Which Are the Most Affordable Naked Bikes in India?
Naked bikes are increasingly appealing to Indian riders for their sporty design, comfortable riding posture, and affordability. This category includes a range of motorcycles from 125cc for daily commuting to 160cc for enhanced performance.
Which Are the Most Affordable Naked Bikes in India?
Naked bikes are a popular choice among Indian riders who want sporty styling, an upright riding position and practical performance without spending too much. From affordable 125cc motorcycles to more powerful 160cc street bikes, buyers have several options across different price ranges.
The right motorcycle depends on how you plan to use it. A 125cc bike can be suitable for daily office commutes and city traffic, while a 160cc model may offer stronger acceleration for highway rides and weekend trips.
For this list, the focus is on affordable, unfaired street motorcycles available in India. The ex-showroom prices mentioned below are based on the respective manufacturers' official websites and price announcements. Prices are location-specific and may change.
What are the most affordable naked bikes in India?
Here are some affordable options worth considering, starting with the lower-priced 125cc motorcycles and moving towards more powerful street bikes.
Rs 92,270 onwards (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 is an affordable option for riders who want a sporty-looking motorcycle for everyday use. It gets a 124.59cc engine producing 12 PS and 11 Nm, paired with a five-speed gearbox. Its lightweight design and 198mm ground clearance are useful for navigating urban roads.
Rs 91,500 onwards (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Hero Xtreme 125R combines sharp styling with a 125cc engine, making it an alternative for buyers who want a sporty commuter. Hero lists multiple versions, including an IBS-equipped variant and ABS-equipped options. The higher-spec dual-channel ABS version costs more.
Rs 94,188 onwards (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 is aimed at riders who prefer muscular styling and a sporty riding experience. Its 124.45cc engine develops 12 PS and 11 Nm, while the motorcycle features a perimeter frame, monoshock rear suspension and single-channel ABS. It is worth considering if you want a sportier alternative to a conventional commuter bike.
Rs 1,05,114 onwards (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Bajaj Pulsar 150 is an option for buyers who want a larger engine without moving into a significantly more expensive category. Its 149.5cc engine produces 14 PS and 13.25 Nm. It is worth comparing with the 125cc models if you regularly ride with a pillion or want additional engine capacity.
Rs 1,15,140 onwards (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V offers a 159.7cc engine producing 16.04 PS and is suitable for riders looking for more performance than a typical 125cc commuter. Its street-focused design and stronger power output make it an option for mixed city and occasional highway use.
Rs 1,13,829 onwards (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Hero Xtreme 160R is another option for riders who want a larger engine and sporty styling. Its 163.2cc engine produces 15 PS and 14 Nm, and the motorcycle gets a five-speed gearbox. Hero's Delhi price listing shows separate single-disc and double-disc versions, so buyers should compare the braking equipment before choosing.
Rs 1,20,190 onwards (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is worth considering if performance and equipment matter more than getting the lowest possible price. Its 159.7cc engine produces 17.55 PS. The 2026 range includes features such as an LED lighting setup, while selected variants offer a slipper clutch, a TFT display and dual-channel ABS.
What should you compare before choosing?
The starting price is important, but it should not be the only factor when buying a naked bike. Compare the following aspects before making a decision.
| Factor | What to check | Why it matters |
| Engine performance | Engine capacity, power and torque | Helps determine acceleration and suitability for different roads |
| Fuel efficiency | Claimed mileage and real-world reports | Affects everyday running costs |
| Braking system | CBS, single-channel ABS or dual-channel ABS | Helps you compare available braking safety equipment |
| Riding comfort | Seat height, riding posture and cushioning | Important for daily commuting and longer rides |
| Features | Instrument cluster, LED lights and connectivity | Helps compare equipment across variants |
| Maintenance | Service intervals, spare parts and warranty | Affects long-term ownership costs |
| Total cost | On-road price, insurance and registration | Gives a more realistic picture of the purchase budget |
- Engine performance: A 125cc motorcycle is generally sufficient for routine city commuting. A 150cc or 160cc motorcycle may be more suitable if you want stronger acceleration and greater flexibility on faster roads.
- Fuel efficiency: Real-world mileage depends on traffic, riding style, road conditions, maintenance and load. Compare owner-reported figures rather than relying only on claimed mileage.
- Braking equipment: Check whether the motorcycle has a combined braking system, single-channel ABS or dual-channel ABS. ABS can help prevent wheel lock during hard braking, although it cannot eliminate every accident risk.
- Comfort and ergonomics: Seat height, handlebar position, seat cushioning and kerb weight can affect daily usability. Take a test ride before choosing.
- Features: Compare LED lighting, digital instrument clusters, smartphone connectivity and navigation support. These features vary by model and variant.
- Maintenance and warranty: Check the scheduled service intervals, warranty conditions, spare-part costs and availability of authorised service centres near you.
- Total purchase cost: The ex-showroom price excludes costs such as registration, road tax and insurance. Ask the dealer for a complete on-road quotation.
Which option is suitable for daily commuting?
The best option depends on your daily route, budget and riding preferences.
- For a tight budget: The Hero Xtreme 125R and Bajaj Pulsar N125 are worth comparing. Both offer sporty styling and engines suited to city use. The final choice depends on the variant, braking equipment and price quoted by your dealer.
- For a sporty 125cc motorcycle: The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 is worth considering if you prefer its aggressive styling and perimeter-frame design.
- For a larger engine: The Bajaj Pulsar 150 offers a step up in displacement without requiring the higher budget associated with some more performance-oriented motorcycles.
- For mixed city and highway use: The TVS Apache RTR 160 2V and Hero Xtreme 160R are worth evaluating for their additional power.
- For performance and features: The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is an option for buyers willing to pay more for higher output and selected additional equipment.
For most daily commuters, the 125cc category is a sensible starting point. However, a test ride is important because seat comfort, clutch operation, turning radius and engine response can make a bigger difference to everyday use than the specification sheet alone.
What are the key trade-offs in price, performance and ownership?
Affordable naked bikes involve a few practical trade-offs. Understanding them can help you choose a motorcycle that suits your needs over the long term. 125cc versus 160cc engines: A 125cc motorcycle can offer a good balance of performance and everyday usability. Moving to a 160cc bike generally provides more power, but fuel consumption and maintenance costs depend on the individual model and how it is ridden.
Basic versus feature-rich variants: Entry-level variants usually cost less, while higher trims may offer ABS upgrades, better instrument displays, connectivity features or additional equipment. Choose features that you will actually use.
Purchase price versus running costs: A cheaper motorcycle is not automatically the least expensive to own. Insurance, fuel, scheduled servicing, tyres and replacement parts all contribute to long-term expenses.
City use versus highway rides: Smaller motorcycles can be easier to handle in congested traffic. If you regularly travel on highways, consider engine performance, braking capability, stability and comfort at sustained speeds.
Resale value and service access: Resale value varies with demand, condition, kilometres ridden and local market conditions. Before buying, check the availability of authorised service centres and commonly required spare parts.
Ultimately, the most affordable naked bike is the one that fits your budget while meeting your needs for comfort, safety, performance and maintenance.
FAQs
1. Which is the cheapest naked bike on this list?
The Hero Xtreme 125R starts at Rs 91,500 ex-showroom in Delhi, according to Hero MotoCorp's official website. The Bajaj Pulsar N125 starts at Rs 92,270 ex-showroom in Delhi.
2. Are 125cc naked bikes suitable for daily commuting?
Yes. Motorcycles such as the Hero Xtreme 125R, Bajaj Pulsar N125 and Bajaj Pulsar NS125 can suit daily commuting. Your choice should depend on traffic conditions, riding distance, comfort and the braking equipment offered by the chosen variant.
3. Is a 160cc naked bike better than a 125cc bike?
Not necessarily. A 160cc motorcycle generally offers more engine performance, which can be useful for faster roads and overtaking. A 125cc motorcycle may be sufficient for routine urban travel and can cost less to purchase. The better option depends on your requirements.
4. What is the difference between ex-showroom and on-road prices?
The ex-showroom price is the manufacturer's listed price before applicable registration charges, road tax and insurance. The on-road price includes these additional costs and can vary by city and variant.
5. Should I choose a bike with ABS?
ABS is an important safety feature because it helps prevent wheel lock under hard braking. Compare the type of ABS available on each variant, especially whether it is single-channel or dual-channel. Also consider tyre condition, braking performance and your riding habits.
6. Which naked bike is suitable for occasional highway rides?
The Bajaj Pulsar 150, TVS Apache RTR 160 2V, Hero Xtreme 160R and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V are worth considering for occasional highway use. Take a test ride and assess cruising comfort, engine response, braking performance and stability before deciding.
End Article
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