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Which Are the Best Bikes For Beginners in India?
Selecting your first motorcycle can be daunting for new riders. The article highlights five beginner-friendly models: TVS Raider 125, Honda SP 125, Hero Xtreme 125R, Bajaj Pulsar N125, and Yamaha FZ-S FI.
Updated Nov 10, 2026, 04:39 PM IST
Which Are the Best Bikes For Beginners in India?
Choosing your first motorcycle can be challenging, especially if you are new to riding and want a bike that is easy to handle, comfortable and affordable to maintain. The Honda SP 125, TVS Raider 125, Hero Xtreme 125R, Bajaj Pulsar N125 and Yamaha FZ-S Fi are five options worth considering. Your choice should depend on riding comfort, weight, performance, mileage and ownership costs.
For first-time buyers, 125cc motorcycles are a practical starting point. They generally offer manageable power, good fuel efficiency and relatively affordable maintenance. Here are five bikes to consider.
1. TVS Raider 125
Price: Rs 84,460 onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The TVS Raider 125 is a good option for beginners who want an affordable motorcycle with modern styling. Its 125cc engine offers a balance of everyday performance and fuel efficiency. It also gets a comfortable seat, digital instrument cluster and Glide Through Technology (GTT), which helps during slow-speed riding in traffic.
2. Honda SP 125
Price: Rs 91,771 onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi; announced launch price)
The Honda SP 125 is suitable for new riders looking for a practical motorcycle for daily use. Its 123.94cc engine produces 8 kW of power and 10.9 Nm of torque and is paired with a five-speed gearbox. The bike also gets a digital instrument console, an idling stop system and a comfortable riding position. Its relatively light 116 kg kerb weight makes it worth considering for beginners.
3. Hero Xtreme 125R
Price: Rs 91,500 onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Hero Xtreme 125R is an option for beginners who prefer sporty styling without moving to a higher-capacity motorcycle. It uses a 124.7cc engine producing 11.4 bhp and 10.5 Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed gearbox. The bike gets a 790 mm seat height and weighs 136 kg. Its relatively accessible seat height can help new riders, although its weight should be considered before buying.
4. Bajaj Pulsar N125
Price: Rs 92,270 onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 is suitable for beginners who want a little more performance from their first motorcycle. Its 124.58cc engine produces 12 PS of power and comes with an air-cooled setup and a five-speed gearbox. It weighs 125 kg and has a 795 mm seat height. The relatively low kerb weight makes it easier to manoeuvre, while its sporty performance may appeal to younger riders.
5. Yamaha FZ-S FI V4
Price: 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Yamaha FZ-S FI V4 is worth considering if you are comfortable starting with a 150cc motorcycle. Its 149cc fuel-injected engine offers a different performance experience from the 125cc options. It also gets single-channel ABS, traction control, a digital instrument cluster and Bluetooth connectivity. However, beginners should first assess its weight and power delivery during a test ride.
What should you compare before choosing?
Buying your first motorcycle is not just about choosing the one with the best looks or highest power output. A beginner should consider the following factors before making a decision.
| Factor | What beginners should look for |
| Kerb weight | A lighter motorcycle is generally easier to manoeuvre and park. |
| Seat height | You should be able to comfortably place your feet on the ground. |
| Engine capacity | A 100cc to 125cc motorcycle is a sensible starting point for most new riders. |
| Power delivery | Smooth acceleration is preferable to sudden power delivery. |
| Braking | Check the availability of ABS or a combined braking system. |
| Mileage | Better fuel efficiency can reduce everyday commuting expenses. |
| Maintenance | Compare service intervals, spare parts and maintenance costs. |
| Riding comfort | Check the seat, handlebar position and suspension setup. |
Which option is suitable for daily commuting?
For everyday city commuting, the TVS Raider 125 and Honda SP 125 are two practical options. Both offer manageable engine capacities and features suited to regular stop-and-go traffic.
- TVS Raider 125: Its GTT feature can make slow-speed riding in traffic more convenient. It is also the most affordable option in this shortlist based on the published Delhi price.
- Honda SP 125: Its relatively low kerb weight, fuel-efficient engine and comfortable riding position make it a sensible daily commuter.
- Hero Xtreme 125R: It is suitable for riders who want sporty styling along with everyday usability.
- Bajaj Pulsar N125: It offers a stronger performance focus while retaining a relatively manageable kerb weight.
- Yamaha FZ-S FI V4: It is better suited to beginners who are comfortable handling a larger 150cc motorcycle and want additional features.
For someone learning to ride, the Honda SP 125 and TVS Raider 125 are good starting points. However, the final choice should depend on individual comfort and confidence.
Here are some important ownership considerations:
- Purchase price: The TVS Raider 125 has a relatively affordable entry price. The Honda SP 125 and other sporty 125cc motorcycles cost more depending on the variant.
- Performance: The Pulsar N125 and Xtreme 125R offer a sportier experience, while the SP 125 focuses more on everyday usability.
- Fuel efficiency: The 125cc segment is generally a sensible choice for riders who want to keep fuel expenses under control. Actual mileage depends on riding conditions and habits.
- Maintenance: Check the availability and cost of spare parts, service centres and periodic maintenance before purchasing.
- Safety: Compare the braking systems across variants. Do not assume that every variant gets the same safety equipment.
For most first-time buyers, a lightweight 125cc motorcycle with predictable power delivery, comfortable ergonomics and affordable maintenance makes more sense than choosing a bike purely for performance.
Final verdict: The TVS Raider 125 is worth considering for budget-conscious beginners, the Honda SP 125 for everyday commuting, the Hero Xtreme 125R for sporty styling and the Bajaj Pulsar N125 for performance. The Yamaha FZ-S FI V4 is an option for those comfortable with a larger engine.
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