1. E20 Commuter Bikes
Popular choices include:
- Hero Splendor Plus
- Honda Shine 125
- Honda SP125
- Hero Super Splendor XTEC 2.0
- TVS Sport
Expert opinion
E20 commuter motorcycles remain the most sensible choice for riders travelling regularly to work or college. Their smaller engines are generally economical, easy to maintain and suitable for congested city roads.
Advantages
- Economical daily transportation
- Affordable periodic servicing
- Extensive service-network availability
- Lightweight and easy to control
- Comfortable for city speeds
- Good resale demand for popular models
Limitations
- Performance can feel limited on highways
- Basic variants may lack premium safety features
- Mileage may reduce marginally when compared with lower-ethanol petrol
- Entry-level bikes may not be ideal for frequent long-distance touring
Verdict
The Hero Splendor Plus is a practical economy-focused option, while the Honda Shine 125 and SP125 provide better refinement and stronger performance. Riders wanting sporty performance can consider the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.
2. E20 Sports and Touring Bikes
Popular choices include:
- TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
- Honda SP160
- Yamaha MT-15 V2
- Royal Enfield Classic 350
- Hero Xpulse 210
- Honda H’ness CB350
Expert opinion
Modern fuel injection and electronic engine management allow these motorcycles to run effectively on E20 petrol when certified by the manufacturer. They offer better acceleration and highway capability than basic commuter bikes but also involve higher purchase, tyre, service and insurance costs.
Advantages
- Stronger acceleration and overtaking performance
- Better highway stability
- More advanced braking and suspension
- Suitable for longer journeys
- Modern digital features on selected models
- More engaging riding experience
Limitations
- Higher purchase and maintenance costs
- Lower real-world mileage than commuter bikes
- Heavier models may be difficult in traffic
- Premium replacement parts and tyres can be expensive
Verdict
Choose the MT-15 V2 or Apache RTR 160 4V for sporty city riding. The Classic 350 or H’ness CB350 suits relaxed highway rides, whereas the Xpulse 210 is the better option for touring over broken roads.
3. E20 Family Scooters
Popular choices include:
- Honda Activa 110
- TVS Jupiter 110
- Suzuki Access 125
- Honda Activa 125
- TVS Jupiter 125
Expert opinion
Family scooters provide the most accessible E20 petrol mobility experience. Their automatic transmissions, under-seat storage and step-through design make them convenient for short journeys and shared household use.
Advantages
- Gearless and easy to ride
- Practical storage space
- Comfortable upright seating
- Convenient for frequent city trips
- Suitable for a wide variety of riders
- Extensive service support for major brands
Limitations
- Smaller wheels may feel unsettled on bad roads
- Less highway stability than motorcycles
- Under-seat storage varies between models
- Rear suspension can feel firm with a pillion
- Fuel economy is usually lower than an equivalent commuter bike
Verdict
The Honda Activa 110 is suitable for buyers prioritising familiarity and resale demand. The TVS Jupiter focuses on comfort and practicality, while the Suzuki Access 125 offers one of the strongest combinations of refinement and performance.
4. E20 Sporty and Maxi-Style Scooters
Popular choices include:
- TVS Ntorq 125
- Suzuki Avenis
- Suzuki Burgman Street
- Hero Xoom 125
- Yamaha Aerox 155
Expert opinion
These scooters are designed for riders wanting stronger performance and more aggressive styling. They are entertaining in the city, although their real-world economy and ownership costs can be higher than conventional 110cc scooters.
Advantages
- Sportier design
- Better acceleration
- Connected features on selected variants
- Comfortable automatic transmission
- Suitable for longer urban commutes
- Larger engines on premium models
Limitations
- Higher price and insurance costs
- Lower mileage than basic scooters
- Sporty suspension can feel firm
- Maxi-style models can be heavier
- Premium variants may have expensive replacement panels
Verdict
Choose the Ntorq 125 for sporty city use, the Burgman Street for relaxed comfort and the Aerox 155 when performance is more important than traditional family-scooter practicality.
Advantages of E20 Petrol Two-Wheelers
- Compatible with India’s present ethanol-blended fuel programme
- Helps reduce dependence on conventional petrol
- Ethanol is produced from renewable feedstocks
- Modern vehicles use ethanol-resistant fuel-system components
- No special riding procedure is normally required
- E20 petrol is widely available through regular fuel stations
- New E20-compatible vehicles retain normal manufacturer warranty subject to terms
- Works with modern fuel-injection and emission-control systems
Possible Disadvantages
- Mileage may be marginally lower because ethanol contains less energy than petrol
- Older E10-only vehicles may not be fully compatible
- Ethanol can absorb moisture if fuel is stored for a long period
- Actual performance depends on engine calibration and fuel quality
- E20 compatibility does not permit the use of E85
- Owners of older vehicles may need to monitor fuel pipes, seals and related components
E20 Petrol vs E85 Flex Fuel
| Feature |
E20 petrol vehicle |
E85 flex-fuel vehicle |
| Maximum intended ethanol content |
Approximately 20% |
Up to approximately 85% |
| Engine calibration |
Primarily calibrated for petrol/E20 |
Automatically adapts to multiple blends |
| Fuel-system modifications |
E20-resistant materials |
Higher ethanol resistance |
| Availability |
Widely available |
Limited availability |
| Can use E85? |
No |
Yes, subject to certification |
| Best suited for |
Regular Indian petrol usage |
Regions with flex-fuel availability |
Best E20 Bike or Scooter by Requirement
| Requirement |
Recommended options |
| Affordable daily bike |
Hero Splendor Plus |
| Refined 125cc bike |
Honda Shine 125 |
| Feature-rich commuter |
Honda SP125 |
| Sporty commuter bike |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
| City sports bike |
Yamaha MT-15 V2 |
| Adventure touring |
Hero Xpulse 210 |
| Family scooter |
Honda Activa 110 |
| Comfortable scooter |
TVS Jupiter 110 |
| Powerful family scooter |
Suzuki Access 125 |
| Sporty scooter |
TVS Ntorq 125 |
| Maxi-style scooter |
Suzuki Burgman Street |
| Performance scooter |
Yamaha Aerox 155 |
E20 Two-Wheeler Buying Checklist
Before purchasing, check the following:
- Look for an E20 sticker or marking near the fuel tank.
- Confirm compatibility in the owner’s manual.
- Verify the manufacturing month and year.
- Ask the dealer for written confirmation when necessary.
- Check whether the exact variant is E20 and OBD2B compliant.
- Compare real-world mileage rather than only claimed figures.
- Check service-centre availability in your city.
- Compare insurance and spare-part costs.
- Take a test ride with and without a pillion.
- For used vehicles, inspect the fuel tank, pipes, seals and injector condition.
- Confirm the remaining warranty and service history.
- Never assume an E20 vehicle can use E85 fuel.
Maintenance Tips for E20 Bikes and Scooters
- Refuel from a reliable petrol station.
- Avoid storing the vehicle with old fuel for several months.
- Follow the manufacturer’s prescribed service schedule.
- Replace fuel filters and spark plugs at recommended intervals.
- Do not use unapproved fuel additives.
- Investigate starting difficulty, unstable idling or fuel leakage immediately.
- Have fuel pipes and seals inspected on older vehicles.
- Use only the fuel grade recommended in the owner’s manual.
- Do not fill E85 in an E20-only vehicle.
