Best Commuter Bikes in India

India has shown tremendous growth in sales of commuter bikes [1] over the years. Most middle-class families or people living in rural India use two-wheelers to travel across the city. In fact, a large segment of the two-wheeler market is covered by commuter bikes in India, for they are affordable, easy to maintain, and fuel-efficient. There are millions of people in India that choose commuting through bikes to go to work, travel, or other places. For many, it is not only a source of transport but a great solution to avoid public transportation or incur too much cost while travelling.

Not every home in India can afford or match the rising prices of cars. In such a case, having a commuter bike that is cost-effective, comfortable, and easy to travel turns out to be a great option. Whether travelling through the city traffic or long rides, investing in the right commuter bike is an ideal choice for daily travel.

Understanding the Usage of A Commuting Bike

Millions of people use trains and buses to travel across the city, but it can be crowded and discomforting at times. Private transportation like commuter bikes, on the other hand, offer freedom, comfort, and control over your ride. It is a reliable mode of transportation, ideal for people who prioritise low maintenance, fuel efficiency, and comfort. Here are the different uses of commuting bikes:

Daily Commuting

Whether you want to go to work or college or drop your child at school, commuting bikes is a great choice. Cities with dense traffic often report crowded public transport facilities, however, commuter bikes are an efficient alternative. Bike riders have full control over the routes which even saves time and reduces the stress of travelling with crowded groups.

Cover Long Distances

Many people worry about fuel consumption when travelling long distances. Commuter bikes add a sense of relief in comparison to other options because they are fuel-efficient. One can easily cover long distances on a daily basis with these excellent bikes.

Crossing Narrow Lanes

In urban and rural areas, travelling through different locations such as crowded places or narrow lanes can be a great challenge for many people. However, commuter bikes can beat this challenge. Commuter bikes in India are designed lightweight and with the ability to slip easily through traffic jams. Be it a delivery personnel or a middle-class family member, you can easily carry your goods through the narrow lanes with commuter bikes.

What Makes A Great Commuter Bike?

Various features make commuter bikes in India a top choice, including:

• Comfortable and Convenient: These bikes are much more comfortable in seating and come with easy-to-access controls, making them a great option for daily rides and long distances.

• Lightweight: Whether you want to travel across congested urban areas or narrow rural lanes, commuter bikes will offer a hassle-free ride thanks to their lightweight design.

• Durability: Driving on Indian rough roads is a challenging task. There is a high chance of daily wear and tear but these bikes can withstand it without frequent maintenance.

• Fuel Efficiency: Excellent mileage is one of the key features of commuter bikes that make them an ideal choice for daily travellers. Most Indians look for bikes that consume less fuel which makes them more cost-effective over time.

• Low Maintenance: These are designed to be durable and simple to operate. It is a preferred choice over other options because you hardly need to spend much on maintenance costs and its spare parts can be easily purchased from the market at a decent price.

Best Commuter Bikes in India

1. Honda SP 125:

Honda SP 125 [2] is a conservative-styling commuter bike with modern features and a smooth build that provides an enjoyable riding experience for daily travel.

Features:

• 124cc engine capacity

•  65 kmpl Mileage

• 11.2 litres Fuel Tank Capacity

• 10.72 bhp Power

• Digital Fuel Gauge

• Hazard Warning Indicator

• 12V, 4.0Ah battery

•  LED headlight

• Silent Start with ACG

Pros:

• Excellent engine capacity with minimal vibrations

• Comfortable seating and supports digital instrumentation

Cons:

• Disc brake variant and a few other segments are a bit costly

• Moderate styling

2. Hero Splendor Plus: 

Hero Splendor Plus [3] is one of the most fuel-efficient and affordable commuter bikes in India preferred by millions of daily commuters.

Features:

• 97.2cc engine capacity

• 60 kmpl Mileage

• 9.8 litres Fuel Tank Capacity

• 7.91 bhp Power

• Low Fuel Indicator

• Hazard Warning Indicator

• MF Battery, 12V - 3Ah

• Halogen Bulb headlight

• XSENS Advantage Technology

Pros:

• Affordable, lightweight, and much easier to handle

• Fuel-efficient engines will save you money and emit less pollution

Cons:

• The Disc Brake option is not available

• Does not support modern features

3. TVS Apache RTR 160: 

TVS Apache RTR 160 [4] offers daily commuters a sportier option. Its aggressive look, power, fuel-efficiency, engine capacity, and precise handling features make it a top choice.

Features:

• 159.7cc engine capacity

• 61 kmpl Mileage

• 12 litres Fuel Tank Capacity

• 15.82 bhp Power

• Digital Fuel Gauge

• Hazard Warning Indicator

• 12V, 6Ah MF battery

• LED headlight

• Glide Through Technology

Pros:

• 15.82 bhp Power implies strong performance delivery

• Good for long rides thanks to high engine capacity and mileage

Cons:

• Aggressive appearance but less attractive

•  Lacks certain features in comparison to new models.

4. Honda Shine:

The Honda Shine [5] guarantees smooth performance for daily commuters. Further, the high build quality helps create a good riding experience and comfort.

Features:

• 123.94cc engine capacity

• 55 kmpl Mileage

• 10.5 litres Fuel Tank Capacity

• 10.59 bhp Power

• Low Fuel Indicator

• Hazard Warning Indicator

• 12V,4.0Ah battery

• Halogen Bulb headlight

• Silent Start with ACG

Pros:

• Offers a more comfortable ride thanks to its ergonomic design.

• Rider hardly needs to invest much in maintenance costs as it has a simple design and spare parts are easily accessible.

Cons:

• Does not support various modern features and LED lighting

• A bit old-fashioned style compared to new models

5. Bajaj Pulsar 125:

Bajaj Pulsar 125 [6] is a great option in the market for those looking for stylish design and comfort in the same model while ensuring no compromise on mileage..

Features:

• 124.4cc engine capacity

• 50 kmpl Mileage

• 11.5 litres Fuel Tank Capacity

• 11.64 bhp Power

• Digital Fuel Gauge

• Hazard Warning Indicator

• DC, 12V, 4Ah VRLA battery

• Halogen Bulb headlight

• Split Grab Rails

Pros:

• 124.4cc Engine capacity guarantees a good performance

•  Stylish design yet comfortable for daily travel across the city

Cons:

• The sound of the crude engine is audible to many owners when riding

• Bajaj Pulsar 125 has a lower fuel efficiency in comparison to other models

Comparison Chart

How to Choose Your Perfect Commuter Bike?

Various factors that one must consider when selecting a commuter bike, include:

• Daily Usage: Make sure to check the fuel efficiency of different commuter bikes before making the payment. No matter whether you are looking for a commuter bike for short travels or long distances, more mileage is better.

• Engine Capacity: Another key factor to look for is their engine capacity. If you are planning to purchase a bike for long distances or highway tours, it is best to have a commuter bike with high engine capacity. However, if purchasing for only city tours, prioritise the one with good mileage.

• Budget: You can find a wide range of commuter bikes in India that meet your needs, but it is also important to look at their cost. Make sure to plan your budget early and then compare different models.

• Maintenance and Service: Some companies do not offer after-sale or maintenance services after purchase. Hence, make sure to find a manufacturer that offers access to a wide range of services at affordable rates.

Future of Commuter Bikes in India

India is constantly growing and expanding in various sectors, but at the same time, our actions are causing environmental issues that cannot be ignored. Looking at the growing environmental concerns, some of the major companies in India are working towards designing an environmentally friendly model for transportation. As a result, the future of commuter bikes will be more eco-friendly, economical, and good for health. These electric commuter bikes are easy to operate and require low maintenance.

Some companies have already launched their products and have gained quite a popularity among people. The design will not only help improve the environment but also human well-being. Moreover, manufacturers are also working on technology integration in bikes for easy management and travel.

FAQs

Q1: Which type of bike is ideal for daily commuting?

A: A commuter bike is the best option for daily commuting because of its economical fuel use, comfortable seating, and low maintenance expenses.

Q2: Which commuter bike in India uses the least fuel?

A: Hero Splendor Plus, Bajaj CT 100, and TVS Sport are a few top models that have good fuel efficiency.

Q3: Which commuter bike is good for a long life?

A: The Hero Splendor Plus and Honda Shine come with robust engines and low maintenance needs that make it a good option for a long life.

Q4: Which is the safest bike in India?

A: Most models from Hero, Bajaj, and TVS are considered to be safest in India as they offer features like ABS and CBS in terms of safety.

Q5: Are electric bikes a good option for commuting?

A: Yes, electric commuter bikes are soon going to cover a large part of our Indian collection. Their eco-friendly nature and low running costs will make it one of the popular options in the market. However, initially, the cost can be higher for many middle-class groups.