Top 10 best bikes in India in 2026 according to price, mileage, features and specifications
Choosing a new bike is not only about looking at the engine size or the price on the showroom board. A motorcycle should match your daily travel, budget, riding experience, road conditions and maintenance expectations.
The Indian motorcycle market offers plenty of choices in 2026, from simple commuter bikes designed for everyday travel to sporty 125cc models and larger motorcycles built for longer rides.
In this guide, we have selected 10 popular motorcycle options across different categories and explained what type of rider each one may suit. Instead of focusing only on specifications, the goal is to help you understand what to consider before spending your money.
Important: Prices, variants, features and availability can change. Always verify the latest information with the manufacturer’s official website or an authorised dealer before buying.
Quick Comparison: 10 Bikes to Consider in 2026
The “best” bike depends on the individual rider. A commuter who travels 25 km every day may have very different priorities from someone who rides mainly on weekends.
1. Hero Splendor+
The Hero Splendor+ remains a practical choice for riders who want a straightforward motorcycle for regular commuting.
The current Splendor+ uses a 97.2cc engine, with Hero listing fuel injection, a four-speed transmission and a 9.8-litre fuel tank. Hero also lists features such as i3S technology on relevant variants and E20 fuel compatibility.
Why consider it?
The biggest attraction is simplicity. For a person travelling regularly through city traffic, a lightweight commuter motorcycle can be easier to handle than a larger bike.
Best for
- Daily office commuting
- College students
- Short and medium-distance travel
- Riders looking for a familiar commuter format
Things to consider
It is primarily a commuter motorcycle. Riders looking for strong highway performance or a more powerful riding experience may prefer a larger motorcycle.
2. Honda Shine 125
The Honda Shine 125 is another well-known commuter option.
Honda’s current product information lists a 123.94cc engine, five-speed transmission, PGM-FI and features including an idling-stop system and a USB Type-C charging option on the current model. Honda also lists CBS with an equalizer and a side-stand indicator with engine cut-off.
Why consider it?
The Shine 125 is aimed at riders who want a practical motorcycle without moving into a larger-engine category.
Its combination of commuter-friendly engine capacity and everyday features makes it worth considering for regular city use.
Best for
- Daily commuters
- Office workers
- Family use
- Riders who prefer a conventional commuter motorcycle
Things to consider
Actual fuel economy depends on traffic, riding style, load, tyre condition and maintenance. Do not assume the same mileage figure in every situation.
3. Honda SP125
The Honda SP125 is a good option for buyers who want a commuter motorcycle with a more modern feature set.
Honda currently lists the SP125 with a 123.94cc engine and features such as a TFT meter, Honda RoadSync, idling-stop functionality and a USB Type-C port. The model also includes a wider rear tyre and side-stand engine cut-off.
Why consider it?
The SP125 can make sense for someone who wants the practicality of a 125cc commuter but also values additional technology and a more contemporary design.
Best for
- Daily commuting
- Younger riders
- Riders wanting extra features
- City and moderate-distance travel
Things to consider
Higher-feature variants may cost more than simpler commuter motorcycles, so compare the equipment you actually need before choosing a premium variant.
4. Hero Xtreme 125R
The Hero Xtreme 125R is aimed at riders who want a sportier appearance and stronger performance than a traditional commuter.
Hero lists a 124.7cc engine, 11.4 bhp of maximum power and 10.5 Nm of maximum torque. Depending on the variant, the motorcycle is available with single-channel or dual-channel ABS. Hero also lists a monoshock suspension, wide rear tyre and LED lighting.
Hero’s published information gives a 63 km/l WMTC fuel-consumption figure for the Xtreme 125R, while its mileage information notes that actual mileage can vary with riding and road conditions.
Why consider it?
It offers a useful middle ground between a conventional commuter and a more performance-oriented motorcycle.
Best for
- Young riders
- Daily commuting with occasional longer rides
- Buyers who prefer sporty styling
- Riders who want more features in the 125cc category
Things to consider
Sportier tyres, equipment and variants can affect purchase and running costs. Compare the exact variant before making a decision.
5. TVS Raider
The TVS Raider is another 125cc motorcycle worth considering for riders who want a sporty commuter.
TVS positions the Raider alongside its motorcycle range that includes models such as the Apache, Ronin, Radeon and Sport.
Why consider it?
The Raider focuses on combining everyday practicality with a youthful design and a more engaging riding experience.
Best for
- College students
- Young professionals
- City riders
- Buyers who want a sporty commuter
Things to check
Before buying, compare the available Raider variants because features can differ between versions. Also check the current ex-showroom and on-road price in your city.
6. Bajaj Pulsar 125
The Pulsar name has been familiar to Indian motorcycle buyers for many years, and the Pulsar 125 is aimed at customers who want a 125cc motorcycle with a sportier appearance.
Why consider it?
For someone who finds basic commuter motorcycles too conservative, the Pulsar 125 can provide a more muscular design while remaining within the 125cc category.
Best for
- City commuting
- Younger riders
- Buyers who prefer sporty styling
- Riders looking for a balance between practicality and appearance
Things to consider
Compare the Pulsar 125 with other 125cc motorcycles based on your actual priorities. A motorcycle that looks more sporty isn’t necessarily the best choice for every commuter.
7. TVS Apache RTR 160
The Apache RTR 160 belongs to a more performance-oriented category than the 100cc and 125cc commuter motorcycles listed above.
It can be considered by riders who want more performance for city riding and occasional highway trips.
Why consider it?
The Apache range is designed around sporty riding, and the RTR 160 is positioned between commuter motorcycles and larger performance motorcycles.
Best for
- Riders upgrading from a commuter
- Enthusiasts
- City riders who want stronger performance
- Occasional highway use
Things to consider
A larger motorcycle generally means higher purchase, fuel and maintenance considerations compared with a simple commuter. Buyers should calculate their complete ownership budget.
8. Bajaj Pulsar 150
The Pulsar 150 remains an option for buyers who want a motorcycle with more engine capacity than a typical 125cc commuter.
Why consider it?
The 150cc category can provide a useful compromise for riders who spend time in both city traffic and on longer roads.
Best for
- Daily commuting
- Mixed city and highway use
- Riders upgrading from smaller motorcycles
- Buyers who prefer a traditional sporty motorcycle
Things to consider
Don’t choose an engine size simply because it is larger. Consider your daily distance, fuel budget, traffic conditions and experience.
9. Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is aimed at a very different buyer from the basic commuter motorcycles in this list.
It belongs to the larger-engine category and can appeal to riders who want a more substantial motorcycle for city riding, weekend trips and leisure use.
Why consider it?
The Hunter 350 provides a different riding experience from lightweight commuter motorcycles. Its appeal is not simply about fuel economy; styling, engine character and riding experience are also important.
Best for
- Weekend riders
- City riders wanting a larger motorcycle
- Riders upgrading from a commuter
- Buyers who value motorcycle character
Things to consider
A larger motorcycle can involve higher fuel and maintenance expenses. It may also be less convenient in heavy traffic than a lightweight commuter.
10. Royal Enfield Classic 350
The Classic 350 is another well-known option for riders who prefer a larger motorcycle with a traditional design.
It can suit riders who want a relaxed motorcycle for city travel, weekend rides and longer journeys.
Why consider it?
The Classic 350 is particularly attractive to buyers who care about styling and the overall experience of owning a larger motorcycle rather than simply looking for maximum fuel economy.
Best for
- Weekend touring
- Leisure riding
- Riders who prefer retro styling
- Buyers looking for a larger motorcycle
Things to consider
It is considerably different from a lightweight commuter. Before buying, take a test ride and consider whether the motorcycle’s weight, dimensions and riding position suit you.
Which Bike Is Best for Daily Commuting?
For daily commuting, start with practical factors rather than styling.
A commuter who travels through crowded city roads may benefit from a lighter motorcycle with manageable power, comfortable ergonomics and reasonable running costs.
The Hero Splendor+, Honda Shine 125 and similar commuter motorcycles are worth considering for this type of use.
If you want a sportier appearance and additional features, motorcycles such as the Honda SP125, Hero Xtreme 125R or TVS Raider may be more appealing.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Bike?
1. Compare the on-road price
The ex-showroom price is only one part of the purchase cost. Registration, insurance, taxes, accessories and other charges can affect the final amount.
3. Check service availability
A motorcycle may look attractive on paper, but convenient service support can make ownership easier.
Check the availability of authorised service centres in your area.
4. Don’t rely only on claimed mileage
Mileage depends on real-world conditions.
Traffic, acceleration, tyre pressure, passenger weight, road conditions and maintenance can all influence fuel consumption.
5. Compare variants carefully
Manufacturers often sell the same motorcycle in multiple variants.
Features such as ABS, disc brakes, displays, connectivity and other equipment can vary.
Always compare the exact variant you intend to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bike is best for daily use in India?
There is no single best bike for every rider. Lightweight commuter motorcycles such as the Hero Splendor+ and Honda Shine 125 are worth considering for regular city travel, while riders wanting more features or sportier performance can look at options such as the Honda SP125, Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider.
Which bike gives the best mileage?
Mileage varies by motorcycle, riding conditions and maintenance. Manufacturer or certified-test figures should not be treated as guaranteed real-world mileage. For example, Hero publishes 70 km/l for the relevant Splendor+ XTEC configuration and 66 km/l ICAT-tested mileage information for the Xtreme 125R, while also noting that actual mileage can vary.
Is a 125cc bike good for daily commuting?
Yes. A 125cc motorcycle can be a practical choice for city commuting because it can offer a balance between manageable running costs and useful performance.
Should I buy a 100cc, 125cc or 150cc bike?
Choose based on your usage. A 100cc-class motorcycle can make sense when low running costs and simple commuting are priorities. A 125cc bike can provide a middle ground, while a 150cc-class motorcycle may appeal to riders who want more performance.
Should I check the bike’s price online before buying?
Yes. Prices can change and may differ by location and variant. Always check the manufacturer’s official website and confirm the final on-road price with an authorised dealer.
Final Verdict
There is no universal “best bike in India” because motorcycle buyers have different needs.
For simple daily commuting, a lightweight motorcycle can be a sensible choice. Riders wanting additional technology and styling may prefer a modern 125cc motorcycle. Those looking for stronger performance or weekend touring may want to move into the 150cc, 160cc or larger categories.
Before buying, compare the complete on-road price, test ride the exact model, check service availability and verify the latest specifications directly with the manufacturer.
A good motorcycle purchase is not necessarily the one with the biggest engine or the longest feature list. It is the motorcycle that fits your budget, riding conditions and everyday needs.
Sources and Verification
For the most accurate and current information, readers should verify motorcycle specifications, variants, warranty details and prices through the respective manufacturers’ official websites before making a purchase.
For example, Hero’s official pages provide current information for the Splendor+ and Xtreme 125R, while Honda’s official India pages provide current information for the Shine125 and SP125.