Best Bikes for Indian Roads 2023-24 – Price, Mileage, Specifications, Colours, Images
Indian roads are exceptional when compared to the rest of the world. You won’t be surprised to find potholes in newly made roads and highways. The quality of road construction in some places is not up to the mark along with inadequate maintenance and ignorance of the road users. If you ride a motorcycle of Indian roads, you need to be fully prepared from the beginning with a seat and suspension setup that can deal with the uninvited undulations on the roads. Here is the price list of best bikes for Indian roads 2023-24.
Best Bikes for Indian Roads Price List in India:
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) |
| Bajaj CT 110 | ₹58,925 |
| TVS Radeon | ₹ 59,925 |
| Bajaj Platina 110 | ₹66,317 |
| Honda CD 110 Dream | ₹70,315 |
| Hero Splendor Plus | ₹70,408 |
| Bajaj CT 125X | ₹71,354 |
| TVS Star City Plus | ₹72,305 |
| Honda Shine | ₹77,378 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 150 | 1.04 lakh |
| Honda Unicorn | 1.05 lakh |
| Yamaha FZ FI | 1.21 lakh |
| TVS Apache 160 4V | 1.21 lakh |
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 | 1.22 lakh |
| Hero Xpulse 200 4V | 1.37 lakh |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan | 2.15 lakh |
The best of the bikes for Indian roads are available low down in the price spectrum as these bikes are made in India by Indian manufacturers or made for India by foreign motorcycle manufacturers. Most of the bikes that are suitable for Indian roads are commuter in nature or are made to cruise on the highways. A couple of them are also good adventure motorcycles.
In order to confront the various kinds of undulation, broken patches and potholes that are present on our roads, you need a robust and well calibrated suspension system. This does not mean that suspension systems should be soft as softer suspension will make it hard to ride on the undulations as the bike tends to jump and become unstable.
This guide to the best bikes in Indian will target on certain bikes which have well-calibrated suspension system that offers high speed stability and comfortable ride on the bad patches of roads. Check out the best bikes for Indian roads starting from Bajaj CT 100 and going all the way up to Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Bajaj CT 110X
CT 110X from Bajaj is a great bike in the entry-level segment that comes with comfortable suspension setup that can easily take on the Indian roads. Bajaj CT 110X comes in many colours – Gloss Ebony Black with Blue Decals, Matte Olive Green with Yellow Decals, Gloss Flame Red with Bright Red Decals, Ebony Black-Blue Decals, Flame Red, Ebony Black-Red Decals and Wild Green.
This bike is powered by an air-cooled, 115.45cc, single cylinder engine with a basic 2-valve head. The fuel injected motor is capable of developing a maximum power of 8.48 bhp at 7000 rpm and a peak torque of 9.81 Nm at 5000 rpm. This engine is coupled to a 4-speed gearbox via a multi plate clutch. The performance of the CT 100 is adequate for city riding.
The bike is suspended via telescopic forks up front and a pair of shock absorbers at the rear. At the rear end, there is a unique spring in spring suspension system with one hard spring and one soft spring making up a single piece which provides supreme comfort to the rider and the pillion.
Being first in the list of best family bikes, CT 110X has a long and flat single piece seat which is easier to ride on and accessible to the ladies of the family. The fuel efficiency of the bike is also as impressive as the bike itself. The 115cc engine is tuned in such a way that mixed riding conditions, the bike can return a mileage of 70 km per litre. Going by this, the 10.5 litre fuel tank can let you ride for 735 km effortlessly.
The instrument cluster of the bike is pretty basic as it comes with complete analogue instrumentation which includes a speedometer, odometer and a fuel gauge. Other than this, there are regular tell-tale lights for rider information. Bajaj CT 110X is a smart looking bike and offers all that a small family needs; the looks, light weight, mileage, comfortable seat and low maintenance.
| Model | Bajaj CT 110X |
| Engine | 115.45 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 8.48 bhp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 9.81 Nm @ 5,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 4-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Front Tyre | 2.75 X 17 – 41 |
| Rear Tyre | 3.00 X 17 – 50 |
| Front Brake | Drum |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| ABS | CBS |
| Weight | 116 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 10.5 Ltr |
| Mileage | 70 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 85 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹58,925 |
TVS Radeon
Up next, we have TVS Radeon commuter bike which is said to the best for Indian roads as it gets a highly calibrated suspension setup especially tuned to counter the challenging terrain of rural India. The bike gets regular telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear for absorbing the undulations on the roads.
TVS Radeon gets a range of colour options – Metal Black, Pearl White, Golden Beige, Royal Purple, Titanium Grey, CBOTY Chrome Black, CBOTY Chrome Brown, Volcano Red, Regal Blue, Chrome Purple, Blue and Black & Red and Black. The last two colours are available in the top variant that comes with digital meter console.
A 109.7 cc, air-cooled, single cylinder, fuel injected engine breathing through a 2-vavle head powers the Radeon. From this little motor, you will get 8 bhp of max power at 7350 rpm and a peak torque of 8.7 Nm arriving at 4500 rpm. A 4-speed gearbox handles the reduction duties in every situation.
To position the bike in the mid commuter segment without offering a slew of features, the company has provided modern looking black alloy wheels with a series of beautiful colour schemes. There is also a special edition model with extra attention on the aesthetics of the bike. The instrument cluster is a premium unit with silver inserts and twin-pod design with complete analogue dials. There is a speedometer, odometer and a fuel gauge.
Being a commuter bike, TVS Radeon will offer you up to a mileage of up to 60 kmpl in mixed riding conditions and when coupled with a fuel tank of 10 litres, expect a range of 600 km which is not bad from any perspective. For a peaceful ride our roads, TVS Radeon will be a good option and in pretty reliable with long engine life.
| Model | TVS Radeon |
| Engine | 109.7 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 8 bhp @ 7,350 rpm |
| Torque | 8.7 Nm @ 4,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 4-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Front Tyre | 2.75 X 18 |
| Rear Tyre | 3.00 X 18 |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| ABS | CBS |
| Weight | 116 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 10 Ltr |
| Mileage | 60 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 90 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹ 59,925 |
Bajaj Platina 110
The next bike is the Platina 110 which is also a great machine to take on the bad Indian city roads filled with speed breakers and potholes. The bike gets attractive colour schemes including Charcoal Black, Volcanic Matte Red, Ebony Black Blue, Ebony Black Red, Cocktail Wine Red – Orange and Satin Beach Blue.
In the engine department, a 115.45 cc, single cylinder, air-cooled, fuel injected, 2-valve SOHC engine powers the Platina 110. You might have noticed; the engine capacity is highest in the 110cc segment as other bikes are in the spectrum of 109-113 cc. The higher capacity engine makes way for great torque output of 9.81 Nm at 5000 rpm. A maximum power of 8.48 bhp comes up at 7000 rpm. For performing reduction duties, you get a 5-speed gearbox which is first in the segment.
Due to the 5th gear leading to even better mileage and engine reliability in long term. There is a 11-litre fuel tank which will deliver a range of about 650 km in a tankful. For a modern rider, the Bajaj Platina 110 is an impressive bike for daily city usage as well as occasional highway ride thanks to the presence of a 5th gear.
Its suspension has been tuned in such a way that the bumps as absorbed by the system so efficiently that rider doesn’t feel any hard hits. Bajaj has done a remarkable job in the suspension department and it is visible in the real world. This suspension system from Bajaj is called comfortec with Spring-in-Spring rear shock absorbers. At the front, a pair of telescopic fork does the entire job well enough.
| Model | Bajaj Platina 110 |
| Engine | 115.45 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 8.48 bhp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 9.81 Nm @ 5,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Front Tyre | 80/100 – 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 80/100 – 17 |
| Front Brake | Disc – 240mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| ABS | CBS |
| Weight | 122 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 11 Ltr |
| Mileage | 59 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 85 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹66,317 |
Honda CD 110 Dream
Honda CD 110 Dream is a purposeful like made to tackle the rural roads in India. The frame of the bike is pretty decent and can take on the large bumps and diches in the roads. It is manufactured in India by keeping all the needs of a common rider in mind. The suspension setup is made of telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear which are capable of delivering a comfortable ride quality over all kinds of roads.
Honda CD 110 Dream gets Black with Cabin Gold, Black with Blue, Black with Grey and Black with Red colour options.
Powering the Honda CD 110 Dream is a 109.51cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel injected engine breathing though a 2-valve head. The power generated by this engine is 8.67 bhp at 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 9.30 Nm is developed at 5500 rpm. The gearbox is a 4-speed unit with shorter gears for excellent pickup and reasonable mileage.
The fuel efficiency of the CD 110 Dream is around 65 kmpl in mixed riding cycles including city and highway roads. A tank capacity of 9.1 litres will get you a range of about 580 km or so in a single tankful. This number is quite reliable even after years of usage as Honda’s component quality is among the highest and the engine lives on year after year just with basic regular services.
The bike is pretty basic when seen from the eyes of a rider. It only gets a speedometer, odometer and a fuel gauge in a twin-pod instrument cluster. Other than this, you only get tell-tale lights for usual information. With this bike you won’t get any kind of flashy features to lure you in as it is made for the people whose only requirement is a greater ride quality.
It features telescopic forks at the front and well-calibrated twin-shock absorbers with hydraulic dampers. This motorcycle is good to ride on bad Indian roads and still offer great fuel economy. Honda CD 110 Dream should be in your list of best bikes for Indian roads for its high reliability factor.
| Model | Honda CD 110 Dream |
| Engine | 109.51 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 8.67 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 9.30 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 4-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Front Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 47P |
| Rear Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 54P |
| Front Brake | Drum |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| ABS | CBS |
| Weight | 112 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 9.1 Ltr |
| Mileage | 65 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 90 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹70,315 |
Hero Splendor Plus
There is no doubt that Hero Splendor Plus is highest selling bike in India and the reason behind it is the perfect all-rounder capability of the bike. Splendor Plus is a small capacity bike made to excel on the Indian roads with its excellent build quality and robust suspension. The suspension system on the bike is pretty basic with telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers with hydraulic damper at the rear.
Hero has tuned the suspension towards the softer side leading to comfortable ride experience on the bad patches of roads filled with undulations and potholes. At slow speed, the Splendor glides over any kind of road you throw at it. IN the rural areas, where there are high chances of broken road every 100 meters or so, the Splendor Plus will keep you planted on the road with its well-calibrated suspension.
There are multiple colour options for this new bike – Black with Silver, Black with Purple, Black with Sports Red, Heavy Grey with Green, Bumble Bee Yellow, Firefly Golden, Limited Edition, Matte Shield Gold, Beetle Red, Silver Nexus Blue.
In the heart of Hero Splendor Plus, you get the blessings from a tried and tested Honda engine which is ruling the Indian market since 1980’s. The air-cooled engine with fuel injection and 2-valve SOHC head displaces 97.2 cc which is among the smallest capacity engine in the whole motorcycle market in India. This engine is designed to develop a maximum power of 7.91 bhp at 8000 rpm and a peak torque of 8.05 Nm arrives at 6000 rpm. This engine is paired to a 4-speed engine with short initial gears and reasonably taller top gear for good fuel economy.
Hero Splendor Plus is a commuter bike with emphasis on the comfort of the rider and the pillion. There is a flat seat with well-padded structure that can keep you seated on the seat for hours while commuting every day. The suspension is basic telescopic forks and twin-shock system but still it provides good comfort over bad patches of roads as well.
Speaking about the fuel efficiency, the bike is able to deliver a mileage of more than 65 kmpl in the city riding conditions and can go even further on the highways. Expect a range of around 630 km in a single tankful of 9.8 litres.
Hero Splendor Plus is a medium range commuter bike with high reliability and durable components. This is also a best choice if you want a comfortable ride experience from a commuter bike considering the situation of Indian roads.
| Model | Hero Splendor Plus |
| Engine | 97.2 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 7.91 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 4-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Front Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 47P |
| Rear Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 54P |
| Front Brake | Drum |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| ABS | CBS |
| Weight | 110 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 9.8 Ltr |
| Mileage | 65 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 85 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹70,408 |
Bajaj CT 125X
After the NS 125, we have a new bike from the house of Bajaj Auto, the CT 125X. It is an upgrade of the CT 110X which was made for the buyers in the tier 3 cities and rural areas where the roads are not smooth and the riders have to tackle undulations. Bajaj CT 125X has been designed with robustness in mind and it reflects in the design of the bike. There are three colour options on the CT 125X and they are – Ebony Black with Green decals, Ebony Black with Blue decals and Ebony Black with Red decals.
It is a pretty basic bike as it gets analogue instrument cluster on contrary to other bikes in the category featuring at least digi-analogue meter cluster. The speedometer and fuel gauge will remind you of original CT 100’s dashboard. There is, however, a mobile charging socket present right on the centre of the handlebar.
Speaking about the engine, the bike features a 124.4cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine with 2-valve head and ignited by a twin-spark system. This motor churns out 10.7 bhp of max power at 8000 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm. It is matched to a 5-speed gearbox and sends power to the rear tyre. The torque is produced at lower rpm and thus city riding will be easy.
The mileage of the CT 125X is expected to be over 60 kmpl in daily riding conditions. It is fitted with an 11-litre fuel tank which can deliver a range of over 600 km in a tankful.
Speaking about the suspension, the bike features a telescopic fork at the front and twin-shock absorbers at the rear. Fork guards are installed for keeping the front forks clean and safe from dust which will be too much in the rural areas the bike is targeted at. Expect the ride quality to be on the softer side and the bike will glide over the bad roads.
In terms of features, the CT 125X comes fitted with engine bash plate, pillion foot rest on both side, wider foot-pegs, long and flat seat and rear luggage carrier. It is one of the most practical bikes on this list and it made for the Indian roads.
Bajaj CT 125X is available in two variants – Drum and Disc. The drum variant is priced at Rs 71,354 while the disc variant is available for Rs 74,554 ex-showroom New Delhi. Having a front disc brake improves the braking performance and comes handy for safer braking.
| Model | Bajaj CT 125X |
| Engine | 124.4 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 10.7 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Front Tyre | 80/100 – 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 100/90 – 17 |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| ABS | CBS |
| Weight | 127 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 10.5 Ltr |
| Mileage | 55 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 90 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹71,354 |
TVS Star City Plus
TVS Star City Plus which is next on our list of best 110cc bikes in India. The bike is among the oldest bikes in the TVS’ product line-up. It has stood strong along the test of time and proved the high reliability of its engine and other mechanical components. It is a comfortable and practical bike to take on the daily commuting needs with style and premium features.
There are many good looking colours available on the TVS Star City Plus – Black Blue, Black Red, Blue Silver, Grey Black and Red Black.
TVS has plonked a 109.7cc engine inside the Star City Plus. This engine is an air-cooled, single cylinder engine with a 2-valve head for breathing. It pumps out maximum power of 8.08 bhp at 7350 rpm and 8.7 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 4-speed gearbox and gets Eco Thrust fuel injection system tuned for delivering high fuel economy.
Speaking about the ride, the bike is highly comfortable and reliable commuter in its segment and comes with India specific suspension setup. TVS Star City Plus gets a pair of telescopic forks at the front end along with twin shock absorbers with hydraulic dampers at the rear end.
Since, it is a commuter bike; the main focus is put on the fuel efficiency. The newly updated 110cc engine on the Star City delivers a mileage of about 70 km per litre which is more than enough for any family person. However, you have to keep the throttle light to achieve this fuel economy. With a 10-litre fuel tank, the bike can provide a range of 700 km in a single tankful. High fuel prices have forced motorcycle makers to deliver more fuel efficiency in the BS6 models.
TVS Star City is present in this list for its practical aspect and good real-world fuel economy. With a single piece long seat available, the bike offers extreme comfort to the rider and has enough room for the pillion. If you plan to go on a weekend stint with a pillion, the comfort level will make you forget the small engine of this bike. It could be a best pick if you love the TVS brand. The Star City is low on maintenance and offers great value for your hard-earned money.
| Model | TVS Star City Plus |
| Engine | 109.7 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 8.08 bhp @ 7,350 rpm |
| Torque | 8.7 Nm @ 4,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 4-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Front Tyre | 2.75 X 17″ 41P |
| Rear Tyre | 3.0 X 17″ 50P |
| Front Brake | Drum |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| ABS | CBS |
| Weight | 116 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 10 Ltr |
| Mileage | 71 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 90 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹72,305 |
Honda Shine
Honda Shine is a practical motorcycle made for the Indian road conditions. This 125cc bike comes with telescopic forks at the front with twin-shock absorbers at the rear. This suspension setup is tuned towards a softer side to offer plush ride quality to the riders. It is a basic 125cc commuter motorcycle strictly developed for tackling the daily challenges of a typical road user.
Similar to other bikes in this list, Honda Shine is a bike for daily riding needs on the roads that have undulations and pothole. The comfortable long and wide seat on the bike is present to make sure the rider is cushion from the jerks and jolts from the bad roads.
The Shine gets is propelling power from a 124cc single cylinder, air-cooled, fuel injected engine with a 2-valve head. The powerplant is capable of generating a power of 10.59 bhp at 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 11 Nm comes up at 6000 rpm. A 5-speed gearbox is connected via a multi-plate clutch which has short initial gears and tall final gear for comfortable highway cruising.
On the mileage front, the bike is able to deliver a real-world mileage of more than 55 km per litre which is more than sufficient for a bike of this class. You can expect a range of 575 km from its 10.5 litre fuel tank which will guarantee a fuel tank run for more than three weeks if not the whole month.
Feature-wise the bike offers only basic instrumentation with analogue meters. There is an option for front disc brake for greater braking power on the highways. In the standard variant you will only get drum brakes on both ends. A combined braking system is available as standard feature.
If you are searching for a capable 125cc bike for tackling our roads, Honda Shine 125 can be your next bike as it comes with everything that you might need.
| Model | Honda Shine |
| Engine | 124 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 10.59 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Front Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 47P |
| Rear Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 54P |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| ABS | CBS |
| Weight | 114 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 10.5 Ltr |
| Mileage | 55 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 95 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹77,378 |
Bajaj Pulsar 150
Up next, you have Bajaj Pulsar 150. It is the most loved bike in the Indian market will sales crossing 40,000 units mark every other month. This particular motorcycle from the Bajaj Auto is a capable machine to deal with the special roads of India. It gets telescopic forks at the front and a pair of gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear.
This suspension setup is a balanced one for dealing with the potholes and bad patches of roads at lower speed and keeps the bike stable at high speed on the highways. The gas-charged rear shocker helps in proper restraining of the jolts away from the rider. With flat and well-padded seats providing further comfort to the rider and the pillion.
This ageless motorcycle comes with similar ageless engine displacing 149.5cc. This motor gets its dose from an electronic fuel injection system which breathes through a 2-valve engine and is BS6 complaint. While upgrading the engine to BS6 emission norms, a small amount of power and torque is lost leaving behind only 13.79 bhp at 8000 rpm and 13.4 Nm at 6000 rpm. A 5-peed gearbox take care of the power transmission.
Made for city rides, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 has a potential to return up to 50 km per litre of mileage in the ARAI tests but in the real world, this number drops to about 45-47 kmpl in the city riding. Out on the highways, you can expect a better number and the range from is 15-litre fuel tank can go beyond 700 km mark.
With this bike, you get a semi-digital instrument cluster which offer all the basic information about the bike. What you will miss is a full LED headlight and a fully digital instrument console. In the braking department, the bike comes with standard front disc brake and rear drum brake with single channel ABS for safer braking. Bajaj Pulsar 150 is a comfortable bike to ride in the city and out on the highway for weekend getaways.
| Model | Bajaj Pulsar 150 |
| Engine | 149.5 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 13.79 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 13.4 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Front Tyre | 80/100 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 100/90 17 |
| Front Brake | Disc – 240mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| ABS | Single-Channel |
| Weight | 144 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 15 Ltr |
| Mileage | 45 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 110 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | 1.04 lakh |
Honda Unicorn
Honda Unicorn is also a great machine to take on the Indian roads as it comes with well-tuned rear monoshock unit. Unlike other bikes in this segment, which are sporty in nature, the Unicorn makes its position in the Indian market due to its sturdy suspension and frame. The ride quality of the Honda Unicorn is on the plusher side which makes it the first choice among the mature riders.
The front telescopic forks and the rear monoshock suspension are tuned towards the softer side which keeps the rider safe from the road bumps and harshness. You can easily tackle the bad segments of the road without unsettling the bike in the process.
There are three colours available on the Honda Unicorn – Pearl Igneous Black, Imperial Red Metallic and Mat Axis Gray Metallic.
The all-new BS6 Honda Unicorn is propelled by a fuel injected, 162.71cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine with a basic 2-valve head. This new BS6 engine generates a power of 12.73 bhp at 7500 rpm and peak twisting force of 14 Nm arrives at 5500 rpm. You get a 5-speed gearbox which offers smooth ride on every occasion. You will get linear power delivery from this Honda engine and the fuel efficiency is also on the greater side.
The Unicorn returns are fuel efficiency figure of 50 km per litre which will means for a long range of the bike. With a 13-litre fuel tank capacity, the expected range of the bike is around 680 km if you consider the ARAI fuel economy of 53 km per litre. With high petrol prices, Honda Unicorn offer the lowest running cost in 150cc segment.
The instrument cluster should have given a new design as there is an age-old analogue cluster with three-pod design. You get a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and fuel gauge apart from regular tell-tale lights. BS6 upgrade was the best time for Honda to upgrade the Unicorn with at least a semi-digital instrument panel for better riding experience.
The Unicorn is a best choice for those people who only want solid build quality and high reliability and refinement. It is the only bike to offer these advantages and apart from this, you get nothing. It is a plain simple commuter bike with powerful engine and performance.
| Model | Honda Unicorn |
| Engine | 162.71 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 12.73 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 14 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 47P |
| Rear Tyre | 100/90-18 M/C 56P |
| Front Brake | Disc – 276mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| ABS | Single-Channel |
| Weight | 140 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 13 Ltr |
| Mileage | 53 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 110 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | 1.05 lakh |
Yamaha FZ FI
Up next is the Yamaha FZ Fi which is known for its comfortable ride quality and the capability of gliding over the bad roads. Yes, the main reason of high sales of Yamaha FZ Fi is its comfortable ride experience which is made sure by fat telescopic forks that are tuned to absorb both smaller and larger bumps on the road.
At the rear the bike gets a monoshock which is also tuned for balanced compression and rebound leading to a fine blend of bump absorption and high-speed stability. Apart from the suspension, the FZ comes with a flat and comfortable seat which filters any undulations that might creep through the suspension system.
At the heart of the Yamaha FZ Fi Version 3 is a single cylinder, air-cooled, 149cc, fuel-injected engine with 2-valve head. The BS6 upgrade saw a minute reduction of power and torque numbers with 12.2 bhp at 7250 rpm and 13.6 Nm at 5500 rpm. Despite having least amount of power according to 150cc standards, the bike delivers near similar riding experience due to low kerb weight of 137 kg.
Since, it is a bike made for daily commuting; the fuel injected engine is made to return a mileage of about 50 kmpl in the mixed riding conditions. When this number is coupled to the 13-litre fuel tank, the bike’s range is settled at around 650 km in a single tankful. If you are daily commuter, a single tank of fuel can last for whole month.
| Model | Yamaha FZ FI |
| Engine | 149 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 12.2 bhp @ 7,250 rpm |
| Torque | 13.6 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Tyre | 100/80-17M/C(52P) |
| Rear Tyre | 140/60-R17M/C(63P) |
| Front Brake | Disc – 282mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 220mm |
| ABS | Single-Channel |
| Weight | 137 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 13 Ltr |
| Mileage | 50 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 110 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | 1.21 lakh |
TVS Apache 160 4V
Speaking about the suspension and ride quality, TVS is also bot behind by any means, the Apache RTR 160 4V is at another level when the suspension and ride quality department is considered. It features telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear which are calibrated to be used to Indian roads.
The suspension easily absorbs bumps, undulations, broken sectors, potholes and any type of jolt from the roads. This makes the bike glides over the bad patch without unsettling the rider. The riding posture also plays and important role in providing comfort to the rider and Apache RTR 160 4V has a slightly lean riding posture leading to a perfect rider triangle for comfort and sporty riding. The pillion seat also has right amount of padding making it a perfect bike for weekend getaways.
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is moves by a 159.7cc, single cylinder engine with fuel injection ad a 4-valve head. This air-cooled motor now pumps out 15.6 bhp at 8250 rpm and a peak twisting force of 14.12 Nm arrives at 7250 rpm. A 5-speed gearbox handles the reduction duties and is connected via multi-plate clutch operated via handle lever.
The RT-Fi fuel injection system comes with greater mileage of more than 45 kmpl in the mixed riding conditions with number moving to nearly 50 kmpl on the highway rides. A fuel tank capacity of 12 litres will deliver a range of more than 550 km.
A fully digital instrument cluster with a slew of information available for the rider and the headlights are fully LED units and provide excellent road illumination at night. The bike also disc brake on both the ends for bringing the bike to a complete halt safer and in lesser time. A single channel ABS is on offer for making sure the front wheel does not get locked under hard braking.
| Model | TVS Apache 160 4V |
| Engine | 159.7 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 15.6 bhp @ 8,250 rpm |
| Torque | 14.12 Nm @ 7,250 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Tyre | 90/90-17 49P |
| Rear Tyre | 110/80-17 57P |
| Front Brake | Disc – 270mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 240mm |
| ABS | Single-Channel |
| Weight | 147 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 12 Ltr |
| Mileage | 45 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 115 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | 1.21 lakh |
Bajaj Pulsar N160
Bajaj Pulsar N160 is another bike in this list that offer good ride quality due to its well-calibrated suspension system. At present, it is priced at Rs 1.22 lakh ex-showroom New Delhi which is Rs 18,000 more expensive than the Pulsar 150. The bike is suspended from telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. This suspension system is tuned to take on the Indian roads by all means. Bajaj engineers have worked on the compression and rebound of the hydraulic dampers at both ends that offers the ride quality that most young riders desire to have.
In terms of design, the new N160 is based on the Pulsar N250 with a streetfighter stance and bi-projector headlight assembly. Pulsar N160 gets four paint jobs – Caribbean Blue, Racing Red, Techno Grey and Brooklyn Black. It is also the only 150-160cc bike after the R15 V4 to sport a dual-channel ABS system for greater rider safety.
Coming to the engine, Pulsar N160 is powered by a 164.82cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 2-valve engine. This is the largest displacement engine in this segment and churns out 15.68 bhp of power at 8750 rpm and 14.65 Nm torque at 6750 rpm. A 5-speed gearbox is attached to the engine via a multi-plate clutch.
Expect the bike to offer great city performance due to flat torque curve that provides good pick-up right from low rpm. In terms of mileage, its twin-spark engine can provide up to 50 kmpl mileage on the highways at steady speeds. It is possible to get over 45 kmpl mileage in real-world conditions. This kind of mileage is expected from a bike of this segment because fuel price are going upwards day by day. A 14-litre fuel tank can deliver a riding range of around 500 km in a single tankful.
The instrumentation on the N160 is derived from its larger sibling, the N250. There is an analogue tachometer along with digital screens for displaying all the important information about the bike. Braking department is taken care of by Disc brakes on both ends with option for choosing from a single-channel ABS or dual-channel ABS for better braking performance.
| Model | Bajaj Pulsar N160 |
| Engine | 164.82 cc |
| Cooling | Oil-Cooled |
| Power | 15.68 bhp @ 8,750 rpm |
| Torque | 14.65 Nm @ 6,750 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Tyre | 100/80-17 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70-17 |
| Front Brake | Disc – 280 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 230mm |
| ABS | Dual-Channel |
| Weight | 153 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 14 Ltr |
| Mileage | 45 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 120 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | 1.22 lakh |
Hero Xpulse 200 4V
What is better than an adventure bike for broken, potholes filled roads of our towns and cities? Nothing. Hero Xpulse 200 4V is an adventure tourer for those who are looking for such bike under budget. It is a tall motorcycle, designed to tackle the uneven terrain and comes with a high ground clearance of 220 mm. Its suspension system is comprised of telescopic forks at the front and monoshock at the rear with 190 mm and 170 mm travel respectively.
This long travel suspension and high ground clearance of 220 mm is more than sufficient to tackle any kind of roads in Indian even including the ones in rural areas. All the bumps, potholes and the broken patches won’t be a trouble for the Xpulse 200. The seats for both ride and the pillion are comfortable for long rides.
The engine on this bike is a 199.6 cc, single cylinder, air and oil-cooled unit with 2-valve head. The fuelling is done by programmed fuel injection system from Hero which works with various sensors for better power delivery and fuel efficiency. The BS6 version gets lesser power out of 18.8 bhp at 8500 rpm and a max torque is now only 17.35 Nm at 6500 rpm. Not only this but also the kerb weight is increased to 157.5 kg. All the power is channelled to the rear wheel via a 5-speed gearbox with shorter gearing.
The fuel economy of the bike is quite low at around 35 kmpl on the highways due to short gears. In the city, however, you can expect around 38 kmpl. A full tank range on the highway is not more than 450 km which is not bad either for an adventure bike with 13-litre petrol tank. Still it is a great mileage figure for any adventure bike available on sale in India. High fuel price has forced young riders towards smaller capacity bikes with optimum performance and Xpulse 200 4V is one such bike to have in your garage.
For added convenience to the rider, the bike comes with a fully digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. You get all the crucial information about the bike and the ride plus you get phone notifications and turn by turn navigation. If you are fond of adventure bike, you can blindly go with the Hero Xpulse 200 as it has on the best suspension setup for tackling any kind of Indian roads.
| Model | Hero Xpulse 200 4V |
| Engine | 199.6 cc |
| Cooling | Oil-Cooled |
| Power | 18.8 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 17.35 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Tyre | 90/90-21 Tubed |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80-18 Tubed |
| Front Brake | Disc – 276mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 220mm |
| ABS | Single-Channel |
| Weight | 157.5 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 13 Ltr |
| Mileage | 40 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 115 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | 1.37 lakh |
Royal Enfield Himalayan
Finally, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is our most favourite bike for the Indian Roads. It has long travel suspension that can take you anywhere in the country where there is road or no road. The front tyre is 21 inches in diameter which is sufficient for dealing with deeper potholes and broken parts of the road.
The Himalayan is available in multiple colour schemes with different prices ranging from Rs 2,14,519 to Rs 2,22,159 ex-showroom, New Delhi. The colours available are – Snow, Granite, Sleet Grey, Gravel Grey, Lake Blue, Rock Red, Mirage Silver, Granite Black, Pine Green.
The Himalayan has comfortable upright riding posture with raised handlebars and enough legroom for any kind of riders to fit their legs. The seats are large and well-padded for providing comfort of next level. Suspension system, on the other hand, is comprised of front telescopic forks with 200 mm travel and rear monoshock with 180 mm travel. A long travel suspension ensures that no suspension bottoming occurs under everyday circumstances.
Royal Enfield Himalayan gets a long stroke, 411cc, single cylinder, fuel injected air-cooled engine with 2-valve SOHC head. This motor can develop 24.3 bhp of max power at 6500 rpm and 32 Nm torque at 4500 rpm. A 5-speed gearbox does the reduction duties and has balanced gear ratios for highway rideability. You can easily cruise at 80-90 kmph all day long and the top speed is around 130 kmph.
For an adventure tourer, the bike is capable of returning 30-35 kmpl mileage and when coupled to a 15-litre fuel tank, you can get a range of more than 450 km in a single tankful. A range of more than 400 km is considered to be adequate for long distance touring.
For better comfort, the bike is equipped with a tall windscreen visor for protection from the high-speed windblast. The headlight unit is halogen unit and offers a great throw in the night. Being a tourer, the instrument cluster is advanced with a range of information on offer. You will get an analogue speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge while the orange back-lit LCD displays the odometer, two trip meters, ambient temperature, digital clock, average speed and a compass. Not to mention the tell-tale lights which provide relevant information.
| Model | Royal Enfield Himalayan |
| Engine | 411 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 24.3 bhp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 32 Nm @ 4,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Tyre | 90/90 – 21″ |
| Rear Tyre | 120/90 – 17″ |
| Front Brake | Disc – 300mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 240mm |
| ABS | Dual-Channel |
| Weight | 199 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 15 Ltr |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 133 kmph |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | 2.15 lakh |
In Conclusion
So, with this, we came to a conclusion to our comprehensive list of best bikes for Indian roads. All the bikes that we mentioned here are good enough for day to day riding on the broken roads, roads with potholes and unpaved roads of rural India. There could be even more bike that are great for our roads and may not be mentioned in here but you can really tell us about those bikes.
The things that you have to keep in mind to select the best bike for Indian roads are suspension system, ergonomics, mileage, rider comfort and more. Fuel efficiency is also a must to consider because of high petrol price and other any convenient features you seek.
If you already own an old bike, you have to sell bike before you can buy a new one. Also, if you are low on budget or considering a used bike, you can check for second hand bike in used bikes market in your area. However, you have to sell bike in the second hand bike market before you buy a new bike.
We hope that you can choose the right bike for you according to your needs and usage pattern. Which one will you choose and why? Do tell us in the comments section below.
Always wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, carry your driving licence and follow all the traffic rules to make our roads safer for all. Stay tuned for more from the motorcycling world at AutoBreeds.com.
Best Bikes for Indian Roads Specifications: Engine and Gearbox
| Model | Engine | Cooling | Power | Torque | Gearbox |
| Bajaj CT 110X | 115.45 cc | Air-Cooled | 8.48 bhp @ 7,000 rpm | 9.81 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | 4-Speed |
| TVS Radeon | 109.7 cc | Air-Cooled | 8 bhp @ 7,350 rpm | 8.7 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | 4-Speed |
| Bajaj Platina 110 | 115.45 cc | Air-Cooled | 8.48 bhp @ 7,000 rpm | 9.81 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Honda CD 110 Dream | 109.51 cc | Air-Cooled | 8.67 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 9.30 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | 4-Speed |
| Hero Splendor Plus | 97.2 cc | Air-Cooled | 7.91 bhp @ 8,000 rpm | 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 4-Speed |
| Bajaj CT 125X | 124.4 cc | Air-Cooled | 10.7 bhp @ 8,000 rpm | 11 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | 5-Speed |
| TVS Star City Plus | 109.7 cc | Air-Cooled | 8.08 bhp @ 7,350 rpm | 8.7 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | 4-Speed |
| Honda Shine | 124 cc | Air-Cooled | 10.59 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 11 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Bajaj Pulsar 150 | 149.5 cc | Air-Cooled | 13.79 bhp @ 8,000 rpm | 13.4 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Honda Unicorn | 162.71 cc | Air-Cooled | 12.73 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 14 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Yamaha FZ FI | 149 cc | Air-Cooled | 12.2 bhp @ 7,250 rpm | 13.6 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | 5-Speed |
| TVS Apache 160 4V | 159.7 cc | Air-Cooled | 15.6 bhp @ 8,250 rpm | 14.12 Nm @ 7,250 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 | 164.82 cc | Oil-Cooled | 15.68 bhp @ 8,750 rpm | 14.65 Nm @ 6,750 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Hero Xpulse 200 4V | 199.6 cc | Oil-Cooled | 18.8 bhp @ 8,500 rpm | 17.35 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan | 411 cc | Air-Cooled | 24.3 bhp @ 6,500 rpm | 32 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | 5-Speed |
Best Bikes for Indian Roads Specifications: Suspension and Tyres
| Model | Front Suspension | Rear Suspension | Front Tyre | Rear Tyre |
| Bajaj CT 110X | Telescopic Fork | Twin Shock | 2.75 X 17 – 41 | 3.00 X 17 – 50 |
| TVS Radeon | Telescopic Fork | Twin Shock | 2.75 X 18 | 3.00 X 18 |
| Bajaj Platina 110 | Telescopic Fork | Twin Shock | 80/100 – 17 | 80/100 – 17 |
| Honda CD 110 Dream | Telescopic Fork | Twin Shock | 80/100-18 M/C 47P | 80/100-18 M/C 54P |
| Hero Splendor Plus | Telescopic Fork | Twin Shock | 80/100-18 M/C 47P | 80/100-18 M/C 54P |
| Bajaj CT 125X | Telescopic Fork | Twin Shock | 80/100 – 17 | 100/90 – 17 |
| TVS Star City Plus | Telescopic Fork | Twin Shock | 2.75 X 17″ 41P | 3.0 X 17″ 50P |
| Honda Shine | Telescopic Fork | Twin Shock | 80/100-18 M/C 47P | 80/100-18 M/C 54P |
| Bajaj Pulsar 150 | Telescopic Fork | Twin Shock | 80/100 17 | 100/90 17 |
| Honda Unicorn | Telescopic Fork | Monoshock | 80/100-18 M/C 47P | 100/90-18 M/C 56P |
| Yamaha FZ FI | Telescopic Fork | Monoshock | 100/80-17M/C(52P) | 140/60-R17M/C(63P) |
| TVS Apache 160 4V | Telescopic Fork | Monoshock | 90/90-17 49P | 110/80-17 57P |
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 | Telescopic Forks | Monoshock | 100/80-17 | 130/70-17 |
| Hero Xpulse 200 4V | Telescopic Fork | Monoshock | 90/90-21 Tubed | 120/80-18 Tubed |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan | Telescopic Fork | Monoshock | 90/90 – 21″ | 120/90 – 17″ |
Best Bikes for Indian Roads Specifications: Brakes and Weight
| Model | Front Brake | Rear Brake | ABS | Weight |
| Bajaj CT 110X | Drum | Drum | CBS | 116 kg |
| TVS Radeon | Drum/Disc | Drum | CBS | 116 kg |
| Bajaj Platina 110 | Disc – 240mm | Drum | CBS | 122 kg |
| Honda CD 110 Dream | Drum | Drum | CBS | 112 kg |
| Hero Splendor Plus | Drum | Drum | CBS | 110 kg |
| Bajaj CT 125X | Drum/Disc | Drum | CBS | 127 kg |
| TVS Star City Plus | Drum | Drum | CBS | 116 kg |
| Honda Shine | Drum/Disc | Drum | CBS | 114 kg |
| Bajaj Pulsar 150 | Disc – 240mm | Drum | Single-Channel | 144 kg |
| Honda Unicorn | Disc – 276mm | Drum | Single-Channel | 140 kg |
| Yamaha FZ FI | Disc – 282mm | Disc – 220mm | Single-Channel | 137 kg |
| TVS Apache 160 4V | Disc – 270mm | Disc – 240mm | Single-Channel | 147 kg |
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 | Disc – 280 mm | Disc – 230mm | Dual-Channel | 153 kg |
| Hero Xpulse 200 4V | Disc – 276mm | Disc – 220mm | Single-Channel | 157.5 kg |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan | Disc – 300mm | Disc – 240mm | Dual-Channel | 199 kg |
Best Bikes for Indian Roads Specifications: Mileage and Price
| Model | Fuel Tank | Mileage | Top Speed | Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) |
| Bajaj CT 110X | 10.5 Ltr | 70 kmpl | 85 kmph | ₹58,925 |
| TVS Radeon | 10 Ltr | 60 kmpl | 90 kmph | ₹ 59,925 |
| Bajaj Platina 110 | 11 Ltr | 59 kmpl | 85 kmph | ₹66,317 |
| Honda CD 110 Dream | 9.1 Ltr | 65 kmpl | 90 kmph | ₹70,315 |
| Hero Splendor Plus | 9.8 Ltr | 65 kmpl | 85 kmph | ₹70,408 |
| Bajaj CT 125X | 10.5 Ltr | 55 kmpl | 90 kmph | ₹71,354 |
| TVS Star City Plus | 10 Ltr | 71 kmpl | 90 kmph | ₹72,305 |
| Honda Shine | 10.5 Ltr | 55 kmpl | 95 kmph | ₹77,378 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 150 | 15 Ltr | 45 kmpl | 110 kmph | 1.04 lakh |
| Honda Unicorn | 13 Ltr | 53 kmpl | 110 kmph | 1.05 lakh |
| Yamaha FZ FI | 13 Ltr | 50 kmpl | 110 kmph | 1.21 lakh |
| TVS Apache 160 4V | 12 Ltr | 45 kmpl | 115 kmph | 1.21 lakh |
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 | 14 Ltr | 45 kmpl | 120 kmph | 1.22 lakh |
| Hero Xpulse 200 4V | 13 Ltr | 40 kmpl | 115 kmph | 1.37 lakh |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan | 15 Ltr | 30 kmpl | 133 kmph | 2.15 lakh |
Best Bikes of Other Category in India:
Best Scooters/Scooty of Other Category in India:
| Best Scooters in India | Best Electric Scooters in India | |
| Best Vespa Scooters In India | Best 125cc Scooters In India |
Best Bikes for Indian Roads Specifications: FAQs
Q: Which is best bike for Indian roads?
A: Hero Xpulse 200 4V and Royal Enfield Himalayan are best bikes for Indian roads because of their well-calibrated suspension setup to tackle the bad condition roads.
