Top 5 Bikes Under Rs 1 Lakh For College Students

These bikes are sure to make a statement. What’s even better is that they’re easy to convince your parents too!

You’ve completed your schooling and it is time to enter a new phase of life as an adult! Now that you’ve received your licence, we’re sure you’d want a bike that not only looks cool but will also be easy to convince your parents about. We round up the top 5 choices with which you can roll in style and also won’t eat up too much of your allowance.

Hero Xtreme 200S:

The Hero Xtreme 200S looks quite good in the flesh, and being the newest bike on the block, it also has that curiosity factor among prospective buyers and peers too. Its full faired styling will attract many eyeballs, especially in the fiery red shade it's available in. The motorcycle also gets comfortable riding ergonomics and the 18.4PS/ 17.1Nm air-cooled engine is peppy enough for the city. 

Also Read: Hero Xtreme 200S: First Ride Review

Plus, the bluetooth-enabled digital instrument cluster also gives you turn-by-turn directions while you’re navigating your way through the urban jungle. Being a Hero product, expect spare parts to be easily available thanks to the wide service network. The only Achilles’ Heel this bike has is the high-speed cruising ability. But if you’re willing to overlook this, at Rs 98,500 (ex-Delhi), the Xtreme 200S is one of the most value-for-money bikes in its segment.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V:

If you’re looking for a tastefully sporty streetfighter with genuine performance to boot, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is the one for you. The top-of-the-line FI ABS offers crisp throttle response, and this variant also features a slightly more info-laden instrument cluster with a digital readout which shows top speed, acceleration and lap times, among others. 

Its 159.7cc air-cooled engine with oil cooler makes a healthy 16.8PS of power and offers brisk acceleration from 4000rpm, all the way till 8000rpm. You can even cruise at just about 100kmph with relative ease on this motorcycle. However, wind blast is something you’d have to be aware of. In our tests, the carb variant returned 50.94kmpl in the city and 56.1kmpl on the highway. So, expect the FI variant to be a little more fuel-efficient. At Rs 98,851 (ex-Delhi), this bike is a little expensive but that’s the price you pay for TVS’ racing genes!

Honda CB Hornet 160R:

The Honda CB Hornet 160R is a great choice if you’re in the market for a muscular-looking motorcycle with the assurance of Japanese reliability. The Hornet received a modern LED headlamp in an update back in 2018, along with a redesigned instrument cluster. Honda also offers five funky colours to choose from and each one features colour-coded rim tapes too. 

Power comes from a 162.71cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor which makes 15PS. The engine is a little rev-happy and offers decent acceleration for a bike of its segment. However, post 90kmph it feels a little vibey. At 42.85kmpl, its city efficiency isn’t all that commendable but the bike makes up when it comes to highway mileage, returning 52kmpl. Being a Honda, it does command a premium compared to other bikes though, as you’ll have to shell out Rs.92,108 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the base ABS variant.

Bajaj Pulsar 180 Neon ABS: 

Even in the face of more modern competitors, the Bajaj Pulsar 220F still remains a timeless motorcycle. Bajaj is now offering a more affordable version called the Pulsar 180 Neon ABS at Rs 94,790 (ex-showroom Delhi). It essentially carries the same styling as the Pulsar 220F but packs the smaller 180cc motor shared from the regular Pulsar 180. This engine produces 17.02PS of power, the second-highest in this list. The generous 15-litre fuel tank will ensure good range for your weekend getaways too.

With contrasting colour highlights on the bodywork, the motorcycle is bound to attract attention. Moreover, it also comes with the safety of single-channel ABS with disc brakes at both ends.

Bajaj Avenger 160 ABS:

Priced at Rs 81,037 (ex-showroom Pune), the Bajaj Avenger 160 ABS is the most affordable cruiser in the country. Its laidback styling and ergonomics will appeal to those looking for a bike that can munch miles out on the highway. But on the flip side, its lazy rake angle would make it a little cumbersome to maneuver in city traffic. That said, the low seat height makes moving the bike out of parking spaces a lot easier. The motorcycle has started arriving at dealerships, so you can check with your nearest Bajaj showroom if you’re looking for one.

The new bike is likely to feature an under-bored version of the earlier model, the Avenger 180 Street. But expect the power figures to be more or less around the same ballpark as its predecessor.