When it comes to choosing a bike in India, affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability are crucial factors. Whether you're a daily commuter, a student, or a first-time buyer, finding the right bike that balances cost with performance can make all the difference. In 2024, several motorcycles stand out for their value, offering a great mix of features, style, and practicality without burning a hole in your pocket. Below is a list of the best affordable bikes for Indian riders:

• Hero Splendor Plus
• Honda Shine
• Bajaj Pulsar 125
• TVS Star City Plus
• Yamaha FZ-Fi V3
• Bajaj Platina 100
• Honda SP 125
• Suzuki Access 125
• TVS Apache RTR 160
• Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Each of these bikes is well-suited to the needs of Indian riders, offering a blend of fuel efficiency, comfort, and reliability. Whether you're looking for a daily commuter, a stylish city ride, or a versatile bike for all types of terrain, this list has you covered. Let’s dive into the details of each bike, highlighting their pros, cons, and how they compare with similar models.

1. Hero Splendor Plus

• Price Range: ₹75,000 - ₹80,000
• Why It’s Great: The Hero Splendor Plus is one of the most popular and reliable commuter bikes in India. Known for its simplicity and excellent fuel efficiency, it's the go-to choice for millions of riders.
• Key Features: i3S technology, tubeless tires, low maintenance.
• Fuel Efficiency: 70-80 km/l

Pros:

• Highly reliable and easy to maintain
• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Wide service network

Cons:

• Basic design and features
• Lacks the power for highway riding

Comparison: Compared to the Bajaj Platina 100, the Splendor Plus offers better reliability but comes with a more basic design.

2. Honda Shine

• Price Range: ₹79,000 - ₹84,000
• Why It’s Great: The Honda Shine is a well-rounded commuter bike that offers a comfortable ride and decent performance for city commuting.
• Key Features: CBS (Combi Brake System), engine start/stop switch, alloy wheels.
• Fuel Efficiency: 55-60 km/l

Pros:

• Smooth engine performance
• Comfortable for daily commuting
• Trusted Honda reliability

Cons:

• Slightly expensive compared to similar models
• Conservative design

Comparison: The Honda Shine is smoother and more comfortable than the TVS Star City Plus but comes at a slightly higher price.

3. Bajaj Pulsar 125

• Price Range: ₹83,000 - ₹90,000
• Why It’s Great: The Pulsar 125 offers the sporty styling and performance that the Pulsar series is known for, but at a more affordable price.
• Key Features: Digital speedometer, tubeless tires, front disc brake.
• Fuel Efficiency: 50-55 km/l

Pros:

• Sporty design and performance
• Strong brand value
• Good build quality

Cons:

• Slightly lower fuel efficiency
• More expensive than other 125cc bikes

Comparison: Compared to the Honda SP 125, the Pulsar 125 offers more sporty performance but is less fuel efficient.

4. TVS Star City Plus

• Price Range: ₹75,000 - ₹80,000
• Why It’s Great: The TVS Star City Plus is a stylish and fuel-efficient bike ideal for daily commuters. It offers a good balance between performance and economy.
• Key Features: LED headlamp, dual-tone colors, EcoThrust engine.
• Fuel Efficiency: 68-70 km/l

Pros:

• Stylish design
• Good fuel efficiency
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Slightly underpowered for its class
• Basic features in lower variants

Comparison: The Star City Plus is more stylish than the Hero Splendor Plus but slightly less powerful.

5. Yamaha FZ-Fi V3

• Price Range: ₹1.15 lakh - ₹1.20 lakh
• Why It’s Great: The Yamaha FZ-Fi V3 is known for its muscular design and strong road presence. It's a great choice for riders who want a bit more performance and style.
• Key Features: LED headlight, digital instrument cluster, single-channel ABS.
• Fuel Efficiency: 45-50 km/l

Pros:

• Sporty design with a strong road presence
• Smooth and refined engine
• Good handling and stability

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Lower fuel efficiency compared to other commuters

Comparison: The FZ-Fi V3 offers more power and style than the TVS Apache RTR 160, but at a higher cost.

6. Bajaj Platina 100

• Price Range: ₹67,000 - ₹70,000
• Why It’s Great: The Bajaj Platina 100 is one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in the market, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
• Key Features: Comfortec technology, LED DRLs, long seat.
• Fuel Efficiency: 75-80 km/l

Pros:

• Outstanding fuel efficiency
• Affordable pricing
• Comfortable for long commutes

Cons:

• Basic styling
• Limited power for highway use

Comparison: The Platina 100 is more fuel-efficient than the Hero Splendor Plus but offers a more basic design.

7. Honda SP 125

• Price Range: ₹85,000 - ₹90,000
• Why It’s Great: The Honda SP 125 combines modern features with Honda’s legendary reliability, making it a great choice for city riding.
• Key Features: LED headlamp, fully digital console, ACG starter motor.
• Fuel Efficiency: 60-65 km/l

Pros:

• Modern features
• Smooth and efficient engine
• Good build quality

Cons:

• Slightly expensive for a 125cc bike
• Conservative design

Comparison: The SP 125 offers more features than the Bajaj Pulsar 125 but lacks the latter’s sporty appeal.

8. Suzuki Access 125

• Price Range: ₹83,000 - ₹91,000
• Why It’s Great: The Suzuki Access 125 is a top choice in the scooter segment, offering a great balance of performance, comfort, and style.
• Key Features: LED headlamp, digital meter, external fuel filling.
• Fuel Efficiency: 50-55 km/l

Pros:

• Smooth engine and comfortable ride
• Practical and feature-rich
• Good build quality

Cons:

• Lower fuel efficiency compared to bikes
• Slightly higher maintenance cost

Comparison: The Access 125 is more comfortable and practical than most 125cc bikes but offers lower fuel efficiency.

9. TVS Apache RTR 160

• Price Range: ₹1.15 lakh - ₹1.22 lakh
• Why It’s Great: The Apache RTR 160 is known for its aggressive styling and performance, making it a favorite among young riders.
• Key Features: Race-tuned fuel injection, digital speedometer, ABS.
• Fuel Efficiency: 45-50 km/l

Pros:

• Excellent performance and handling
• Aggressive and sporty design
• Good build quality

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Stiffer suspension might not be comfortable for all

Comparison: The Apache RTR 160 offers better performance than the Yamaha FZ-Fi V3 but with a stiffer ride.

10. Royal Enfield Hunter 350

• Price Range: ₹1.70 lakh - ₹1.80 lakh
• Why It’s Great: The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a modern cruiser that offers the classic Royal Enfield experience with a more urban-friendly design.
• Key Features: Retro styling, single-channel ABS, digital-analog instrument cluster.
• Fuel Efficiency: 35-40 km/l

Pros:

• Classic Royal Enfield charm
• Comfortable for long rides
• Solid build quality

Cons:

• Higher price and lower fuel efficiency
• Heavy weight might be a concern for some riders

Comparison: The Hunter 350 offers a more relaxed ride compared to the TVS Apache RTR 160 but at a higher cost and lower fuel efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right bike involves considering a variety of factors such as budget, fuel efficiency, comfort, and the type of riding you’ll be doing. Each of the bikes listed here offers something unique, whether it’s the ultra-affordable Bajaj Platina 100 or the stylish and powerful TVS Apache RTR 160. By comparing the pros and cons, you can find the bike that best suits your needs and preferences, ensuring that you get the most value for your money in 2024.