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Best bikes/two-wheelers in India 2024

Team AckoFeb 27, 2024

Due to their practicality and fuel efficiency, bikes or motorcycles are considered one of the backbones of India’s economy. If you are looking to buy one, then searching for the best bikes in India might be challenging because of the variety of models available in the market. But your search stops here. Read ahead to know the top 15 bikes in India along with their price, performance and mileage.

Contents

List of best bikes in India 2024

Here is the list of the best bikes of all budgets currently available in India (as of February 2024).

Sl. No.	Name of the bike	Price (ex-showroom Delhi)	Mileage (km/l)
1	Hero Splendor	Rs. 73440 - Rs. 85154	70 km/l
2	Honda Shine	Rs. 80,409 - Rs. 84,409	60 km/l
3	Royal Enfield Classic 350	Rs. 1,93,080 - Rs. 2,24,755	35 km/l
4	Bajaj Pulsar 150	Rs. 1,12,091 - Rs. 1,16,181	50 to 60 km/l
5	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V	Rs. 1,24,451 - Rs. 1,37,694	45 to 50 km/l
6	Yamaha FZ S V3.0	Rs. 1,21,700 - Rs. 1,22,700	45 to 50 km/l
7	Yamaha MT-15	Rs. 1,68,708 - Rs. 1,74,208	45 to 50 km/l
8	Royal Enfield Himalayan	Rs. 2,15,881 - Rs. 2,28,490	30 km/l
9	KTM RC 390	Rs. 3,16,163 - Rs. 3,18,423	25 to 30 km/l
10	Royal Enfield Hunter 350	Rs. 1,49,900 - Rs. 1,74,430	35 to 40 km/l
11	Yamaha R15 V4	Rs. 1,82,856 - Rs. 1,98,530	35 to 40 km/l
12	Revolt RV 400 (electric bike)	Rs. 1,37,950 - Rs. 1,47,950	80 kms
13	Yezdi Scrambler	Rs. 2,12,259 - Rs. 2,18,259	35 to 40 km/l
14	Hero Xpulse 4V	Rs. 1,45,896 - Rs. 1,53,289	40 km/l
15	KTM RC 125	Rs. 1,89,668	35 to 40 km/l

Category-wise Breakdown of Most Popular Bike Options

One can broadly categorise the vast range of two-wheelers in the Indian market across body styles suiting specific customer needs. Understanding individual requirements and usage priorities helps shortlist suitable categories and models therein.

Commuter Bikes

Bikes with 100-125cc engines catering to essential transportation along with excellent mileage define this category. Prime examples include Hero Splendor+, Honda CD110 Dream and TVS XL100. Such 'value for money' models sell the most in tier 2-3 cities for daily errands. Emphasis stays on reliability and durability with basic features. Prices run sub ₹70,000 and are targeted at conservative first-time buyers not expecting frills. Ladies-specific models are also available.

Sports Bikes

150-200cc motorbikes focussing on performance via strong acceleration, sophisticated brakes, and updated styling fall under this bucket. Flags Flying include Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR200, and Yamaha FZ25, which are suitable for riding enthusiasts. Common traits like rear set footpegs, aggressive posturing and digital console support the eagerness of predominantly youthful owners. Prices span Rs 1-1.5 lakhs on road. Higher versions cross 200cc+ like KTM RC390, priced above Rs 3 lakhs.

Cruiser Bikes

Distinguished by a laid-back, straight-line riding stance thanks to forward-set footboards and high bars, cruisers in India are typified by the best-selling Royal Enfield Classic 350. Other options, like Jawa Forty-Two, cater to leisurely riding styles and highway capabilities, too. Engine options presently top out at 650cc, attracting owners looking for machismo appeal rather than outright performance. Hence, models like the Interceptor 650 see a growing following. Prices run upwards of Rs 2 lakhs for retro charm themes.

Electric Bikes

Future adoption of eco-friendly electric vehicles rides high in India on increasing pollution awareness. Though limited options are currently available, startups like Revolt RV300 pitching a new biking ethos gather steam. Such silent, effortless scooters are made attractive through the latest battery technologies and fast-charging ecosystem. Operational expenses involve only battery replacement after initial premium acquisition tags of Rs 1 lakh plus. As supporting infrastructure evolves even faster, e-bikes will transform urban mobility.

By aligning individual riding styles to suitable bike categories and models and prioritising key expectations, the two-wheeler buying experience leads customers to their perfect machine. With expanding market options, more people can acquire wheels matching their aspirations thanks to flexible financing schemes nowadays.

Top 15 Bikes in India

Here is the list of the best two-wheelers in India (as of February 2024). Note that the bikes are in no particular order.

1. Hero Splendor

The Hero Splendor is one of the best-selling motorcycles in India. and is widely recognised as the best mileage bike in its category. The entry-level commuter bike is known for its affordability and convenience. It offers exceptional mileage and a comfortable seat for daily use. If you are looking for an entry-level commuter two-wheeler that offers good fuel economy and is affordable and feature-rich, you should consider the Hero Splendor.

Hero Splendor features

Engine capacity: 97cc
Mileage: 70 km/l
Power: 7.91 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 9.8 litres
Price: Rs. 73440 - Rs. 85154

2. Honda Shine

The Honda Shine is one of the top mileage bikes in India and the best-selling 125cc motorcycle currently in India. The bike is popular for its refined engine, reliability, and fuel economy. Offered in vibrant colours, the Honda Shine is for you if you want an affordable motorcycle that offers great mileage.

Honda Shine features

Engine capacity: 125cc
Mileage: 60 km/l
Power: 10.5 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 10.5 litres
Price: Rs. 80,409 - Rs. 84,409

3. Royal Enfield Classic 350

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is considered one of the best affordable cruisers in India. With a solid build quality, the Classic 350 continues to impress many with its retro design. If you want a motorcycle that combines old-school charm and new-age performance and ergonomics, consider the Royal Enfield Classic 350 bike.

Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bike Insurance

Royal Enfield Classic 350 features

Engine capacity: 350cc
Mileage: 35 km/l
Power: 20.20 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 13 litres
Price: Rs. 1,93,080 - Rs. 2,24,755

4. Bajaj Pulsar 150

The Bajaj Pulsar series is among the best-selling bikes from Bajaj Auto. With a sporty look and performance, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 is preferred by urban commuters. It comes with alloy wheels, sporty graphics, and practical features.

Bajaj Pulsar 150 features

Engine capacity: 150cc
Mileage: 50 to 60 km/l
Power: 13.80 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 15 litres
Price: Rs. 1,12,091 - Rs. 1,16,181

5. TVS Apache RTR 160

The TVS Apache 160 is a reliable and powerful bike. With sporty looks and performance, the Apache 160 is one of the best-selling bikes in India. Along with vibrant colours and features, the post-sales ownership cost is not expensive, making the TVS Apache an ideal choice for the young and adventurous.

TVS Apache RTR 160 features

Engine capacity: 160cc
Mileage: 45 to 50 km/l
Power: 13.90 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 12 litres
Price: Rs. 1,24,451 - Rs. 1,37,694

6. Yamaha FZ S V3.0

The Yamaha FZ S V3.0 continues the sporty character of its predecessor. The bike offers a comfortable riding position, and its seat cushioning is good for both the rider and the pillion. If you are looking for an all-rounder bike that offers performance and good mileage, you should consider the Yamaha FZ S.

Yamaha FZ S features

Engine capacity: 150cc
Mileage: 45 to 50 km/l
Power: 12.20 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 13 litres
Price: Rs. 1,21,700 - Rs. 1,22,700

7. Yamaha MT-15

The Yamaha MT-15 street sport bike is arguably one of the best in the segment. The chassis' agility and the refined engine offer a plush yet sporty ride. If you are looking for a sporty bike in the 150cc category, you may consider the Yamaha MT-15.

Yamaha MT-15 features

Engine capacity: 155cc
Mileage: 45 to 50 km/l
Power: 18 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 10 litres
Price: Rs. 1,68,708 - Rs. 1,74,208

8. Royal Enfield Himalayan

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a purpose-built adventure motorcycle. It is one of the best adventure bikes in India (and probably in the world) in the entry-level segment. Despite its tall stance, the Himalayan is easily approachable due to its lower seat height. Even the pillion can find comfort in the plush seating. If you are a wanderer and love to ride to new destinations across the country or the world, you may consider the Royal Enfield Himalayan.

Royal Enfield Himalayan features

Engine capacity: 411cc
Mileage: 30 km/l
Power: 24.30 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 15 litres
Price: Rs. 2,15,881 - Rs. 2,28,490

9. KTM RC 390

KTM has revolutionised the sports bike segment in India with its RC series of bikes, and the KTM RC 390 stands out not just as arguably the best sports bike in India in the entry-level category but also impresses as the best mileage bike among sports models. The RC 390 offers a solid power-to-weight ratio with its capable engine and Trellis frame, combining performance with efficiency. With sporty graphics and a powerful engine, the KTM RC 390 continues to hold sway over bike enthusiasts.

KTM RC 390 features

Engine capacity: 373.2cc
Mileage: 25 to 30 km/l
Power: 13.90 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 13.7 litres
Price: Rs. 3,16,163 - Rs. 3,18,423

10. Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Royal Enfield continues to develop bikes keeping the current trend in mind. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is one of the recent launches by the company that focuses on the current trend in the market with a modern take on the paint job and graphics. The RE Hunter 350 features alloy wheels, a throaty exhaust note, a semi-digital instrument console and a well-built 350cc single-cylinder engine.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 features

Engine capacity: 349cc
Mileage: 35 to 40 km/l
Power: 20.2 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 12 litres
Price: Rs. 1,49,900 - Rs. 1,74,430

11. Yamaha R15 V4

The Yamaha R15 V4 is an entry-level sports bike from the Japanese bike manufacturer. It offers a sporty ride and road presence with stylish graphics and an energetic engine.

Yamaha R15 features

Engine capacity: 155cc
Mileage: 35 to 40 km/l
Power: 19 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 11 litres
Price: Rs. 1,82,856 - Rs. 1,98,530

12. Revolt RV 400 (electric bike)

The Electric Vehicle (EV) market in India is progressing at a faster pace thanks to various startups and advancements in technology. Revolt RV 400 has quickly gained popularity due to its practical design and range. If you are looking for a sporty electric bike, then you should consider the Revolt RV 400.

Revolt RV 400 features

Battery pack: 3 kWh
Range: 80 to 150 kms
Weight: 108 kgs
Charging time: 4.5 hrs
Seat height: 814 mm
Price: Rs. 1,37,950 - Rs. 1,47,950

13. Yezdi Scrambler

The Yezdi Scrambler is the most-affordable scrambler bike in India. The bike is designed to be fun and accessible. It offers mild off-road capabilities and modern classic design language.

Yezdi Scrambler features

Engine capacity: 334cc
Mileage: 35 to 40 km/l
Power: 28.2 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 11 litres
Price: Rs. 2,12,259 - Rs. 2,18,259

14. Hero Xpulse 4V

The Hero Xpulse 4V is the most-affordable adventure and one of the best bikes in India. Despite its smaller engine capacity, the bike is nimble and practical for daily commutes and weekend trail-riding. It is a pocket-friendly bike with off-road capabilities. If you are a beginner in off-road riding, you may consider the Xpulse 4V.

Hero Xpulse 4V features

Engine capacity: 199.6cc
Mileage: 40 km/l
Power: 18.90 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 13 litres
Price: Rs. 1,45,896 - Rs. 1,53,289

15. KTM RC 125

The entry-level RC series from KTM is a pocket rocket. It offers a sporty ride despite its smaller engine capacity and power figures. With vibrant graphics and a powerful 125cc unit, it’s probably the fastest 125cc bike in India.

KTM RC 125 features

Engine capacity: 124.7cc
Mileage: 35 to 40 km/l
Power: 14.75 bhp
Fuel tank capacity: 13 litres
Price: Rs. 1,89,668

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Bike in India

Purchasing a bike in India requires evaluating several crucial parameters that determine the experience and costs of ownership. While sticker price draws attention, aspects like operating economy, ride comfort, after-sales support, and overall brand value require consideration for making the smartest choice.

Affordability and Overall Costs

While the superiority of engineering and appeal of marketing features matter, practical Indian buyers rate affordability as the prime factor, more so in the price-sensitive two-wheeler segment comprising a majority chunk of sales. Prospects have comprehensive options today in the 110-125cc bikes priced between Rs 60,000 and Rs 1 lakh, promising reasonable power, efficiency, and low maintenance. Midsize 150-200cc models from Rs 1-1.5 lakhs also no longer remain elite options with flexible finance schemes. Higher-range motorcycles and imported superbikes with 4X costs mostly appeal to enthusiasts not constrained by budgetary considerations. However, balance purchase price with projected expenses on fuel, service, plus spares before deciding if it suits income sustainability.

Mileage and eco-friendliness

Low running costs make the case for any automobile strong in value-focused markets like India. This explains the success of bikes like 100cc Hero Splendor and 125cc Honda Shine, relying on incredible mileage over 60kmpl as per ARAI data. While opting for extremely high mileage offerings from uncertified brands has risks regarding reliability, sticking with established manufacturers' 110-125cc bikes guaranteeing over 50kmpl makes for inexpensive commuting. Performance bikes over 150cc sacrifice outright economy for speed, but returning 35-40kmpl hardly burns big holes, considering typical young owners do not log very high daily distances. Of late, options like electric bikes are also catching on thanks to lower 'fuel' costs over their lifecycle, offsetting initial battery replacement expenses.

Performance and Power Delivery

While fuel efficiency serves most regular commuters well, others thrill from raw acceleration and power abilities steer purchase decisions. India has traditionally seen modest outputs from mass-market 100-110cc bikes, but the performance spectrum has expanded now. Bajaj Pulsar and TVS Apache series showcase capabilities of 150-160cc options maxing out 18-20PS power for enjoyable rides. Numerous 200cc+ alternatives exist for further boost by Asian and global players, adding to the mix of affordable European imports like KTM and Kawasaki. So, customers now enjoy performance levels unheard of earlier across multiple price points suiting enthusiast tastes. It is little wonder that speciality sports and superbike segments keep growing at healthy clips annually, even in smaller cities nowadays.

Build Quality and Reliability

Most bikes serve daily commuting needs for over 4-5 years; hence, reliability cannot be compromised. Weigh long-term ownership costs against any tempting short-term price advantages lower brands may pitch. Reputed manufacturers like Hero, Honda, and TVS invest in stringent testing proven technologies to ensure lasting performance with minimum breakdowns. Although global brands command premium European and Japanese companies, they also deliver engineering excellence value for money. New electric models now entering the mainstream depend upon battery pack quality plus charging infrastructure access too for trouble-free operations. Carefully factor in lifecycle costs and preventive maintenance schedules before getting swayed by marketing gimmicks alone.

Comfort and Ergonomics

While performance traits initially attract comfort, over-enthusiastic riders often overlook them. Realign handlebars, upgrade saddle, or reposition footrests through accessories if needed to ensure comfortable long-distance rides. Rider height, posture, wrist and back pains must not accompany excitement from that powerful new machine. Shorter riders need closer handle grip spans and low seat variants suiting the height available from most brands these days. Premium bikes have better wind protection aids comfort, but most machines have a customisation scope, or one can choose matching models well. Beyond marketing claims, user community insights help understand real ride feel - avoid ignoring this purchase parameter.

Latest Features and Technology

Advanced electronic fuel injection, multiple riding modes, LED lighting, digital displays, smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth, etc, differentiate modern bikes from earlier basic variants. Keyless ignition and gear shift indicators add convenience. Bikes above 150cc generally adopt higher tech, enhancing aesthetics, safety and functionality. Even smaller capacity commuters now pack surprising features unheard of earlier. Understand how much 'future readiness' fits the budget beyond impressing friends at hangout spots. But stick with value additions that actually enhance ride quality or offer essential vehicle data needed, avoiding mere show value items. Test drive models with shortlisted features for first-hand experience before getting swayed by their presence alone while making a purchase call.

Brand Image and Ownership Satisfaction

Legacy and acceptance built over decades play out varyingly for major bike manufacturers in India. Where Hero MotoCorp touches buyers with mass-market products, Honda enjoys tremendous youth connect and aspiration value. Bajaj played out power and performance for decades while TVS balances affordability with enough excitement lately. Niche players like Royal Enfield tie into nostalgia and open-road adventures. Such brand personalities and perceptions greatly sway decisions for respective target customers.

Prospective owners hardly evaluate competitors once firmly loyal to any marque through previous ownership or peer views. But carefully factor in after-sales service, parts pricing and technology acceptance for an educated buying choice. New electric startups lack brand muscle currently but aim to catch up soon, too.

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some of the common questions about the best bikes in India.

Which bike is best for daily use?

Most motorcycles in India are designed for daily use. Well-cushioned seats, reliable engine, good fuel economy and lower maintenance are some factors you must consider when choosing a bike for regular use.

Which is the best bike insurance for bikes in India?

The best two-wheeler insurance for bikes in India depends upon your requirements. While choosing the most basic Third-party Bike Insurance Policy is affordable, choosing the Comprehensive Bike Insurance ensures your bike is covered against multiple situations.

Which is the best-selling bike in India?

The Hero Splendor is the best-selling bike in India as of 2023 with over 2,50,000 units sold. The two-wheeler has been in the Indian market for more than two decades, and it continues to provide a practical approach to owning a bike in India with its affordable price and high fuel economy.

Which bike is the best for youngsters?

Some of the popular bikes in India for youngsters are the KTM RC series, Royal Enfield Classic 350, Yamaha R15, Yezdi Scrambler, Bajaj Pulsar series, and Suzuki Gixxer SF, among others.

Which is the best electric bike in India?

Currently, the Revolt RV 400 is considered one of the best electric motorcycles in India due to its practical features and availability.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any decisions.

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