Best Bikes In India Under Rs 1.5 Lakh

If you’re looking for an enthusiast’s motorcycle in this budget, get ready to be spoilt silly with choices

The Indian two-wheeler market has come a long way from being just commuter-oriented. If you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast looking for a motorcycle for less than a lakh and a half rupees, you can now choose from a number of alternatives that cater to different genres. Here are our top five picks:

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Rs 1,07,050

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is one of the best value-for-money, feature-laden 160cc streetfighters you can get for Rs 1,07,050 (top-end version). It gets an LED headlamp, an all digital instrument cluster, and even low-rpm assist called Glide Through Technology. This feature helps in crawling the bike using just clutch modulation and zero throttle. This should make low-speed riding in traffic a lot easier. 

Powering the motorcycle is a 159.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected engine with oil cooler. It produces 16.02PS at 8250rpm and 14.12Nm at 7250rpm. The claimed top speed stands at 114kmph and for safety, it gets a single-channel ABS with disc brake on both ends in the top-end variant. Overall, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is a great choice for those who want a well-rounded motorcycle that can do both commuting and the occasional weekend getaways.

Hero XPulse 200: Rs 1,11,790

The Hero XPulse 200 is India’s most affordable adventure bike. Priced at Rs 1,11,790, it is the least expensive way for one to learn the nuances of off-road riding. The bike is properly off-road centric thanks to the 190mm long travel front fork and a 10-step preload adjustable monoshock at the rear. It also gets a healthy 220mm ground clearance, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheel with block pattern tyres.

While the 18PS, 16.45Nm motor is good enough for offroading, it isn’t exactly highway-worthy. The seat is narrow but shorter riders may feel the 823mm seat a bit too tall. The good news for offroad enthusiasts is that Hero offers the option of making the XPulse 200 an even more hardcore motorcycle with a Rally Kit for Rs 38,000. You can read more about it here.

Suzuki Gixxer SF MotoGP Edition: Rs 1,24,970

The Suzuki GIxxer SF MotoGP Edition gets a sporty Suzuki MotoGP-inspired livery but the same mechanicals as the standard variant. The motorcycle is priced at Rs 1,24,970, which makes it 1,030 dearer than the standard colour variant. Even though it’s a faired motorcycle, the raised clip-on handlebars should make it comfortable enough to ride in traffic-riddled cities.

Powering this bike is a 155cc air-cooled SOHC fuel-injected motor that churns out 13.6PS and 13.8Nm. It may not be as powerful as the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, but the faired design and the sporty livery will appeal to those who like smashing looks over outright performance.

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Rs 1,28,500

As far as air-cooled 200cc bikes go, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is the sportiest and is the most feature-packed motorcycle out there. Priced at Rs 1,28,500, the Apache RTR 200 4V is ideal for those who want a sprightly motorcycle that’s packed with geeky yet practical features. It gets a full digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, among others. There’s a full-LED headlamp and tail lamp for sharper looks too.

The 197.97cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine with oil cooler produces 20.5PS and 16.8Nm. This coupled with the 5-speed transmission propels the bike to a claimed top speed of 127kmph. Other notable features include Glide Through Technology, slipper clutch and dual-channel ABS with rear lift-off protection.  

Yamaha R15 V3: Rs 1,46,900

The Yamaha R15 V3 is by far the best and the most affordable motorcycle you can buy to learn track riding or even just become a better rider. Armed with clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs, the bike offers sporty ergonomics that goes hand in hand with the VVA-equipped engine that makes a healthy 18.6PS and 14.1Nm. VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) helps in maintaining a balance between the top-end drive and low-end grunt. 

It also gets disc brake on both ends with dual-channel ABS for optimal safety. The rear comes with a 140-section radial tyre that offers stronger sidewalls compared to conventional tubeless ones. This should offer greater cornering confidence. Track riders can also make use of the optional Daytona exhaust for reduced weight and added performance. This track-only exhaust costs Rs 16,700.

All prices ex-showroom Delhi.