Bike Guide
The best-selling bikes in India include economical commuters, sporty street motorcycles and premium 350cc models. Hero Splendor, Honda Shine and Bajaj Pulsar lead the market, while TVS Apache, TVS Raider and Royal Enfield Classic 350 attract performance and premium-bike buyers. These motorcycles are popular for their mileage, reliability, affordable maintenance, performance and extensive service networks.
Models
Hero Splendor PlusHero₹ 76.18 k - 78.71 kView Details
Hero Xtreme 125RHero₹ 90.8 k - 1.07 LView Details
Bajaj Pulsar 150Bajaj₹ 1.11 L - 1.18 LView Details
Bajaj Pulsar NS200Bajaj₹ 1.38 L - 1.48 LView Details
Bajaj Pulsar N160Bajaj₹ 1.17 L - 1.29 LView Details
Royal Enfield Hunter 350Royal Enfield₹ 1.57 L - 1.91 LView Details
Honda UnicornHonda₹ 1.14 LView DetailsNews
India’s motorcycle market is primarily driven by commuter bikes. Fuel efficiency, affordable maintenance, durability and easy access to service centres remain important buying factors. However, customers are also upgrading to more powerful 125cc, 160cc and 350cc motorcycles.
The continued popularity of the Pulsar, Apache, Raider and Royal Enfield models shows that styling, performance and technology are becoming increasingly important alongside mileage and affordability.
The Hero Splendor Plus is India’s highest-selling motorcycle. It is powered by a 97.2cc engine and comes with a four-speed gearbox. Depending on the variant, buyers can get features such as an LED headlamp, digital instrument console, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging and i3S technology.
The Splendor is recommended for buyers who want a dependable motorcycle for office commuting, business use and regular family requirements. Its straightforward engineering and fuel economy make it a safe long-term choice.
The Honda Shine 125 uses a 123.94cc fuel-injected engine. It offers a five-speed gearbox, idling-stop technology, a digital meter and USB-C charging on selected variants.
The Honda Shine is an excellent family motorcycle for customers who want a balance of mileage, comfort and 125cc performance. Its refinement is especially useful for daily office travel.
The Pulsar sales ranking combines several models. The entry-level Bajaj Pulsar 125 has a 124.38cc engine producing 11.8 PS and 10.8 Nm. The wider Pulsar range also includes multiple 150cc, 160cc, 200cc and higher-capacity motorcycles.
The Pulsar range is ideal for customers upgrading from a regular commuter bike. The Pulsar 125 offers accessible performance, while the N160 and NS series are better suited to enthusiasts.
The Hero HF Deluxe is powered by a 97.2cc engine producing 5.9kW and 8.05 Nm. Hero lists mileage of up to 72 km/l under test conditions, although real-world efficiency will depend on riding conditions.
The HF Deluxe makes sense for customers who want affordable personal mobility with low fuel and maintenance expenses. It is particularly useful for short daily journeys.
Apache sales include several motorcycles. The popular TVS Apache RTR 160 4V features a 159.7cc oil-cooled engine producing up to 17.55 PS and 14.73 Nm in Sport mode.
The Apache range is recommended for customers who enjoy performance and handling but still need a practical daily motorcycle. The RTR 160 models provide a good balance between price and power.
The TVS Raider 125 is powered by a 124.8cc three-valve engine. It produces 11.2 Nm, while iGO-equipped variants can deliver up to 11.75 Nm with assist. It also offers a five-speed gearbox and connected features on higher variants.
The Raider 125 is one of the most attractive choices for young commuters. It offers commuter-bike practicality with the appearance and features of a sportier motorcycle.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 uses a 349cc air-oil-cooled engine producing 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm. It is known for its retro styling, comfortable performance and distinctive road presence.
The Classic 350 is suitable for customers who want character, comfort and road presence rather than outright speed. It is one of the strongest upgrades from a 125cc or 160cc motorcycle.
The Bajaj Platina 100 is powered by a 99.59cc engine. It comes with an 11-litre fuel tank, a four-speed gearbox and long-travel rear suspension.
The Platina is a sensible option for buyers covering longer daily distances who prioritise mileage and seating comfort over technology and sporty design.
The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 shares its 349cc engine platform with other Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles. It focuses on traditional styling, relaxed performance and an upright riding position.
The Bullet 350 is best suited to riders who appreciate its traditional identity. It offers relaxed performance and emotional appeal rather than modern sport-bike characteristics.
The Hero Passion Plus uses a 97.2cc fuel-injected engine producing 5.9kW and 8.05 Nm. It has a four-speed gearbox, an 11-litre fuel tank and a 790mm seat height.
The Passion Plus is suitable for buyers who want the economy of a 100cc motorcycle but prefer a more premium design than entry-level commuter bikes.
| Category | Recommended Models |
|---|---|
| Budget commuter bikes | HF Deluxe, Platina 100 |
| Mileage-focused bikes | Splendor Plus, HF Deluxe, Platina |
| 125cc family bikes | Honda Shine, TVS Raider |
| Sporty commuter bikes | Pulsar 125, TVS Raider |
| 160cc performance bikes | TVS Apache RTR 160 |
| Premium 350cc bikes | Classic 350, Bullet 350 |
| Daily office bikes | Splendor Plus, Shine 125, Passion Plus |
| Highway-capable bikes | Apache RTR 160, Classic 350, Bullet 350 |
High fuel efficiency helps owners control daily commuting expenses, especially when travelling long distances.
Simple commuter engines generally require less expensive routine service than premium or performance motorcycles.
Lightweight motorcycles are easier to manage in traffic, narrow roads and crowded parking areas.
Hero, Honda, Bajaj and TVS have extensive dealership and service networks across Indian cities and towns.
Most commuters do not require extremely high power. A 100cc or 125cc engine is sufficient for office travel and everyday errands.
Hero Splendor was the best-selling motorcycle in FY2026, recording approximately 37.27 lakh units according to the cited sales report.
The Hero Splendor Plus, Honda Shine 125, Hero HF Deluxe and Bajaj Platina 100 are practical choices for office commuting.
The TVS Raider 125, Bajaj Pulsar and TVS Apache are suitable for younger riders who prefer sporty styling and stronger performance.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is among India’s highest-selling premium motorcycles. It recorded more than four lakh units during FY2026.
A 100cc motorcycle is better for buyers prioritising mileage and affordability. A 125cc bike offers better acceleration and is more comfortable with a pillion.
Check seat height, riding posture, clutch operation, gear changes, braking, suspension comfort and low-speed balance. Test the motorcycle with a pillion whenever possible.
