Best bikes under 1.5 lakhs: Choosing the right bike is a personal decision, especially when you’re looking for a balance between affordability and performance. For many buyers in India, finding the best bikes under ₹1.5 lakh is a crucial task, given the rising costs of vehicles, fuel, and maintenance. The two-wheeler segment under ₹1.5 lakh has a lot to offer, from fuel-efficient commuters to sporty performers, and these bikes provide the ideal combination of power, style, and budget-friendliness.
In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the best bikes under 1.5 lakhs that can meet various needs, whether you’re commuting to work daily or looking for a weekend ride. These bikes are not just pocket-friendly; they also come packed with features that offer great value for money. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision on which bike suits your lifestyle, riding preferences, and budget.
Why Choose a Bike Under 1.5 Lakhs?
The ₹1.5 lakh price range is quite competitive in the Indian two-wheeler market. Bikes in this range are ideal for a wide range of riders, from beginners looking for their first motorcycle to seasoned bikers who need an affordable and reliable second vehicle. Here’s why bikes in this price bracket are a smart choice:
- Affordability: These bikes are cost-effective, offering great value in terms of features, engine performance, and fuel efficiency without breaking the bank.
- Practicality: Most bikes in this category are designed to meet the needs of daily commuters, ensuring reliability, ease of maintenance, and fuel savings.
- Balance of Power and Efficiency: While they are affordable, bikes in this segment still pack a punch when it comes to engine power and performance, making them suitable for both city traffic and occasional highway rides.
- Easy Handling: Most bikes in this price range are designed with the average Indian rider in mind, offering comfortable seating positions, light handling, and good ground clearance for tackling Indian road conditions.
- Resale Value: Due to their popularity and reliability, bikes under ₹1.5 lakh tend to retain a decent resale value, making them a good investment for riders who may want to upgrade in the future.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Bike
Before we dive into the detailed list of the best bikes under 1.5 lakhs, let’s look at some of the critical factors that should guide your decision:
- Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: For many buyers, mileage is one of the most important considerations. Bikes under ₹1.5 lakh usually offer excellent fuel efficiency, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
- Performance and Engine Power: Even within this budget range, you can find bikes that offer powerful engines suitable for both city rides and highway cruising. Depending on your needs, you can opt for either a more fuel-efficient commuter bike or a bike with more power for occasional long rides.
- Build and Design: Comfort and durability are key considerations. Look for bikes with ergonomic designs, comfortable seating positions, and sturdy builds that can handle Indian road conditions.
- Maintenance and Service Costs: Regular maintenance is part of owning any vehicle. Fortunately, bikes in this range tend to have lower maintenance costs, making them economical even after the purchase.
- Resale Value: Choosing a bike with a strong brand reputation can help ensure you get a good resale value when it’s time to upgrade.
With these factors in mind, let’s explore our top picks for best bikes under 1.5 lakhs in India.
Top 7 Best Bikes Under 1.5 Lakhs in Delhi (2024)
1. Bajaj Pulsar NS 125
- Price: ₹1.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Engine: 124.4cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder
- Power & Torque: 11.8 HP, 11 Nm
- Mileage: Approx. 50-55 km/l
The Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is a popular choice for those looking for a sporty, entry-level bike that delivers on both style and performance. The bike has the iconic aggressive Pulsar design, making it visually appealing to young riders. The 124.4cc engine generates 11.8 HP and 11 Nm of torque, making it a great option for daily commuters who need a little extra power for city rides.
What makes the Pulsar NS 125 stand out is its lightweight design, which offers better control and handling, especially in urban traffic. Its impressive mileage of around 50-55 km/l also makes it an economical choice for those who are mindful of fuel expenses. While it may not be the most powerful bike on the highway, it’s an excellent option for city commuters who want a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Good fuel efficiency for its engine size
- Reliable brand with a strong service network
Cons:
- Lacks the power needed for long highway rides
- Basic features compared to higher-end models
2. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
- Price: ₹1.28 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Engine: 159.7cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder
- Power & Torque: 17.39 HP, 14.73 Nm
- Mileage: Approx. 45-50 km/l
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is known for its performance-oriented design, making it one of the most powerful bikes in this price range. With a 159.7cc engine that generates 17.39 HP and 14.73 Nm of torque, this bike offers an exciting riding experience for those who crave a bit more speed and acceleration. It also features advanced technologies like Glide Through Traffic (GTT), which allows the bike to move smoothly in slow traffic conditions without constant throttle input.
The Apache RTR 160 4V is also popular for its excellent handling, thanks to its sharp design and superior braking system. Despite its power, it offers a respectable mileage of 45-50 km/l, making it suitable for both city rides and occasional highway trips. It’s the perfect choice for riders who want a sporty, high-performance bike that can handle various riding conditions.
Pros:
- Powerful engine with great acceleration
- Advanced features for better handling
- Superior braking and stability
Cons:
- Slightly lower mileage compared to other bikes in the same segment
- Higher maintenance costs due to advanced technology
3. Bajaj Freedom 125
- Price: ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Engine: 124.6cc, air-cooled
- Power & Torque: 10.7 HP, 11 Nm
- Mileage: Approx. 60 km/l
If fuel efficiency is your top priority, the Bajaj Freedom 125 is an excellent option. With a 124.6cc engine that produces 10.7 HP and 11 Nm of torque, the Freedom 125 is designed for smooth, efficient city commuting. Its standout feature is its mileage, which is around 60 km/l—making it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in this price range.
The bike is built for comfort and practicality, featuring a relaxed seating position and a simple design that emphasizes function over style. It may not be as flashy as some of the other bikes on this list, but if you’re looking for a dependable commuter bike that will save you money on fuel, the Freedom 125 is a great choice.
Pros:
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Low maintenance costs
- Comfortable for long rides within the city
Cons:
- Basic design with minimal features
- Limited power, not suitable for high-speed rides
4. TVS Raider 125
- Price: ₹1.01 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Engine: 124.8cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder
- Power & Torque: 11.38 HP, 11.2 Nm
- Mileage: Approx. 57-60 km/l
The TVS Raider 125 is an exciting option for young riders who want a stylish, feature-packed bike without exceeding their budget. Powered by a 124.8cc engine that produces 11.38 HP and 11.2 Nm of torque, the Raider 125 is more than capable of handling city commutes while also delivering decent performance for short highway trips.
The bike’s sporty look is complemented by modern features like a fully digital instrument cluster, which displays a wealth of information at a glance. The Raider 125 also boasts impressive fuel efficiency, offering around 57-60 km/l, making it one of the most economical choices for those who ride daily.
Pros:
- Modern design with advanced features
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons:
- Lacks high-end performance for long-distance rides
- Some features may feel overwhelming for beginner riders
5. Suzuki Gixxer 150
- Price: ₹1.40 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Engine: 155cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder
- Power & Torque: 13.6 HP, 13.8 Nm
- Mileage: Approx. 45-50 km/l
The Suzuki Gixxer 150 is a well-rounded performer, known for its premium build quality and muscular design. Powered by a 155cc engine, the Gixxer 150 delivers 13.6 HP and 13.8 Nm of torque, offering a balanced riding experience that’s perfect for both city and highway use. Its sporty design makes it stand out on the road, while its robust engine performance ensures you can tackle any terrain with ease.
One of the key highlights of the Gixxer 150 is its handling. The bike feels stable at high speeds and has a comfortable seating position, making it a good option for longer rides. While the mileage of 45-50 km/l is not as high as other bikes in this list, its premium features and design make up for the slight difference in fuel efficiency.
Pros:
- Stylish and sporty design
- Powerful engine for highway rides
- Excellent handling and stability
Cons:
- Mileage could be better
- Slightly more expensive compared to competitors
6. Bajaj Pulsar N150
- Price: ₹1.17 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Engine: 149.68cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
- Power & Torque: 14.5 HP, 13.5 Nm
- Mileage: Approx. 50-55 km/l
The Bajaj Pulsar N150 is the latest addition to the Pulsar family, and it brings with it a fresh design and improved performance. Equipped with a 149.68cc engine, the N150 produces 14.5 HP and 13.5 Nm of torque, making it ideal for daily commutes as well as weekend road trips. The N150 comes with a modern, aggressive design that appeals to younger riders who want both performance and aesthetics.
With a mileage of around 50-55 km/l, the Pulsar N150 strikes a good balance between power and fuel efficiency. It also comes with features like a semi-digital instrument cluster and a comfortable seating position, making it a well-rounded choice for both city and highway riding.
Pros:
- Modern design with sporty looks
- Good balance of power and mileage
- Comfortable seating for long rides
Cons:
- Limited features compared to competitors
- Could offer better handling at high speeds
7. Yamaha FZS FI V4
- Price: ₹1.29 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Engine: 149cc, fuel-injected
- Power & Torque: 12.4 HP, 13.3 Nm
- Mileage: Approx. 50-55 km/l
The Yamaha FZS FI V4 is one of the most premium bikes in this list, offering a stylish design along with modern features like Bluetooth connectivity, ABS, and a fully digital instrument cluster. Powered by a 149cc fuel-injected engine, the FZS FI V4 delivers 12.4 HP and 13.3 Nm of torque, making it ideal for city commutes and short highway rides.
While it may not have the raw power of the Apache RTR 160 or the Gixxer 150, the FZS FI V4 offers a smooth and comfortable riding experience, thanks to its superior build quality and ergonomic design. It also delivers a mileage of 50-55 km/l, making it a practical choice for everyday riders.
Pros:
- Premium design with advanced features
- Decent mileage for a 150cc bike
- Smooth and comfortable ride
Cons:
- Slightly underpowered compared to competitors
- Higher price point within this range
Which Bike is Right for You?
Now that we’ve reviewed the best bikes under 1.5 lakhs, let’s help you decide which one suits your needs the best:
- Best for Beginners: If you’re new to riding, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 or TVS Raider 125 are great options, offering a good mix of style, performance, and fuel efficiency.
- Best for Performance: For riders who crave more power, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V or Suzuki Gixxer 150 provide excellent engine performance and handling.
- Best for Mileage: If mileage is your top priority, the Bajaj Freedom 125 or TVS Raider 125 will serve you well with their exceptional fuel efficiency.
- Best All-rounder: If you’re looking for a bike that balances performance, design, and features, the Yamaha FZS FI V4 stands out with its premium build and modern tech.
Conclusion
Finding the best bikes under 1.5 lakhs depends on your individual preferences, whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, performance, or advanced features. Each bike listed above offers a unique set of strengths that caters to different types of riders. Whether you’re a daily commuter looking for high mileage or a weekend rider who craves performance, there’s a bike in this list that can meet your needs.
Before making a decision for the best bikes under 1.5 lakhs, consider taking a test ride of your shortlisted options to see which one feels best suited for your riding style. Ultimately, the best bike is one that fits your lifestyle, offers comfort on the road, and gives you the confidence to ride in any situation.