Quick Answer
The sub-₹50,000 segment offers ultra-budget commuter bikes prioritizing maximum fuel efficiency and minimal running costs. Top picks: Bajaj CT 110X (₹49,000), Hero HF Deluxe (₹47,000), and TVS Sport (₹48,500). Expect 70-80+ km/l mileage but basic features.
Introduction
The under-₹50,000 segment targets first-time buyers, students, and budget-conscious commuters who prioritize affordability and fuel economy above all else. These entry-level bikes sacrifice features and performance for rock-bottom pricing and exceptional mileage.
This guide reviews the best bikes available under ₹50,000 (ex-showroom), comparing specifications, real-world performance, and ownership costs.
Best Bikes Under ₹50,000 - Quick Comparison
| Model | Price (₹) | Mileage | Engine CC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero HF Deluxe | 47,000 | 70-75 km/l | 97.2cc |
| Bajaj CT 110X | 49,000 | 70-75 km/l | 115cc |
| TVS Sport | 48,500 | 75-80 km/l | 109.7cc |
| Hero Splendor+ | 52,900 | 75-80 km/l | 97.2cc |
| Bajaj Platina 100 | 51,500 | 80+ km/l | 102cc |
Top Bikes Under ₹50,000
1. Hero HF Deluxe (₹47,000)
Best for: Absolute minimum cost ownership
Hero’s most affordable motorcycle offers proven reliability with the brand’s extensive service network.
Specifications:
- Engine: 97.2cc, air-cooled
- Power: 8 PS @ 8,000 RPM
- Mileage: 70-75 km/l (real-world)
- Weight: 112 kg
Pros:
- Lowest initial cost
- Excellent mileage
- Widest service network
- Cheapest spare parts
- Proven reliability
Cons:
- Very basic features (no electric start in base variant)
- Outdated design
- Limited power for highway riding
- Basic suspension
Best for: Daily commute under 30 km, tight budget, first bike.
2. Bajaj CT 110X (₹49,000)
Best for: Rugged build and off-road capability
Bajaj’s budget offering with slightly more power and rugged styling.
Specifications:
- Engine: 115cc, DTS-i
- Power: 8.6 PS @ 7,500 RPM
- Mileage: 70-75 km/l
- Weight: 122 kg
Pros:
- Higher ground clearance (180mm)
- More powerful than 100cc rivals
- Electric start standard
- Better build quality than HF Deluxe
- Tough for bad roads
Cons:
- Slightly higher price
- Heavier weight
- Average refinement
- Basic features
Best for: Rural/semi-urban riders, bad road conditions.
3. TVS Sport (₹48,500)
Best for: Best mileage in segment
TVS’s fuel efficiency champion with modern design.
Specifications:
- Engine: 109.7cc, Dura-Life
- Power: 8.2 PS @ 7,000 RPM
- Mileage: 75-80 km/l (real-world)
- Weight: 116 kg
Pros:
- Excellent mileage
- Modern styling
- Sync braking technology
- Good build quality
- Comfortable seat
Cons:
- Smaller service network vs Hero
- Less powerful than CT 110X
- Limited features
- Average resale value
Best for: Long daily commutes, maximum fuel savings.
4. Hero Splendor+ (Just above ₹50,000)
Note: At ₹52,900, slightly exceeds budget but worth considering.
India’s best-selling bike offers:
- 80+ km/l mileage
- i3S start-stop technology
- Electric start
- Best resale value
Worth the ₹3,000 extra over HF Deluxe for features and better styling.
Buying Considerations
What to Expect in This Budget
Standard features:
- Basic drum brakes (front and rear)
- Kick start (electric start costs extra ₹3,000-5,000)
- Halogen lighting
- Analog instrument cluster
- Basic suspension
- 4-speed gearbox
Features you won’t get:
- Disc brakes
- LED lighting
- Digital console
- ABS
- USB charging
- Tubeless tires (on most models)
On-Road Price Reality
Ex-showroom ₹48,000 bike costs approximately:
- Registration: ₹2,000
- Road tax: ₹4,800
- Insurance: ₹3,000
- Total on-road: ₹57,800
Budget ₹60,000 total for under-₹50,000 bikes.
Running Costs Comparison
Monthly cost (500 km riding):
- Fuel: ₹500-600 (at 75 km/l, petrol ₹100/liter)
- Maintenance: ₹200-300 (averaged over year)
- Insurance: ₹250/month
- Total: ₹950-1,150/month
Annual maintenance: ₹6,000-8,000
New vs Used in This Budget
Pros of Buying New Under ₹50,000
- 2-year warranty
- Known history
- No hidden issues
- Free first service
- Latest BS6 emission norms
Alternative: Used Bikes ₹30,000-40,000
For ₹30,000-40,000, you can get:
- 2-3 year old Splendor/Shine
- Better features than new budget bikes
- More power
Risk: Potential hidden issues, no warranty, unknown maintenance history.
Recommendation: If mechanically savvy or have trusted mechanic, used bikes offer better value. Otherwise, new budget bike provides peace of mind.
Which Bike Should You Buy?
Choose Hero HF Deluxe if:
- Absolute minimum budget
- Service network accessibility priority
- Simple, reliable transportation only
Choose Bajaj CT 110X if:
- Ride on bad roads regularly
- Need slightly more power
- Want rugged build
Choose TVS Sport if:
- Maximum mileage priority
- Prefer modern styling
- Willing to pay ₹1,500 extra for better looks
Stretch budget to Splendor+ if:
- Can afford ₹60,000 on-road
- Want best resale value
- Need electric start
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Bajaj CT 110X (₹49,000) includes electric start. Hero and TVS offer electric start variants around ₹51,000-53,000. Self-start adds ₹3,000-5,000 to base price. For strict ₹50,000 budget, CT 110X is best option with electric start.
Real-world city mileage: 60-70 km/l in traffic. Highway mileage: 75-85 km/l at steady 50-60 km/h. Manufacturers claim 80-90 km/l (ARAI), but expect 10-15% lower in actual use. TVS Sport and Hero Splendor deliver best real-world mileage at 75-80 km/l combined.
Buy under-₹50,000 bike if: (1) Urgent need, can't wait to save more, (2) Very limited budget, (3) Short daily commute only. Save for ₹70,000-80,000 bike if: (1) Can wait 6-12 months, (2) Need better performance/features, (3) Plan highway riding. Mid-range bikes offer significantly better value and satisfaction.
Annual maintenance: ₹6,000-8,000 including 3-4 services, chain maintenance, brake shoes, engine oil. Service costs: ₹800-1,200 per regular service, ₹2,000-2,500 for annual service. These bikes have cheapest spare parts - brake shoes ₹150, chain set ₹1,200, clutch plates ₹400. Hero parts are 10-15% cheaper than Bajaj/TVS.
Conclusion
The under-₹50,000 segment delivers no-frills transportation with exceptional fuel economy. Hero HF Deluxe offers lowest cost and widest service reach, Bajaj CT 110X provides ruggedness, and TVS Sport balances mileage with modern design.
If possible, stretch budget to ₹52,000-55,000 for Hero Splendor+ or Honda CD 110 Dream—the ₹3,000-5,000 extra brings electric start, better styling, and superior resale value, making it worthwhile investment.