |
Kerb Weight | 174 kg |
7. Yezdi Adventure
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 334 cc |
Mileage | 35.16 km/l |
Maximum Power | 30.30 PS @ 8000 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 29.84 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 15.5 liters |
Ground Clearance | 220 mm |
Kerb Weight | 198 kg |
8. BMW G 310 R
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 313 cc |
Mileage | 30-35 km/l |
Maximum Power | 33.5 bhp @ 9500 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 28 Nm @ 7500 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 11 liters |
Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
Kerb Weight | 158.5 kg |
9. Jawa 350
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 343 cc |
Mileage | 30-35 km/l |
Maximum Power | 26.51 bhp @ 6500 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 32.74 Nm @ 5000 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 14 liters |
Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
Kerb Weight | 172 kg |
10. Bajaj Dominar 400
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 373.3 cc |
Mileage | 25-30 km/l |
Maximum Power | 39.4 bhp @ 8650 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 35 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 13 liters |
Ground Clearance | 157 mm |
Kerb Weight | 193 kg |
11. Yamaha R15 V4
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 155 cc |
Mileage | 45-50 km/l |
Maximum Power | 18.4 bhp @ 10000 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 14.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 11 liters |
Ground Clearance | 170 mm |
Kerb Weight | 142 kg |
12. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 249 cc |
Mileage | 35-40 km/l |
Maximum Power | 26.5 bhp @ 9300 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 12 liters |
Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
Kerb Weight | 161 kg |
13. Bajaj Pulsar NS200
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Displacement | 199.5 cc |
Mileage | 35-40 km/l |
Maximum Power | 23.17 bhp @ 9500 rpm |
Maximum Torque | 18.3 Nm @ 8000 rpm |
Fuel Capacity | 12 liters |
Ground Clearance | 169 mm |
Kerb Weight | 154 kg |
Which is Better: Liquid-Cooled or Air-Cooled Engines in Bikes?
Air-Cooled Engines
- Simplicity and Cost-Effectiveness: Air-cooled engines are simpler with fewer parts, which generally makes maintenance more affordable.
- Quick Warm-Up: They warm up faster than liquid-cooled engines, making them ideal for short trips or colder climates.
- Lighter Weight: Absence of radiators and coolant makes air-cooled engines lighter.
- Drawbacks: They tend to have inconsistent operating temperatures, higher noise levels, and are more prone to overheating in traffic or stop-and-go conditions.
Liquid-Cooled Engines
- Performance and Efficiency: Liquid-cooled engines often offer higher performance levels and can rev higher due to better cooling capabilities.
- Emissions Control: They help maintain consistent air-fuel ratios, crucial for emissions compliance.
- Maintenance: Requires periodic coolant replacement and attention to rubber hoses, radiators, and water pumps, which can develop leaks.
- Quieter Operation: Despite their complexity, liquid-cooled engines are quieter due to water jackets acting as sound insulators.
Several bikes in India feature liquid-cooled engines, including models like the KTM Duke 390, Kawasaki Ninja 300, and Yamaha R15 V4.
Liquid-cooled bikes often offer better performance and more consistent engine temperature control compared to air-cooled bikes, making them suitable for higher power outputs and emissions compliance.
Liquid cooling in bikes involves circulating a coolant (usually a mixture of water and antifreeze) through passages in the engine and a radiator. This helps dissipate heat more effectively than air-cooling methods.
Yes, some models of the Bajaj Pulsar, like the Pulsar NS200, feature a liquid-cooled engine for enhanced performance and heat management.
As of 2024, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is among the more affordable options for a liquid-cooled bike in the Indian market.
Liquid cooling is generally considered better for high-performance engines due to its ability to maintain more stable operating temperatures. However, air cooling is simpler and more cost-effective for certain applications.
Liquid-cooled bikes tend to be more expensive due to the additional components required, such as radiators, coolant systems, and water pumps. These components contribute to higher manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Several Indian motorcycles feature liquid-cooled engines, including models from manufacturers like KTM, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Royal Enfield (Interceptor 650).
Yes, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is one of the Royal Enfield models equipped with a liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine.
The choice between air-cooled and liquid-cooled bikes depends on factors like performance requirements, maintenance preferences, and intended usage. Liquid-cooled bikes are often preferred for higher performance and smoother operation, while air-cooled bikes are simpler and lighter.
Liquid-cooled engines generally offer better heat dissipation, which allows for more consistent operating temperatures and better performance. They also tend to be quieter and can handle higher power outputs compared to air-cooled engines.
Yes, liquid-cooled engines typically require more maintenance due to the coolant system. This includes periodic coolant changes (every 2-5 years), checking for leaks in radiators and hoses, and ensuring proper functioning of the water pump.
Generally, yes. Liquid-cooled engines can maintain more stable operating temperatures, which often leads to better fuel efficiency compared to air-cooled engines, especially during extended high-speed or heavy-load conditions.
Yes, many liquid-cooled bikes are designed to handle a variety of terrains, including off-road conditions. Models like the KTM 390 Adventure and Kawasaki Ninja 300 are equipped with robust cooling systems and suitable suspension for off-road use.
Liquid-cooled engines tend to be more complex and can be heavier due to the additional components like radiators and coolant systems. They may also be more susceptible to coolant leaks or overheating in certain conditions compared to simpler air-cooled engines.