Quick Answer
- Top picks include Hero Splendor Plus (₹72,900), Honda Shine (₹79,800), and Yamaha FZ-S (₹1,19,900)
- Best for commuting: Hero Splendor Plus offers 80+ km/l mileage
- Best for performance: TVS Apache RTR 160 4V provides excellent power and handling
- Scooters like Honda Activa 6G (₹74,536) are ideal for city riding
- Consider factors: mileage, maintenance cost, resale value, and riding purpose
Introduction
Finding the perfect bike under ₹1 lakh in India requires balancing performance, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and your specific riding needs. This comprehensive guide covers the best motorcycles and scooters available in this budget segment, helping you make an informed decision.
The sub-₹1 lakh segment is India’s most competitive bike market, with manufacturers offering excellent options across categories - from fuel-efficient commuters to sporty machines. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a daily commuter, or someone looking for weekend riding fun, there’s a bike in this range that matches your requirements.
This guide analyzes the top bikes under ₹1 lakh, compares their specifications, examines real-world performance, and helps you understand which bike offers the best value for your specific needs.
Table of Contents
- Top 10 Bikes Under 1 Lakh
- Best Commuter Bikes
- Best Sports Bikes
- Best Scooters
- Detailed Bike Reviews
- Price Comparison
- Buying Considerations
- Financing Options
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Top 10 Bikes Under 1 Lakh
Based on sales data, customer reviews, and expert analysis, here are the top 10 bikes under ₹1 lakh in India for 2025:
Top 10 Bikes Under ₹1 Lakh - Quick Comparison
| Bike Model | Price (₹) | Mileage (km/l) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Splendor Plus | 72,900 | 80+ | Commuter |
| Honda Shine | 79,800 | 65 | Commuter |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 95,000 | 60 | Sports |
| TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | 1,18,000 | 45 | Sports |
| Yamaha FZ-S | 1,19,900 | 48 | Naked Sports |
| Honda Activa 6G | 74,536 | 50 | Scooter |
| TVS Jupiter | 73,400 | 62 | Scooter |
| Hero Glamour | 84,500 | 70 | Commuter |
| Bajaj Platina 110 | 69,000 | 84 | Commuter |
| Honda SP 125 | 85,200 | 65 | Sports Commuter |
Best Commuter Bikes
Commuter bikes prioritize fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and comfortable riding position for daily use. Here are the top options:
Hero Splendor Plus
The Hero Splendor Plus remains India’s best-selling motorcycle for good reason. With a 97.2cc engine delivering 80+ km/l mileage, it’s the most economical choice for daily commuting. The bike features i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology that further improves fuel efficiency in city traffic.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 97.2cc, air-cooled
- Power: 8 PS @ 8,000 rpm
- Mileage: 80+ km/l
- Price: ₹72,900 (ex-showroom)
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing fuel economy and low running costs.
Honda Shine
Honda Shine offers refined performance with its 124cc engine and Honda’s legendary build quality. The bike delivers smooth power delivery, excellent reliability, and comfortable ergonomics for long-distance riding.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 124cc, air-cooled
- Power: 10.7 PS @ 7,500 rpm
- Mileage: 65 km/l
- Price: ₹79,800 (ex-showroom)
Best for: Riders seeking reliability, brand reputation, and balanced performance.
Bajaj Platina 110
The Bajaj Platina 110 focuses on comfort with its unique ComforTec technology featuring longer suspension travel and softer seat. It offers excellent mileage and is ideal for bumpy Indian roads.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 115.45cc, DTS-i
- Power: 8.6 PS @ 7,000 rpm
- Mileage: 84 km/l
- Price: ₹69,000 (ex-showroom)
Best for: Riders prioritizing comfort and mileage on rough roads.
Best Sports Bikes
For those who want performance and style without breaking the bank:
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
The Apache RTR 160 4V delivers genuine sports bike performance with its race-tuned engine and aggressive styling. Features like glide-through technology and smartphone connectivity make it a modern choice.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 159.7cc, oil-cooled, 4-valve
- Power: 17.55 PS @ 9,250 rpm
- Mileage: 45-48 km/l
- Price: ₹1,18,000 (ex-showroom)
Best for: Young riders wanting sporty performance and modern features.
Yamaha FZ-S
Yamaha FZ-S combines muscular styling with the smooth, refined 149cc Blue Core engine. Known for excellent build quality and comfortable riding position, it’s ideal for both city commutes and weekend rides.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 149cc, air-cooled, Blue Core
- Power: 12.2 PS @ 7,250 rpm
- Mileage: 48-50 km/l
- Price: ₹1,19,900 (ex-showroom)
Best for: Riders seeking a balance of style, performance, and fuel efficiency.
Bajaj Pulsar 125
The Pulsar 125 brings the iconic Pulsar DNA to the 125cc segment. With LED headlamps, split seats, and sporty styling, it offers a premium feel at an affordable price.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 124.4cc, DTS-i
- Power: 11.8 PS @ 8,500 rpm
- Mileage: 55-60 km/l
- Price: ₹95,000 (ex-showroom)
Best for: First-time buyers wanting sporty looks with manageable power.
Best Scooters
Scooters offer convenient storage, easy handling, and comfortable riding position for city use:
Honda Activa 6G
India’s best-selling scooter, the Activa 6G features BS6-compliant 110cc engine with enhanced fuel injection for better mileage. Its spacious under-seat storage and reliable performance make it ideal for daily use.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 109.51cc, air-cooled
- Power: 7.68 PS @ 8,000 rpm
- Mileage: 50 km/l
- Price: ₹74,536 (ex-showroom)
Best for: All riders seeking hassle-free commuting with excellent resale value.
TVS Jupiter
TVS Jupiter offers feature-rich experience with its Intelligo technology, spacious storage, and comfortable seat. The External Fuel Fill Cap adds convenience at fuel stations.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 109.7cc, air-cooled
- Power: 7.47 PS @ 7,500 rpm
- Mileage: 62 km/l
- Price: ₹73,400 (ex-showroom)
Best for: Families and riders who prioritize features and comfort.
Buying Considerations
Mileage vs Performance Trade-off
Higher mileage bikes typically have smaller engines (100-125cc) and prioritize fuel economy over performance. Sports bikes with larger engines (150-160cc) offer better acceleration and top speed but consume more fuel.
Decision Guide:
- Daily commute under 30km: Choose high-mileage commuter (Hero Splendor Plus, Bajaj Platina)
- Mixed city and highway riding: Opt for 125cc segment (Honda Shine, Pulsar 125)
- Performance focus with acceptable mileage: Select 150-160cc sports bikes (FZ-S, Apache RTR 160)
Maintenance Costs
Consider the cost of regular servicing, spare parts availability, and service center accessibility:
- Hero & Bajaj: Widest service network, affordable spare parts
- Honda: Premium pricing for parts, excellent service quality
- TVS & Yamaha: Moderate pricing, good service availability
Resale Value
Top performers in resale value:
- Honda Activa - Retains 60-65% value after 3 years
- Hero Splendor Plus - 55-60% retention
- Yamaha FZ - 50-55% retention
Insurance Costs
Annual insurance for bikes under ₹1 lakh ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 depending on:
- Engine capacity
- City of registration
- No-claim bonus
- Add-on covers
Financing Options
Bike Loan Options
Most banks and NBFCs offer two-wheeler loans with:
- Loan Amount: Up to 90% of bike’s on-road price
- Interest Rate: 9-14% per annum
- Tenure: 12-36 months
- Processing Fee: ₹500-1,000
EMI Calculation Example
For a bike priced at ₹1,00,000 with ₹20,000 down payment:
- Loan Amount: ₹80,000
- Interest Rate: 12% p.a.
- Tenure: 24 months
- Monthly EMI: ₹3,768
Frequently Asked Questions
Hero Splendor Plus offers the best value for daily commuting with 80+ km/l mileage, low maintenance costs, and excellent reliability. For slightly better performance, consider Honda Shine at ₹79,800.
Commuter bikes (100-125cc) prioritize fuel efficiency (60-80 km/l), comfortable upright riding position, and low running costs. Sports bikes (150-160cc) focus on performance with better acceleration, aggressive styling, and modern features but offer lower mileage (45-55 km/l).
Choose a scooter (Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter) if you prioritize convenient storage, easy handling in traffic, and don't frequently ride on highways. Opt for a bike if you need better highway performance, longer riding range, and lower fuel costs.
Bajaj Platina 110 delivers the best mileage at 84 km/l, closely followed by Hero Splendor Plus at 80+ km/l. These bikes are ideal for minimizing fuel expenses.
On-road price is typically 15-18% higher than ex-showroom price, including registration charges (₹2,000-5,000), road tax (8-12% of bike price), insurance (₹3,000-6,000), and other charges. For a ₹1 lakh bike, expect on-road price around ₹1.15-1.18 lakhs.
Yes, dealers often offer discounts of ₹2,000-5,000, especially during festive seasons. You can also negotiate on accessories, free services, or exchange bonus if trading in an old bike.
Honda leads in service quality but charges premium rates. Hero and Bajaj offer the widest service network with affordable costs. TVS and Yamaha provide good balance of service quality and pricing.
Bike loans make sense if: (1) you can afford 20-30% down payment, (2) EMI fits your monthly budget comfortably, and (3) interest rate is below 12%. Avoid loans for bikes under ₹70,000 as interest costs significantly increase the total price.
Conclusion
The sub-₹1 lakh bike segment offers exceptional variety catering to every riding need. Hero Splendor Plus and Bajaj Platina 110 lead for pure fuel economy, Honda Shine and Hero Glamour balance performance with efficiency, while TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Yamaha FZ-S deliver sporty thrills.
For city-focused riders, Honda Activa 6G and TVS Jupiter provide hassle-free scooter convenience. Your final choice should align with your primary usage pattern, budget for running costs, and personal preferences regarding style and features.
Next Steps
- Shortlist 2-3 bikes based on your riding needs and budget
- Take test rides to experience handling and comfort
- Check on-road prices including insurance and registration in your city
- Explore financing options if needed
- Negotiate for best deal including accessories or free services
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