Best Bikes Under 1.5 Lakh in India: A Comprehensive Guide

With the vast array of models, designs, and features available, choosing the best bikes under 1.5 lakh in India can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a guide outlining the top bikes in this price range.

Methodology: Our process for writing the article on bikes under 1.5 lakh in India began with extensive market research, examining a wide range of bike models, their features, and customer reviews. We assessed factors such as performance, durability, design, and value for money to narrow down our selection.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Bike

Before you decide which bike to purchase, it is crucial to consider several factors. These include:

Budget

Your budget is the most important factor when it comes to buying a bike. You should set a realistic budget based on your financial capabilities. Bikes under 1.5 lakh provide a wide range of options that cater to different budgets.

Purpose

Consider why you want to buy a bike. Is it for daily commuting, weekend leisure rides, or long-distance touring? Understanding your purpose will help you choose a bike that meets your specific needs.

Engine Capacity

The engine capacity of a bike determines its power and performance. If you are looking for a bike with good speed and acceleration, you should consider a bike with a higher engine capacity.

Mileage

Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider, especially if you will be using your bike for daily commuting. A bike with good mileage will save you money on fuel costs.

Maintenance and Service

Bikes require regular maintenance and service. Before purchasing a bike, research the availability of spare parts and service centers in your area.

Short Summary:

Top Bikes Under 1.5 Lakh in India

Here are the top bikes under 1.5 lakh in India:

1. Bajaj Pulsar NS 200

The Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 is a popular bike among Indian bikers. It comes with a 199.5 cc engine that produces 23.5 bhp and 18.3 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 136 kmph and a mileage of 35 kmpl. The bike features a modern design, comfortable ride, and good handling.

Price:

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is priced at around 1.5 lakhs in India.

What we Like:

1. The powerful engine provides an exhilarating riding experience.
2. The digital instrument console is easy to read and provides necessary information at a glance.
3. The overall design is sporty and aggressive, making it stand out on the road.

What we Dislike:

1. The seat is a bit too firm, making it uncomfortable during longer rides.
2. The lack of ABS can be a concern for some riders, especially during emergency braking situations.
3. The rear tire hugger is positioned too low, making it prone to scraping on speed breakers.
4. The bike can be a bit noisy at high speeds, which may be bothersome for some riders.

Overall, the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is a powerful and sporty bike that offers excellent value for its price. However, it does have a few minor shortcomings that can be improved upon.

2. Royal Enfield Hunter 350

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a powerful and stylish bike that comes packed with impressive features. Let’s take a closer look at some of its top features, what we like and dislike about the bike, and its price.

Features:

• 349cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine
• Produces 20.2 bhp of power and 27 Nm of torque
• 5-speed gearbox with fuel injection
• Telescopic fork suspension in the front and 5-step adjustable twin-shock suspension in the rear
• Disc brake in the front and drum brake in the rear

What We Like

We like the Hunter 350’s bold and muscular design, which is a departure from Royal Enfield’s traditional classic bike designs. We also appreciate the bike’s powerful engine and smooth ride. The Hunter 350’s price point is also attractive, making it an affordable option for those looking for a powerful and stylish bike.

What We Dislike

One of the drawbacks of the Hunter 350 is its drum brake in the rear, which may not provide enough stopping power for some riders. We also think that the bike’s LED headlamp could be brighter.

Price

The Hunter 350 is priced at around 1.5 lahks in India, making it an affordable option for those looking for a powerful and stylish bike.

Overall, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a great choice for those who want a powerful and stylish bike at an affordable price. Its impressive features and design make it a worthy addition to Royal Enfield’s classic bike lineup.

3. TVS Apache RTR 160

TVS Apache RTR 160 is one of the best bike under 1.5 lakhs in India and is a versatile bike that combines performance, comfort, and style, featuring a 159.7cc engine, fuel injection technology, dual-tone seat, and a range of advanced features.

Features:

1. Powered by a 159.7cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 15.53 bhp of power and 13.9 Nm of torque.
2. Comes equipped with a 5-speed gearbox with a wet multi-plate clutch.
3. Uses a double cradle frame and has telescopic forks in the front and a 5-step adjustable mono-shock suspension in the rear.
4. Features a fully digital instrument cluster, LED tail lamp, and daytime running lamp.

Price:

The TVS Apache RTR 160 is priced at around 1.2 lahks in India.

What we Like:

1. The bike is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, making it ideal for city riding.
2. The engine offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.
3. The digital instrument cluster provides all the necessary information, including the gear position indicator and lap timer.

What we Dislike:

1. The seat can be a bit too firm, making it uncomfortable during long rides.
2. The lack of rear disc brakes may be a concern for some riders.
3. The engine could have been smoother and less vibey at high speeds.

Overall, the TVS Apache RTR 160 is a great bike for city riding, with good power, efficiency, and safety features. However, it does have some room for improvement in terms of comfort and refinement.

4. Suzuki Gixxer SF

Suzuki Gixxer SF is a fully-faired sports bike with a 155cc engine, dual-channel ABS, digital instrument console, and a stylish look that appeals to riders who love speed and agility.

Features:

1. Engine: The Suzuki Gixxer SF comes with a 155cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces a maximum power of 13.6 bhp and a peak torque of 13.8 Nm.
2. Styling: The bike has a sporty look with sharp lines and a full-fairing design that gives it an aggressive stance. It also has an LED headlamp and tail lamp, and a fully digital instrument cluster.
3. Brakes: The bike comes equipped with disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, along with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for added safety.
4. Mileage: The Gixxer SF has a claimed mileage of 48.5 kmpl, making it a fuel-efficient bike.

Price: The Suzuki Gixxer SF is priced at around INR 1.32 lakhs (ex-showroom).

What we like:

1. Styling: I really like the sporty and aggressive look of the Gixxer SF, especially with the full-fairing design that gives it a unique identity on the road.
2. Engine: The 155cc engine offers decent performance and is quite responsive, making it a fun bike to ride.
3. Comfort: The bike has a comfortable seating position and the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and vibrations on the road.

What we dislike:

1. Pillion comfort: The seat for the pillion rider is a bit small and can be uncomfortable for longer rides.
2. Low ground clearance: The bike has a low ground clearance of 160mm, which can cause some issues while riding on rough roads or over-speed bumps.

Overall, the Suzuki Gixxer SF is a great bike for those looking for a sporty and fun ride, with some advanced features and good fuel efficiency. However, it may not be the best option for those looking for more comfort and storage space.

Get to know more about some fuel Efficient Options.

5. Yamaha FZS-FI V3

Yamaha FZS-FI V3 is one of the most popular and best bike under 1.5 lakhs in India and in the 150cc segment in India. It comes with several advanced features that make it an excellent choice for both city and highway riding. Here are the key features, price, what you like, and what you dislike about Yamaha FZS-FI V3:

Features:

1. Engine: The bike is powered by a 149cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that delivers a maximum power of 12.4 bhp and a peak torque of 13.6 Nm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
2. Design: The Yamaha FZS-FI V3 features a muscular and sporty design with a sharp-looking headlamp, a digital instrument cluster, and an LED tail lamp. It also has a wide rear tyre and a comfortable split-seat design.
3. Mileage: The FZS-FI V3 delivers a mileage of around 50 kmpl, making it an efficient bike in its segment.
4. Technology: The bike comes with Yamaha’s advanced Blue Core technology that enhances the performance and efficiency of the engine.

Price:

The Yamaha FZS-FI V3 is priced at around Rs. 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom).

What we like:

1. Sporty design: The FZS-FI V3 has a sharp and muscular design that makes it stand out in its segment.
2. Performance: The bike’s engine offers excellent performance and acceleration, making it fun to ride.
3. Fuel efficiency: The bike delivers impressive mileage, making it an ideal choice for daily commuting.

What we dislike:

1. Lack of features: The bike does not come with many advanced features like a slipper clutch or a quick shifter.
2. Rear Tyre size: Some riders might find the rear tyre size too wide for their liking, which may affect the bike’s handling in tight corners.
3. Vibrations: At higher speeds, the bike tends to vibrate, which can be felt on the handlebars and footpegs.

Overall, the Yamaha FZS-FI V3 is an excellent bike that offers a good balance of performance, efficiency, and comfort. It is an ideal choice for those who are looking for a stylish and powerful bike for daily commuting and occasional highway rides.

6. TVS Raider 125

The TVS Raider 125 is a stylish and powerful motorcycle that caters to riders looking for a blend of performance and style. Here are some key features, likes, dislikes, and pricing information for the bike:

Features:

1. Engine: The Raider 125 is equipped with a 125cc single-cylinder engine that delivers 11.3 PS of power and 10.8 Nm of torque.
2. Design: The bike comes with a sporty design with sharp lines, muscular fuel tank, LED headlight, and a comfortable seat for both rider and pillion.
3. Brakes and Suspension: The bike features a front disc brake and a rear drum brake with synchronized braking technology (SBT) for better safety. It also comes with a telescopic front suspension and a mono-shock rear suspension that provides a smooth ride on rough roads.
4. Mileage: The bike delivers an impressive mileage of 67 km/l as per TVS.

What we like:

1. Stylish Design: The TVS Raider 125 is a head-turner with its sporty design, sharp lines, and aggressive stance.
2. Comfortable Ride: The bike offers a comfortable ride for both rider and pillion with its well-cushioned seat and smooth suspension.
3. Affordable Pricing: The TVS Raider 125 comes with an affordable price tag, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious riders.

What we Dislike:

1. Limited Color Options: The bike is available in only two color options, which may not cater to the diverse preferences of buyers.
2. Rear Drum Brake: The rear drum brake may not be sufficient for riders who prefer better braking performance.

Price: The TVS Raider 125 is priced at around Rs 1 Lakh (ex-showroom), which makes it a competitive option in its segment.

Overall, the TVS Raider 125 is a stylish and reliable motorcycle that offers a good balance of performance and features at an affordable price point.

7. Revolt RV 400

The Revolt RV 400 is an electric motorcycle that has been designed to cater to the needs of the urban commuter. This bike has been launched in India as a part of the government’s initiative to promote electric mobility. The RV 400 is known for its advanced features and modern design.

Features

Here are some of the key features of the Revolt RV 400:

1. Battery and Motor: The RV 400 is powered by a 3.24 kWh Lithium-ion battery that provides a range of up to 150 km on a single charge. The bike is equipped with a 3 kW motor that can generate a top speed of 85 km/h.
2. Design and Build Quality: The RV 400 has a sleek and modern design that is sure to turn heads on the road. The bike has a sturdy build quality and is designed to be comfortable for the rider and pillion.
3. Mobile App Connectivity: The RV 400 comes with a mobile app that allows the rider to access a range of features such as remote start/stop, bike location tracking, geo-fencing, and more.
4. Regenerative Braking: The RV 400 features regenerative braking technology that helps to recharge the battery while braking, thereby extending the range of the bike.

What we Like :

1. Eco-Friendly: As an electric vehicle, the RV 400 is eco-friendly and emits zero emissions, making it a great choice for those who are conscious about the environment.
2. Smart Features: The RV 400 comes with a range of smart features that are designed to make the riding experience more convenient and comfortable.
3. Low Running Cost: Since the RV 400 runs on electricity, the running cost of the bike is significantly lower than that of a petrol-powered bike.

What we Dislike :

1. Limited Range: While the RV 400 has a decent range of 150 km on a single charge, it may not be sufficient for long-distance rides.
2. Limited Availability: The RV 400 is currently available only in select cities in India, making it difficult for people in other cities to purchase the bike.

Price of Revolt RV 400

The Revolt RV 400 is priced at around INR 1.3 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.

The Revolt RV 400 is a great option for those who are looking for an eco-friendly and technologically advanced bike for their daily commute. While the limited range and availability of the bike are some of the drawbacks, the smart features and low running cost make it a worthy investment.

8. Honda Hornet 2.0

Honda Hornet 2.0 is a premium naked bike that was launched in India in August 2020. It is a stylish and sporty motorcycle that is designed to deliver an exhilarating riding experience. Here’s a closer look at its features, price, pros, and cons.

Features:

1. Engine: The Honda Hornet 2.0 is powered by a 184cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 17.3 bhp of power and 16.1 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
2. Stylish Design: The bike has a muscular tank, a sharp headlamp, and a sleek LED tail lamp. The body is designed to provide a comfortable riding position.

Price: The Honda Hornet 2.0 is priced at around Rs. 1.34 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi), making it a mid-range offering in the premium naked bike segment.

What we like:

1. Design: The Hornet 2.0 has a sporty and stylish design that is sure to turn heads.
2. Performance: The bike’s engine is powerful and responsive, providing an exhilarating riding experience.
3. Comfort: The riding position is comfortable, and the suspension setup is well-tuned to provide a smooth ride.
4. Features: The bike comes with several features like a fully digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and disc brakes on both wheels.

What we dislike:

1. Price: The Hornet 2.0 is priced slightly higher than some of its competitors in the same segment.
2. Weight: At 142 kg, the bike is slightly heavier than some of its rivals, which may impact its manoeuvrability in traffic.

Overall, the Honda Hornet 2.0 is a well-designed and stylish motorcycle that is sure to appeal to buyers looking for a premium naked bike in the mid-range segment.