If you’re a student on the lookout for a bike that strikes the right balance between affordability and performance, this article is made just for you. We have curated a list of the top 10 bikes designed with college students in mind.
Here’s a list of the best bikes for students in India –
- Yamaha MT-15
- Royal Enfield Classic 350
- Hero Splendor Plus
- Yamaha R15 V4
- Honda Activa 6G
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350
- TVS Raider
- Royal Enfield Bullet 350
- Bajaj Pulsar NS160
- Suzuki Gixxer SF
Methodology
To get the best bikes for students, our criteria included:
- Price: Bikes under Rs. 2 lakhs (ex-showroom) for student-friendly budgets.
- Mileage: Prioritizing fuel efficiency, aiming for at least 40 kmpl.
- Performance: A focus on bikes with a minimum engine displacement of 125 cc and a power output of at least 10 PS.
- Features: Modern amenities such as LED headlights, digital instrument clusters, ABS, and disc brakes.
- Popularity: Well-reviewed bikes with high ratings from both users and experts.
Top 10 Bikes for Students in India
1. Yamaha MT-15
- Price: Rs. 1.68 – 1.73 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Specifications: 155 cc liquid-cooled engine, 18.4 PS power, 13.9 Nm torque, 52 kmpl mileage, 130 kmph top speed.
- Why: Stylish naked bike with a muscular design, refined engine, and comfortable riding posture. Ideal for students seeking a thrilling yet manageable ride.
- What Could Have Been Better – The seat could be more comfortable for extended rides.
2. Royal Enfield Classic 350
- Price: Rs. 1.93 – 2.25 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Specifications: 349 cc air-cooled engine, 20.21 PS power, 27 Nm torque, 41 kmpl mileage, 120 kmph top speed.
- Why: Retro-styled cruiser providing a relaxed and smooth ride. Timeless design, torquey engine, and comfort make it suitable for long-distance journeys.
- What Could Have Been Better – Improved braking systems for enhanced safety.
3. Hero Splendor Plus
- Price: Rs. 75 – 76 thousand (ex-showroom)
- Specifications: 97 cc air-cooled engine, 8 PS power, 8 Nm torque, 80 kmpl mileage, 90 kmph top speed.
- Why: Affordable commuter bike with a minimalist design, fuel-efficient engine, and low maintenance costs. Perfect for reliable and economical daily rides.
- What Could Have Been Better – Modernizing the instrument cluster for a more contemporary feel.
4. Yamaha R15 V4
- Price: Rs. 1.82 – 1.97 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Specifications: 155 cc liquid-cooled engine, 18.4 PS power, 14.2 Nm torque, 40 kmpl mileage, 140 kmph top speed.
- Why: Sports bike for those craving speed and excitement. Sleek design, powerful engine, and responsive handling make it suitable for both track and highway rides.
- What Could Have Been Better – Enhancing pillion comfort for a better riding experience.
5. Honda Activa 6G
- Price: Rs. 76 – 82 thousand (ex-showroom)
- Specifications: 109 cc air-cooled engine, 7.84 PS power, 8.9 Nm torque, 60 kmpl mileage, 85 kmph top speed.
- Why: Convenient scooter offering an easy and comfortable ride. Spacious design, smooth engine, and ample storage make it a versatile choice for both genders.
- What Could Have Been Better – Increasing top speed for those seeking a bit more excitement.
6. Royal Enfield Hunter 350
- Price: Rs. 1.50 – 1.75 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Specifications: 349 cc air-cooled engine, 20.4 PS power, 27 Nm torque, 36 kmpl mileage, 120 kmph top speed.
- Why: Rugged scrambler bike for those seeking adventure on and off the road. Robust design, punchy engine, and dual-purpose tires make it ideal for diverse terrains.
- What Could Have Been Better – Introducing more advanced features for a competitive edge.
7. TVS Raider
- Price: Rs. 95 – 1 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Specifications: 125 cc air-cooled engine, 11 PS power, 11 Nm torque, 67 kmpl mileage, 100 kmph top speed.
- Why: Stylish commuter bike with modern features like Bluetooth connectivity, voice assist, and navigation. Sleek design, refined engine, and smart features make it an attractive choice.
- What Could Have Been Better – Fine-tuning suspension for an even smoother ride.
8. Royal Enfield Bullet 350
- Price: Rs. 1.74 – 2.16 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Specifications: 349 cc air-cooled engine, 20 PS power, 27 Nm torque, 40 kmpl mileage, 110 kmph top speed.
- Why: Another cruiser with an iconic design, thumpy engine, and stable handling. Ideal for those who appreciate a classic and smooth ride, perfect for long-distance journeys.
- What Could Have Been Better – Working on fuel efficiency for better mileage..
9. Bajaj Pulsar NS160
- Price: Rs. 1.10 – 1.20 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Specifications: 160.3 cc oil-cooled engine, 17.03 PS power, 14.6 Nm torque, 45 kmpl mileage, 120 kmph top speed.
- Why: A sporty commuter with aggressive styling, offering a good mix of power and efficiency. Suitable for students looking for a spirited ride.
- What Could Have Been Better – Incorporating more features for the tech-savvy riders.
10. Suzuki Gixxer SF
- Price: Rs. 1.30 – 1.40 lakhs (ex-showroom)
- Specifications: 155 cc air-cooled engine, 13.4 PS power, 13.8 Nm torque, 48 kmpl mileage, 115 kmph top speed.
- Why: A sleek and stylish sports commuter, combining performance and aesthetics. Ideal for students who prioritize a balance between looks and ride dynamics.
- What Could Have Been Better – Improving fuel efficiency to complement its sporty nature.
Top 10 Bikes for Students in India – Summary
| No. | Bike Model | Price (ex-showroom) | Engine | Power | Torque | Mileage | Top Speed | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yamaha MT-15 | Rs. 1.68 – 1.73 lakhs | 155 cc liquid-cooled | 18.4 PS | 13.9 Nm | 52 kmpl | 130 kmph | LED headlight, digital instrument cluster, ABS, slipper clutch |
| 2 | Royal Enfield Classic 350 | Rs. 1.93 – 2.25 lakhs | 349 cc air-cooled | 20.21 PS | 27 Nm | 41 kmpl | 120 kmph | LED headlight, digital-analog instrument cluster, ABS |
| 3 | Hero Splendor Plus | Rs. 75 – 76 thousand | 97 cc air-cooled | 8 PS | 8 Nm | 80 kmpl | 90 kmph | LED headlight, analog instrument cluster, i3S technology |
| 4 | Yamaha R15 V4 | Rs. 1.82 – 1.97 lakhs | 155 cc liquid-cooled | 18.4 PS | 14.2 Nm | 40 kmpl | 140 kmph | LED headlight, digital cluster, ABS, slipper clutch |
| 5 | Honda Activa 6G | Rs. 76 – 82 thousand | 109 cc air-cooled | 7.84 PS | 8.9 Nm | 60 kmpl | 85 kmph | LED headlight, digital-analog cluster, CBS |
| 6 | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Rs. 1.50 – 1.75 lakhs | 349 cc air-cooled | 20.4 PS | 27 Nm | 36 kmpl | 120 kmph | LED headlight, digital cluster, ABS |
| 7 | TVS Raider | Rs. 95 – 1 lakh | 125 cc air-cooled | 11 PS | 11 Nm | 67 kmpl | 100 kmph | LED headlight, digital cluster, ABS, Bluetooth |
| 8 | Royal Enfield Bullet 350 | Rs. 1.74 – 2.16 lakhs | 349 cc air-cooled | 20 PS | 27 Nm | 40 kmpl | 110 kmph | LED headlight, digital-analog cluster, ABS |
| 9 | Bajaj Pulsar NS160 | Rs. 1.10 – 1.20 lakhs | 160.3 cc oil-cooled | 17.03 PS | 14.6 Nm | 45 kmpl | 120 kmph | Sporty commuter with aggressive styling |
| 10 | Suzuki Gixxer SF | Rs. 1.30 – 1.40 lakhs | 155 cc air-cooled | 13.4 PS | 13.8 Nm | 48 kmpl | 115 kmph | Sleek and stylish sports commuter |
Verdict
Choosing the best bike for students depends on personal preferences, whether you lean towards a sporty ride, classic cruiser, or efficient commuter. For a thrilling yet manageable ride, the Yamaha MT-15 stands out with its muscular design and refined engine. If long-distance cruising is your preference, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 offers timeless design and comfort.
For budget-conscious riders, the Hero Splendor Plus excels with its minimalist design and economical performance. The Honda Activa 6G provides a convenient and comfortable scooter option, suitable for daily commuting.
For those craving a sporty experience, the Yamaha R15 V4 is a top choice with its sleek design and powerful engine. If you prioritize modern features, the TVS Raider combines style with advanced technology like Bluetooth connectivity.
Adventure seekers may find the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 appealing, with its rugged design and dual-purpose tires. The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and Suzuki Gixxer SF cater to those who seek a sportier look and dynamic performance.
