Best 125cc Bikes in India 2026: Top Picks

[QuickAnswerBox] Looking for the best 125cc bikes in India for 2026? This guide covers top picks like the Honda Shine 125, Hero Glamour XTEC, and Bajaj Pulsar 125. We’ll help you consider budget, fuel efficiency, and features to make the right choice. Plus, we’ll point out common mistakes to avoid. [/QuickAnswerBox]

Introduction: Why 125cc Bikes Still Rule the Indian Roads in 2026

The 125cc motorcycle – it’s still king of the road in India, isn’t it? And there’s a solid reason why. These bikes nail that sweet spot: fuel efficiency, affordability, and practicality. They’re perfect for dodging through crazy city traffic or taking the occasional highway trip. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a student watching your wallet, or just someone who wants a reliable and economical ride, a 125cc is often the answer.

Looking ahead to 2026, the 125cc scene is getting even hotter. Manufacturers are loading up on features and tweaking those engines to keep up with what Indian riders want. So, in this guide, we’re diving deep into the best 125cc bikes you can find in India in 2026. We’ll check out the top contenders, break down what they’re good at (and not so good at), and give you everything you need to make a smart choice. Ready to find your perfect two-wheeled buddy?

What to Consider Before Buying a 125cc Bike in 2026

Choosing the right 125cc bike can feel like a proper headache with so many options around. So, here’s a quick rundown of the important stuff to think about before you buy:

• Fuel Efficiency: This is super important for daily travel in India. With petrol prices always climbing, a bike that sips fuel can save you a lot of cash over time. And remember, BS6 is the standard now, so you’re getting cleaner emissions too.

• Budget: Don’t just look at the sticker price! Think about the long game – maintenance, insurance, and those little repairs that always seem to pop up. And what about those cool accessories you’ve got your eye on?

• Engine Performance: Where do you usually ride? Do you need something nimble for city streets, or do you sometimes hit the open road? A 125cc engine is a good all-rounder, but pay attention to those power and torque numbers.

• Comfort and Ergonomics: If you’re riding every day, you need to be comfy! Check the seat height, how the handlebars feel, and just how it all fits together. If you often have someone on the back, make sure they’re happy too.

• Features: These days, even 125cc bikes come with some cool stuff. A digital display can give you all the info you need, a USB charger is great for your phone, and safety features like CBS (Combined Braking System) or ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) can really make a difference.

• Reliability and After-Sales Service: Stick with a brand that’s known for being reliable and has a good service network. That way, if anything goes wrong, you won’t be stuck waiting ages for repairs.

• Styling and Design: Okay, practicality is key, but you’ve got to like the way it looks, right? Pick a bike that you think is cool and shows off your style.

Budget Breakdown: How Much Does a 125cc Bike Really Cost in India?

Figuring out how much a 125cc bike really costs means looking beyond just the price tag in the showroom. Let’s break down all the costs you need to keep in mind:

• On-Road Price vs. Ex-Showroom Price: The ex-showroom price is just the base cost. The on-road price? That includes registration, road tax, insurance, and those “handling fees” that nobody really understands. The on-road price can change a lot depending on where you live.

• Registration and Road Tax: Your state government sets these prices, and they can vary quite a bit. Expect to shell out anywhere from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 for registration and road tax, depending on the bike’s price and how powerful the engine is.

• Insurance: You’ve got two main choices: third-party and comprehensive. Third-party is the one you have to have – it covers damage to other people’s vehicles or property if you have an accident. Comprehensive insurance gives you more cover, including damage to your own bike. Budget around ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per year for third-party, and ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 for comprehensive.

• Accessories: Want to add some crash guards, a fancy seat cover, or a luggage rack? These extras will add to the cost. Set aside about ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 for accessories, depending on what you want.

• Maintenance Costs: Regular servicing, oil changes, and new parts are a must to keep your bike running smoothly. Plan on spending around ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per year on maintenance, depending on the bike and how often you ride.

• Fuel Costs: This depends on how far you ride each day and how good your bike’s mileage is. If you’re doing 50 km a day and getting 60 kmpl, you’ll probably spend around ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 a month on fuel (assuming petrol is ₹100 a litre).

Here’s an example of what it might cost to own a 125cc bike that costs ₹80,000 (ex-showroom):

• Pro Tip: Shop around for insurance! Get quotes from a few different companies to see who offers the best deal.
• Pro Tip: Ask about AMCs (Annual Maintenance Contracts). These can lock in your servicing costs and save you some surprises.

Top Picks: The Best 125cc Bikes in India 2026

The 125cc market is bursting with choices, but these are our top picks for 2026. We’ve looked at performance, features, and how much bang you get for your buck.

Honda Shine 125

The Honda Shine 125 is still a favourite for Indian riders, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s known for being reliable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable – perfect for getting around every day.

• Overview: The Honda Shine 125 is a practical, no-frills bike that just gets the job done. It’s built to handle the daily grind without any fuss.

• Engine and Performance: The Shine 125 has a smooth 123.94cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that puts out about 10.74 PS of power and 11 Nm of torque. It’s nice and smooth, which is great for dealing with city traffic. Plus, it’s super fuel-efficient, so you won’t be spending a fortune on petrol.

• Key Features: The Shine 125 has CBS (Combined Braking System) for better safety, a comfy seat for those long days, and an engine that’s built to last.

• Pros:

  • Amazing fuel efficiency
  • Engine is tough and reliable
  • Riding position is comfortable
  • Honda is a brand you can trust

• Cons:

  • Not many fancy features
  • The design is pretty basic

• Target Audience: The Honda Shine 125 is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable bike for getting to work or school.

Want something even cheaper? Check out our guide to the Best Bikes Under 80000 India 2026: Top Picks.

Hero Glamour XTEC

The Hero Glamour XTEC is a 125cc bike that’s got style and features. It’s for riders who want a bit more than just the basics.

• Overview: The Hero Glamour XTEC looks sharp, with a digital display and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s a bike that looks good and keeps you connected.

• Engine and Performance: The Glamour XTEC uses a 124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes about 10.84 PS of power and 10.6 Nm of torque. It also has Hero’s i3S (idle Start-Stop System) to save even more fuel.

• Key Features: The Glamour XTEC has a digital display that connects to your phone via Bluetooth, so you can see calls and texts. It also has an LED headlight that’s nice and bright.

• Pros:

  • Looks modern and stylish
  • Digital display with Bluetooth is cool
  • LED headlight is a nice touch
  • i3S helps save fuel

• Cons:

  • A bit more expensive than the Shine 125
  • Some people might not like the styling

• Target Audience: The Hero Glamour XTEC is great for riders who want a stylish, feature-packed, and fuel-efficient 125cc bike for their daily commute.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, have a look at our recommendations for the Best Bikes Under 1.5 Lakhs in India 2026: Top Picks.

Bajaj Pulsar 125

The Bajaj Pulsar 125 brings the sporty feel of the Pulsar family to the 125cc class. It looks and feels more expensive than it actually is.

• Overview: The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is made for young riders who want a bike that’s sporty and doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s got an aggressive look, a comfortable riding position, and an engine that’s got some pep.

• Engine and Performance: The Pulsar 125 has a 124.4cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that puts out about 12 PS of power and 11 Nm of torque. That’s pretty good for a 125cc, and it makes the bike fun to ride in the city and on the highway.

• Key Features: The Pulsar 125 has sporty styling, a comfortable riding position, alloy wheels, and disc brakes for better stopping power.

• Pros:

  • Sporty design and looks
  • Engine is powerful for its class
  • Riding position is comfortable
  • Good value for the money

• Cons:

  • Fuel efficiency isn’t quite as good as the Shine 125
  • The ride can be a bit stiff

• Target Audience: The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is perfect for young riders who want a sporty, affordable, and fun 125cc bike.

Thinking about something a bit bigger? You might want to check out our guide to the Best 150cc Bikes in India 2026: Top Picks & Buying Guide.

Other Notable Mentions

The Honda Shine 125, Hero Glamour XTEC, and Bajaj Pulsar 125 are our top choices, but here are a couple of other 125cc bikes that are worth a look:

• TVS Raider 125: The TVS Raider 125 is a stylish bike with a unique design and a comfortable ride. It’s aimed at young riders who want something different and modern.
• Honda SP125: The Honda SP125 is another reliable and fuel-efficient option from Honda. It feels a bit more premium than the Shine 125 and is good for riders who want comfort and refinement.

Comparison Table: Key Specs at a Glance

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a 125cc Bike

Buying a bike is a big deal, and it’s easy to slip up if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when you’re picking out a 125cc bike:

• Skipping the Test Ride: Never, ever buy a bike without riding it first! It’s the only way to know if it’s comfortable, handles well, and has enough power for you.

• Forgetting About Maintenance: Don’t just think about the price you pay upfront. What about servicing, spare parts, and those unexpected repairs?

• Chasing Mileage Above All Else: Fuel efficiency is important, sure, but don’t sacrifice performance and comfort just to save a few rupees on petrol.

• Ignoring Safety Features: Look for bikes with CBS or ABS. They can really make a difference, especially if you’re new to riding.

• Not Thinking About Resale Value: Some bikes hold their value better than others. A bike with good resale value can save you money in the long run.

• Ignoring Reviews: See what other riders are saying! Read reviews and talk to experienced bikers to get their thoughts.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About 125cc Bikes in India

• What’s the average mileage you can expect from a 125cc bike? Generally, you’ll get somewhere between 55 kmpl and 65 kmpl from a 125cc bike in India. It depends on the model and how you ride.

• Which 125cc bike is the best for longer rides? The Honda Shine 125 and Hero Glamour XTEC are usually considered good for long rides because they have comfortable seats and a relaxed riding position.

• Can 125cc bikes handle hilly areas? They can, but they might struggle on really steep hills, especially if you have someone on the back. If you’re often riding in the hills, you might want to think about a 150cc or bigger bike.

• What’s the difference between CBS and ABS, anyway? CBS (Combined Braking System) links the front and rear brakes, so when you use the rear brake, it applies some braking force to the front too. This helps with stability. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) stops the wheels from locking up if you brake hard, so you can still steer.

• How often do I need to service my 125cc bike? Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Usually, it’s every 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers, or every 6 months – whichever comes first.

Thinking about a scooter instead? Check out our guide to the Best Family Scooters in India 2026: Top Picks & Guide if you are considering a more convenient ride. Alternatively, explore the rapidly growing electric bike market in India through our dedicated guide: Best Electric Bikes India 2026: The Ultimate Guide.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right 125cc Bike for Your Needs in 2026

Finding the best 125cc bikes in India for 2026 really comes down to what you need and what’s important to you. Keep in mind things like fuel efficiency, your budget, how comfortable it is, what features it has, and how reliable it’s likely to be. The Honda Shine 125 is still a great pick if you’re on a budget and want something that’s reliable and easy on the petrol. The Hero Glamour XTEC gives you a bit more style and features if you’re looking for something beyond the bare minimum. And the Bajaj Pulsar 125 is a good choice for younger riders who want a bike that looks sporty and is fun to ride.

The best thing to do is your homework, read some reviews, and take a few test rides. Happy hunting!