Which Are the Best Bikes For City Riding in India?
Selecting the ideal motorcycle for urban commuting in India involves several factors beyond just mileage. Essential attributes include lightweight design, comfortable seating, easy maneuverability, and low maintenance costs.
Which Are the Best Bikes For City Riding in India?
Choosing the right bike for city riding in India depends on more than just mileage. A lightweight motorcycle with comfortable seating, easy handling, good fuel efficiency and affordable maintenance can make daily commutes much easier. Options such as the Hero Splendor Plus, Honda Shine 125, Honda SP125, Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V cater to different requirements, from budget-friendly commuting to performance-oriented riding.
Here is a look at five of the best bikes for city riding in India, comparing their prices, engine specifications, features and everyday usability.
Which are the best bikes for city riding in India?
The following five motorcycles offer a mix of affordability, manageable performance, comfort and practicality for Indian city conditions. Prices mentioned are ex-showroom Delhi prices sourced from the respective manufacturers' official websites or announcements.
| Bike | Engine | Power | Ex-showroom price (Delhi) |
| Hero Splendor Plus | 97.2cc | 5.9 kW | Rs 78,912 |
| Honda Shine 125 | 123.94cc | 7.93 kW | Rs 84,493 |
| Honda SP125 | 123.94cc | 8 kW | Rs 91,771 |
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 | 164.82cc | 16 PS | Rs 1,22,106 |
| TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | 159.7cc | 17.55 PS | Rs 1,25,440 |
1. Hero Splendor Plus
The Hero Splendor Plus is one of the most practical options for people who want an affordable motorcycle for everyday city commuting. Its simple design, lightweight construction and fuel-efficient engine make it suitable for regular office travel, short-distance journeys and navigating congested roads.
It gets a 97.2cc, single-cylinder engine producing 5.9 kW of power and 8.05 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a four-speed gearbox. Hero claims a fuel efficiency of up to 70 kmpl with E20 fuel.
The motorcycle also gets features such as i3S idle stop-start technology, tubeless tyres and a five-step adjustable rear suspension. However, its performance is relatively modest compared with the 125cc and 160cc motorcycles on this list.
- Best suited for: Budget-conscious daily commuters.
- Key advantage: Affordable ownership and fuel efficiency.
- Limitation: Limited performance for highway riding and quick overtakes.
2. Honda Shine 125
The Honda Shine 125 is another suitable option for everyday city riding. It focuses on comfort, straightforward performance and fuel efficiency rather than aggressive styling or outright speed. It is powered by a 123.94cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 7.93 kW of power and 11 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox.
The latest version also gets a fully digital instrument cluster with real-time mileage, distance-to-empty information, a gear position indicator and a service reminder. A USB Type-C charging port is another useful addition.
Its comfortable riding position and accessible engine performance make it suitable for office commutes and regular city journeys.
- Best suited for: Riders looking for a comfortable 125cc commuter.
- Key advantage: A practical combination of performance and everyday usability.
- Limitation: Its feature package is relatively straightforward compared with more premium 125cc motorcycles.
3. Honda SP125
The Honda SP125 is aimed at buyers who want a commuter motorcycle with a more modern design and additional technology. It offers a slightly sportier appearance than the Shine 125 while retaining the practicality expected from a 125cc motorcycle.
It uses a 123.94cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine producing 8 kW of power and 10.9 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox. One of its key attractions is its feature list. Depending on the variant, it gets a 4.2-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, Honda RoadSync compatibility, navigation support, voice assistance and a USB Type-C charging port. It also gets an idling stop system to help improve fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.
The SP125 is a good option for people who want a commuter motorcycle that feels more contemporary without moving into the higher-priced 160cc category.
- Best suited for: Riders who want technology and everyday practicality.
- Key advantage: Modern features and a refined 125cc engine.
- Limitation: Its higher variants cost more than conventional commuter motorcycles.
4. Bajaj Pulsar N160
For riders who want more performance for city commuting, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 is worth considering. Its muscular styling, relatively powerful engine and road presence make it different from conventional commuter motorcycles.
The Pulsar N160 gets a 164.82cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine producing 16 PS of power at 8,750 rpm and 14.65 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. It is paired with a five-speed gearbox.
The motorcycle also gets a 14-litre fuel tank and a Nitrox monoshock rear suspension. Depending on the variant, buyers can get features such as dual-channel ABS and upside-down front forks.
Its engine provides sufficient performance for city traffic as well as occasional highway rides. However, it is more expensive to purchase than the 100cc and 125cc commuter options.
- Best suited for: Riders who want a balance of city performance and occasional highway use.
- Key advantage: Stronger engine performance and confident braking options.
- Limitation: Higher purchase price and potentially higher running costs.
5. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is another option for riders who prefer sporty performance without moving to a larger motorcycle. It combines a performance-oriented engine with features that can be useful during everyday city rides.
The 2026 model uses a 159.7cc engine producing 17.55 PS of power. It gets three riding modes: Sport, Urban and Rain, allowing riders to select different engine responses according to riding conditions.
The latest update also brings a projector headlamp across the range, along with all-LED lighting. Higher variants get features such as a dual-channel ABS setup, upside-down front forks, a TFT instrument cluster and traction control.
The Apache RTR 160 4V is a suitable choice for people who want a motorcycle for daily commuting but also enjoy spirited riding. However, its sporty character may not be necessary for buyers whose primary requirement is affordable everyday transportation.
- Best suited for: Riders who prioritise performance and features.
- Key advantage: Powerful engine, riding modes and advanced equipment.
- Limitation: Costs more than conventional commuter motorcycles.
What should you compare before choosing?
Before purchasing a motorcycle for city riding, buyers should consider more than engine capacity and claimed mileage. The following factors can help narrow down the options.
1. Weight and handling: A lightweight motorcycle is generally easier to manoeuvre through congested roads, narrow lanes and parking spaces. Buyers should also check the seat height and handlebar position.
2. Fuel efficiency: Daily commuters should consider fuel consumption because frequent stop-and-go riding can affect actual mileage. A 100cc or 125cc motorcycle will generally be more economical to run than a performance-oriented 160cc model.
3. Riding comfort: Seat cushioning, suspension setup, footpeg position and riding posture matter during longer commutes. A comfortable motorcycle can make daily travel less tiring.
4. Braking and safety: Check whether the motorcycle gets single-channel or dual-channel ABS, depending on its segment and variant. Tyre quality, braking response and lighting are also important.
5. Maintenance and service network: Regular servicing, spare parts availability, warranty coverage and the manufacturer's service network should be considered before making a purchase.
For someone who travels mostly within the city and wants to keep running costs low, the Hero Splendor Plus and Honda Shine 125 are sensible options. The Honda SP125 makes sense for buyers who want additional features.
Meanwhile, riders who regularly travel on highways or prefer stronger acceleration can consider the Pulsar N160 and Apache RTR 160 4V.
What are the key trade-offs in price, performance and ownership?
The biggest difference between these five motorcycles is their intended use. The Splendor Plus and Shine 125 focus on affordable everyday transportation, while the SP125 adds technology and a more premium feel. The Pulsar N160 and Apache RTR 160 4V offer stronger performance but come at a higher purchase price.
Here are some important trade-offs to consider:
- Purchase price: The Hero Splendor Plus is the most affordable option in this shortlist. The Pulsar N160 and Apache RTR 160 4V require a higher initial investment.
- Fuel efficiency: The 100cc and 125cc motorcycles are better suited to riders who prioritise lower fuel expenses. The larger 160cc engines offer stronger performance but may consume more fuel.
- Performance: The Pulsar N160 and Apache RTR 160 4V are better suited to riders who frequently travel on open roads and want quicker acceleration.
- Comfort: The Splendor Plus, Shine 125 and SP125 are designed around everyday commuting. The sporty riding character of the Apache may not appeal to everyone.
- Ownership: Buyers should compare service costs, spare parts prices, warranty coverage and service centre availability before making a decision.
Final Verdict: The Hero Splendor Plus is a sensible choice for budget-conscious commuters, while the Honda Shine 125 offers a good balance of comfort and practicality. The Honda SP125 is suitable for buyers who want modern features. For those looking for stronger performance, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V are worth considering.
End Article
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