Quick Answer
- Best overall value: Honda Shine (₹79,800) - refinement, reliability, and resale
- Best mileage: Hero Splendor Plus (₹72,900) - 80+ km/l real-world
- Best features: Bajaj Pulsar 125 (₹79,000) - LED lights, sporty styling
- Best for comfort: Bajaj Platina 110 (₹69,000) - ComforTec suspension
- Sweet spot segment offering 100-125cc bikes with balanced features and costs
Introduction
The ₹65,000-75,000 segment represents the sweet spot for Indian commuters—offering superior refinement, features, and performance compared to ultra-budget bikes while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency and affordable running costs.
This guide analyzes the best motorcycles and scooters under ₹75,000, helping you choose based on priorities like mileage, brand reliability, or features.
Best Bikes Under ₹75,000 - Detailed Comparison
| Model | Price (₹) | Type | Mileage | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Splendor Plus | 72,900 | Commuter | 80+ km/l | 8 PS |
| Honda Shine | 79,800 | Commuter | 65 km/l | 10.7 PS |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 79,000 | Sports Commuter | 55-60 km/l | 11.8 PS |
| TVS Raider 125 | 77,500 | Sports Commuter | 67 km/l | 11.2 PS |
| Honda Activa 6G | 74,536 | Scooter | 50 km/l | 7.7 PS |
| Hero Glamour | 84,500 | Commuter | 70 km/l | 9.1 PS |
Detailed Reviews
Honda Shine (₹79,800) - Editor’s Choice
Best for: Riders prioritizing reliability and brand value
Honda’s legendary 125cc commuter sets the standard for refinement and build quality.
Key Strengths:
- Smoothest engine in segment (minimal vibrations)
- Premium build quality and finish
- Excellent resale value (retains 55-60%)
- Comfortable for both city and highway
- Reliable - many run 1 lakh+ km
Real-world Ownership:
- Mileage: 60-65 km/l (city/highway combined)
- Service cost: ₹1,000-1,500 per service
- Spare parts: Premium pricing but widely available
- Annual maintenance: ₹10,000-12,000
Worth the premium? Yes, if you value refinement and plan to keep bike 5+ years.
Hero Splendor Plus (₹72,900) - Mileage King
Best for: Maximum fuel savings and lowest running cost
India’s best-selling motorcycle for 20+ years for good reason.
Key Strengths:
- Unbeatable 80+ km/l mileage
- i3S start-stop technology saves fuel in traffic
- Widest service network (6,000+ centers)
- Cheapest spare parts
- Proven reliability
Real-world Ownership:
- Mileage: 75-85 km/l (city/highway)
- Service cost: ₹800-1,000 per service
- Annual maintenance: ₹7,000-9,000
- Resale: 55-58% after 3 years
Best value if mileage and service accessibility are priorities.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 (₹79,000) - Feature Leader
Best for: Young buyers wanting sporty styling and features
Brings Pulsar DNA to 125cc segment with LED lighting and aggressive design.
Key Strengths:
- Full LED lighting (headlamp, tail lamp)
- Sporty split-seat design
- Digital instrument console
- Best-in-class 11.8 PS power
- Tubeless tires standard
Real-world Ownership:
- Mileage: 50-60 km/l (varies with riding style)
- More vibrations than Honda/Hero
- Service cost: ₹1,200-1,600
- Annual maintenance: ₹11,000-13,000
Trade-off: Features come at cost of refinement and mileage.
TVS Raider 125 (₹77,500) - Modern Tech
Best for: Technology enthusiasts
TVS’s sporty 125cc with segment-first features and good mileage balance.
Key Strengths:
- SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity
- Voice assist navigation
- Good mileage (67 km/l) despite performance
- Glide through technology
- Modern muscular styling
Real-world Ownership:
- Mileage: 62-70 km/l
- Smooth engine, refined
- Service cost: ₹1,000-1,400
- Good build quality for price
Best pick for tech-savvy riders not willing to sacrifice mileage.
Honda Activa 6G (₹74,536) - Scooter Champion
Best for: City convenience and storage
India’s favorite scooter with unmatched reliability and resale.
Key Strengths:
- 18-liter under-seat storage
- Easy automatic transmission
- Best scooter resale value (60-65%)
- LED headlamp
- Comfortable for all riders
Real-world Ownership:
- Mileage: 45-50 km/l
- Service cost: ₹1,200-1,800
- Annual maintenance: ₹12,000-15,000
- Zero resale worries
Premium over competitors justified by reliability and resale value.
What You Get vs Under-₹50,000 Segment
Improvements for ₹20,000-25,000 more:
- Electric start (standard on most)
- Better refinement and build quality
- Tubeless tires (on select models)
- LED lighting (Bajaj Pulsar, TVS Raider)
- Digital console options
- Improved suspension comfort
- Brand prestige (Honda)
Worth upgrading? Absolutely. The ₹20,000 extra delivers significantly better ownership experience.
Buying Decision Framework
Choose Honda Shine If You Want:
- Best refinement and smoothness
- Premium brand reliability
- Strong resale value
- Comfortable highway capability
- Willing to pay ₹3,000-4,000 extra annually for quality
Choose Hero Splendor Plus If You Want:
- Maximum fuel efficiency
- Lowest ownership costs
- Best service accessibility
- Proven reliability
- Simple, fuss-free commuting
Choose Bajaj Pulsar 125 If You Want:
- Sporty styling and presence
- Maximum features (LED, digital)
- Best power in segment
- Youth-oriented brand image
- Can compromise on mileage (55 km/l)
Choose TVS Raider If You Want:
- Modern technology (Bluetooth)
- Balanced mileage + features
- Unique styling
- Value for money
- Good after-sales (TVS improving)
Choose Honda Activa If You Want:
- Scooter convenience
- Storage space (18L)
- Easy riding in traffic
- Best scooter resale value
- Automatic transmission
On-Road Price & Financing
Example: Honda Shine ₹79,800
- Registration: ₹3,000
- Road Tax (10%): ₹7,980
- Insurance: ₹4,500
- Accessories: ₹3,000
- Total On-Road: ₹98,280
Loan Option (₹20,000 down payment):
- Loan amount: ₹78,000
- Interest 12% for 24 months
- Monthly EMI: ₹3,680
Top 3 Recommendations by Use Case
Daily Office Commute (30-50 km):
- Honda Shine - Refinement for longer rides
- Hero Splendor Plus - Fuel savings add up
- TVS Raider - Tech + efficiency
Budget-Conscious First Buyer:
- Hero Splendor Plus - Lowest total ownership cost
- Bajaj Platina 110 - Comfort for bad roads
- TVS Sport - Best mileage, modern look
City Traffic + Occasional Highway:
- Honda Shine - Versatility
- TVS Raider 125 - Good balance
- Bajaj Pulsar 125 - Highway capability
Maximum Convenience:
- Honda Activa 6G - Best scooter
- TVS Jupiter - Features at lower price
- Hero Maestro Edge - Budget option
Frequently Asked Questions
Depends on priorities. Shine offers: superior refinement, better highway comfort, premium build quality, and higher resale value (₹5,000-8,000 more after 3 years). However, Splendor gives 15-20 km/l better mileage, saving ₹3,000-4,000 annually in fuel. Choose Shine for quality, Splendor for economy.
Hero Splendor Plus has lowest annual maintenance at ₹7,000-9,000 due to: cheapest spare parts, longest service intervals (3,500 km), widespread service centers, and simple engine design. Honda Shine costs ₹10,000-12,000 annually (premium parts). Bajaj and TVS fall in between at ₹9,000-11,000.
Buy 125cc if: (1) Daily commute over 30 km, (2) Regular highway riding, (3) Frequent pillion rides, (4) Want better resale value. Stick with 100cc if: (1) Only city riding under 25 km/day, (2) Absolute minimum cost priority, (3) Mileage over 75 km/l essential. 125cc offers better overall value despite 10-15 km/l lower mileage.
Yes, scooters cost 15-20% more annually to maintain. Activa annual maintenance: ₹12,000-15,000 vs Shine bike: ₹10,000-12,000. Reasons: CVT belt/rollers replacement (₹2,000-3,000), costlier tires, complex bodywork. However, scooters offer convenience that justifies higher costs for many riders.
Conclusion
The ₹65,000-75,000 segment delivers excellent value with matured products from top manufacturers. Honda Shine dominates for overall quality, Hero Splendor Plus wins on economy, Bajaj Pulsar 125 appeals to youth, and TVS Raider brings modern technology.
For most buyers, this segment offers better long-term value than stretching to ₹1 lakh+ or settling for under-₹50,000 bikes. The balanced mix of features, efficiency, and reliability makes these bikes ideal first motorcycles or sensible commuters.