Riding a motorcycle in India is more than just a way to get around—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re dodging traffic in a bustling city, heading to college, or enjoying a weekend cruise, a budget-friendly bike under 1 lakh rupees can make every journey enjoyable and affordable.
The best budget motorcycles under 1 lakh in India for 2025 combine fuel efficiency, modern features, and reliability, making them perfect for students, daily commuters, or first-time riders. In this article, I’ll dive into five top picks—Hero Splendor Plus, Honda SP 125, TVS Raider 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and Hero Xtreme 125R—with detailed specifications to help you find the perfect ride. All prices are on-road in Delhi as of July 2025 and may vary by location.
Why Choose a Budget Motorcycle?
Motorcycles under 1 lakh are a practical choice for India’s roads. They’re affordable to buy, cheap to run, and built to handle daily commutes with ease. Many of these bikes now come with modern features like digital instrument clusters, USB charging ports, and even ABS for safer braking. Whether you’re looking for a bike to save on fuel or one with a sporty vibe, the best budget motorcycles under 1 lakh offer great value without breaking the bank.
Top 5 Budget Motorcycles Under 1 Lakh in India
Here’s a detailed breakdown of five of the best budget motorcycles under 1 lakh in India, complete with comprehensive specifications, features, and why they stand out. These bikes are chosen based on their performance, affordability, and popularity in 2025.
1. Hero Splendor Plus
- Price: ₹79,121 (on-road, Delhi)
- Engine: 97.2 cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder, OHC
- Power: 7.91 bhp @ 8000 rpm
- Torque: 8.05 Nm @ 6000 rpm
- Transmission: 4-speed manual, wet multiplate clutch
- Mileage: 60-80.6 kmpl (claimed), ~63 kmpl (user-reported)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.8 liters (1-liter reserve)
- Suspension: Front – Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers, Rear – 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers
- Brakes: Front – 130mm drum, Rear – 130mm drum (standard); Front – 240mm disc, Rear – 130mm drum (XTEC variant)
- Tyres: Front – 80/100-18, Rear – 80/100-18, tubeless
- Wheels: Alloy wheels
- Weight: 112 kg
- Seat Height: 788 mm
- Ground Clearance: 165 mm
- Dimensions: Length – 2070 mm, Width – 790 mm, Height – 1075 mm
- Colors: Blue Black, Black Red Purple, Sports Red Black, Force Silver, Black and Accent, Matt Grey, Nexus Blue Silver
- Features: i3S technology (idle stop-start for fuel saving), digital instrument cluster, USB charging port (in some variants), LED headlamps (in some variants), single-channel ABS (in XTEC variant), multi-reflector headlamps for better night visibility
- Warranty: 5 years or 70,000 km (whichever is earlier)
- Service Network: Hero’s extensive network with over 6,000 service centers across India
Why It’s Great: The Hero Splendor Plus is a legend in India, known for its unbeatable mileage and low maintenance costs. Its lightweight design and simple mechanics make it ideal for rural and urban riders alike. The i3S technology helps save fuel, and the wide service network ensures easy upkeep. Perfect for those who want a reliable, no-fuss bike for daily use.
2. Honda SP 125
- Price: ₹94,221 (on-road, Delhi)
- Engine: 123.94 cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder, fuel-injected
- Power: 10.72 bhp @ 7500 rpm
- Torque: 10.9 Nm @ 6000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, wet multiplate clutch
- Mileage: 61 kmpl (user-reported), up to 65 kmpl (claimed)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11 liters
- Suspension: Front – Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers, Rear – 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers
- Brakes: Front – 240mm disc or 130mm drum, Rear – 130mm drum, with CBS (Combi-Brake System)
- Tyres: Front – 80/100-18, Rear – 80/100-18, tubeless
- Wheels: Alloy wheels
- Weight: 116 kg
- Seat Height: 790 mm
- Ground Clearance: 160 mm
- Dimensions: Length – 2020 mm, Width – 785 mm, Height – 1103 mm
- Colors: Mat Marvel Blue Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Siren Blue, Mat Axis Grey Metallic, Imperial Red Metallic
- Features: Full digital instrument cluster with real-time fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency, distance to empty, service due indicator, gear position indicator, eco indicator; LED headlamp; USB Type-C charging port; silent start system; side stand engine cut-off; idling stop system; Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology
- Warranty: 3 years or 42,000 km (whichever is earlier)
- Service Network: Honda’s widespread network with over 5,000 service centers in India
Why It’s Great: The Honda SP 125 is a premium commuter with a sleek design and advanced features like a digital cluster and silent start. Its fuel-injected engine offers smooth performance, and the CBS ensures safer braking. It’s a great choice for riders who want a stylish, reliable bike for city commutes.
3. TVS Raider 125
- Price: ₹90,094 (on-road, Delhi)
- Engine: 124.8 cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder, fuel-injected
- Power: 11.2 bhp @ 7500 rpm
- Torque: 11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, wet multiplate clutch
- Mileage: 56.7 kmpl (claimed), ~58 kmpl (user-reported)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10 liters
- Suspension: Front – Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers, Rear – 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers (mono gas charged)
- Brakes: Front – 240mm disc or 130mm drum, Rear – 130mm drum, with SBT (Syncro Braking Technology)
- Tyres: Front – 90/90-17, Rear – 90/90-17, tubeless
- Wheels: Alloy wheels
- Weight: 123 kg
- Seat Height: 780 mm
- Ground Clearance: 170 mm
- Dimensions: Length – 2020 mm, Width – 790 mm, Height – 1075 mm
- Colors: Forza Blue, Wicked Black, Striking Red, Fiery Yellow, Blazing Blue, Wicked Black (SXC), Fiery Yellow (SXC), Wicked Black (Single Seat), Striking Red (Single Seat), Iron Man, Black Panther, Wicked Black (iGO), Nardo Grey (iGO)
- Features: Fully digital reverse LCD instrument cluster with multi-color display, Bluetooth connectivity (in SmartXonnect variant), LED headlamp and tail lamp, USB charging port, side stand engine cut-off, mono gas charged suspension, under-seat storage
- Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 km (whichever is earlier)
- Service Network: TVS’s robust network with over 4,000 service centers in India
Why It’s Great: The TVS Raider 125 stands out with its sporty design and tech-heavy features like Bluetooth connectivity and a digital cluster. Its powerful engine and agile handling make it a favorite among young riders looking for style and performance.
4. Bajaj Pulsar 125
- Price: ₹86,759 (on-road, Delhi)
- Engine: 124.4 cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder, fuel-injected, twin-spark DTS-i
- Power: 11.64 bhp @ 8500 rpm
- Torque: 10.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, wet multiplate clutch
- Mileage: ~50 kmpl (user-reported)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.5 liters
- Suspension: Front – Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers, Rear – 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers (Nitrox)
- Brakes: Front – 240mm disc or 130mm drum, Rear – 130mm drum, with CBS (Combined Braking System)
- Tyres: Front – 90/90-17, Rear – 120/80-17, tubeless
- Wheels: Alloy wheels
- Weight: 140 kg
- Seat Height: 790 mm
- Ground Clearance: 165 mm
- Dimensions: Length – 2020 mm, Width – 785 mm, Height – 1075 mm
- Colors: Black Green, Black Red, Black Blue, Black Silver, Red Carbon Fibre (Split Seat), Blue Carbon Fibre (Split Seat), Red Carbon Fibre, Blue Carbon Fibre
- Features: Digital instrument cluster with gear position indicator, distance to empty readout, instantaneous fuel economy, average fuel economy; LED tail lamp; side stand engine cut-off; halogen headlamp; clip-on handlebar
- Warranty: 5 years or 75,000 km (whichever is earlier)
- Service Network: Bajaj’s extensive network with over 4,500 service centers in India
Why It’s Great: The Bajaj Pulsar 125 carries the iconic Pulsar legacy with its sporty looks and powerful engine. It’s perfect for riders who want a bike that’s fun to ride, stylish, and reliable for daily commutes.
5. Hero Xtreme 125R
- Price: ₹99,123 (on-road, Delhi)
- Engine: 124.7 cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder, fuel-injected, Sprint-EBT
- Power: 11.4 bhp @ 8250 rpm
- Torque: 10.5 Nm @ 6000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, wet multiplate clutch
- Mileage: 58 kmpl (user-reported), 66 kmpl (claimed)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10 liters
- Suspension: Front – 37mm telescopic fork (Showa-tuned), Rear – 7-step adjustable monoshock (Showa-tuned)
- Brakes: Front – 276mm disc with single-channel ABS, Rear – 130mm drum
- Tyres: Front – 90/90-17, Rear – 120/80-17, tubeless
- Wheels: Alloy wheels
- Weight: 136 kg
- Seat Height: 794 mm
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm
- Dimensions: Length – 2040 mm, Width – 795 mm, Height – 1051 mm
- Colors: Stallion Black, Firestorm Red, Cobalt Blue, Stallion Black (Single Seat), Firestorm Red (Single Seat), Cobalt Blue (Single Seat)
- Features: Fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity for calls and SMS alerts, LED headlamp and tail lamp, hazard lamp, side stand engine cut-off, USB charging port, sporty muffler cover
- Warranty: 5 years or 70,000 km (whichever is earlier)
- Service Network: Hero’s extensive network with over 6,000 service centers across India
Why It’s Great: The Hero Xtreme 125R is a sporty commuter with a modern design and advanced features like single-channel ABS and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s ideal for young riders who want a bike that’s both practical and stylish.
Comparison Table of Top Budget Motorcycles
| Bike Model | On-Road Price (₹) | Engine (cc) | Mileage (kmpl) | Power (bhp) | Weight (kg) | Ground Clearance (mm) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Splendor Plus | 79,121 | 97.2 | 63 (user-reported) | 7.91 | 112 | 165 | i3S technology, digital cluster, USB port |
| Honda SP 125 | 94,221 | 123.94 | 61 (user-reported) | 10.72 | 116 | 160 | Digital cluster, LED headlamp, CBS, USB Type-C |
| TVS Raider 125 | 90,094 | 124.8 | 58 (user-reported) | 11.2 | 123 | 170 | Bluetooth connectivity, LED lights, SBT |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 86,759 | 124.4 | 50 (user-reported) | 11.64 | 140 | 165 | Digital cluster, LED tail lamp, CBS |
| Hero Xtreme 125R | 99,123 | 124.7 | 58 (user-reported) | 11.4 | 136 | 180 | Single-channel ABS, Bluetooth, LED lights |
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle
Choosing the right bike depends on your needs and preferences:
- Fuel Efficiency: If saving on fuel is your priority, the Hero Splendor Plus (63 kmpl) or Hero Xtreme 125R (58-66 kmpl) are top choices.
- Style and Performance: For a sporty look and feel, the TVS Raider 125 or Bajaj Pulsar 125 offer bold designs and strong engines.
- Comfort and Safety: The Honda SP 125 provides a smooth ride with CBS, while the Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider 125 include advanced safety features like ABS.
- Maintenance: Hero and Honda bikes benefit from widespread service networks, making maintenance affordable and convenient.
Before buying, take a test ride to check comfort and handling. Also, compare on-road prices and look for festive offers or financing options to get the best deal.
Additional Tips for Budget Buyers
- Verify On-Road Prices: Prices listed are for Delhi as of July 2025. Costs may vary by city due to taxes and registration fees, so check with local dealers.
- Look for Offers: Brands like Hero, Honda, TVS, and Bajaj often roll out festive discounts or low-interest EMI schemes, especially around July 2025.
- Insurance: Two-wheeler insurance is mandatory in India under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It protects against accidents, theft, and damage. Check options with insurers like Bajaj Finance.
- Maintenance Costs: Opt for bikes with strong service networks like Hero or Bajaj to keep maintenance costs low, typically ₹2,000-4,000 annually.
Final Thoughts
The best budget motorcycles under 1 lakh in India for 2025 offer something for everyone. The Hero Splendor Plus is the king of mileage and reliability, perfect for cost-conscious riders. The Honda SP 125 blends style and tech for urban commuters. The TVS Raider 125 and Bajaj Pulsar 125 bring sporty vibes for younger riders, while the Hero Xtreme 125R adds premium features like ABS and Bluetooth. Each bike is a solid investment for daily rides or occasional trips.
Take a test ride, compare features, and check for deals to find your ideal ride. With these bikes, you’re not just getting an affordable motorcycle—you’re getting a reliable partner for the road. Ride safe and enjoy the journey!
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