Bikes are one of the most preferred modes of commuting for college students in India. From cutting down commute times to giving you the freedom to chase adventures, bikes bring several perks to one’s college life. The best bikes for students are affordably priced, stylish two-wheelers designed to capture the eyes of the youth. From fresh styling to cutting-edge features, these bikes bring it all. Brands like Hero, Bajaj, and others have launched several student-centric bikes that perfectly balance affordability, mileage returns, styling, and features.
Best bikes for college students in India in 2024
Model |
Ex-showroom price* |
KTM 200 Duke |
Rs. 1,96,685 |
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 |
Rs. 1,40,666 |
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 |
Rs. 1,92,100 |
Hero Splendor Plus |
Rs. 75,144 |
Bajaj Avenger Street 160 |
Rs. 1,16,832 |
*Prices mentioned are ex-showroom Delhi and might vary based on the city of purchase and the variant selected.
You can avail of a Bajaj Finserv Two-wheeler Loan to boost your purchase budget and bring home the best bike for students without compromise. With this instant finance option, you can secure up to 100% funding of the bike’s on-road cost, flexible EMI tenures of up to 72 months, and nominal interest rates.
Factors to consider when selecting the best bikes for students
When it comes to selecting a bike for college rides, the options are endless. To streamline your search, here are a few things you can consider.
- Style: From aggressively styled sports bikes and laid-back cruisers to mileage commuters, you can find an array of options in the market. However, you should choose a bike that best matches your riding style and preferences.
- Budget: Most students prefer buying budget-friendly two-wheelers. While a sports bike may seem like the perfect choice, the cost of the bike, coupled with overheads like insurance costs and maintenance expenses, can drain your pockets. Thus, it is advisable to first finalise a budget and then shortlist models.
- Mileage: Apart from the purchasing cost of the bike, you also have to account for its fuel expenses. Ideally, you should opt for one that offers decent returns since you will use the two-wheeler daily.
- Comfort: Since your bike will be used for everyday commutes, ensure it offers ample comfort. The best bikes for students come with a well-cushioned seat, the right seat height, and a fine-tuned suspension set-up. If you plan to travel with a pillion, look for models with rear footrests and a backrest.
- Features: As a young biker, you may prefer cutting-edge features like Bluetooth connectivity, LCD console, switchable ABS, etc. However, the more you feature-load the bike, higher will its prices go.
That said, here is a list of the best bikes for students you can consider while shortlisting models.
KTM 200 Duke
The KTM 200 Duke is perfect for college students seeking a race-inspired performance bike. From a muscular fuel tank, two-part seat, and clip-on handlebars to cast-alloy racing wheels and a dual-tone paint scheme, the 200 Duke ensures a striking road presence. The bike has features catering to young biking enthusiasts, like a backlit LCD console, and switchable ABS.
Engine: 199.5cc
Power: 24.67 bhp
Torque: 19.3 Nm
Mileage: 33 kmpl
Top speed: 143 kmph
Bajaj Pulsar NS200
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 combines an aggressive riding posture with frugal performance to bring college students the best of both worlds. Powered by a 199.5cc Triple Spark DTS-i V4 engine, the NS200 offers a mileage of 40.36 kmpl. It comes with USD forks, dual-channel ABS, and front and rear disc brakes to easily glide through city traffic and offer exceptional handling ease. These features make it one of the best bikes for students.
Engine: 199,5cc
Power: 24.13 bhp
Torque: 18.74 Nm
Mileage: 40.36 kmpl
Top speed: 136 kmph
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is perfect for college students who want a sports bike under Rs. 2 lakh. Inspired by European sports bikes, this stunning two-wheeler maintains a full-fairing design, split-seat, double-barrel exhaust, and brush-finished alloy wheels. It comes with a potent 250cc motor that churns out a top speed of 150 kmph. Additionally, the bike gets a Bluetooth-enabled digital instrument unit with turn-by-turn navigation, call/text alerts, ETA updates, etc., to keep the rider connected while on the go.
Engine: 249cc
Power: 26.13 bhp
Torque: 22.2 Nm
Mileage: 38 kmpl
Top speed: 150 kmph
Hero Splendor Plus
Hero Splendor Plus is ideal for college students looking for a practical two-wheeler under Rs. 1 lakh with class-leading mileage returns and reliable performance. Splendor Plus runs on a 97,2cc engine with xSens Fi technology and i3S support to clock a class-leading mileage of 80.6 kmpl. The bike packs a 5-step adjustable suspension and a long seat for optimum commuting comfort. All this, plus a 5-year warranty and low maintenance costs, make the Splendor Plus one of the best bikes for students.
Engine: 97.2cc
Power: 7.91 bhp
Torque: 8.05 Nm
Mileage: 80.6 kmpl
Top speed: 93 kmph
Bajaj Avenger Street 160
If you love a cruiser's old-school charm and comfort, you should opt for Bajaj Avenger Street 160. This retro-styled cruiser features a low-slung wide seat, flat handlebar, and a relaxed riding stance well suited for daily commutes and weekend road trips with friends. It also has a backrest, ensuring added riding comfort for the pillion. The bike is powered by a 160cc DTS-i twin-spark engine that churns out impressive mileage figures, making the bike a frugal option for daily rides to the college and around the city.
Engine: 160cc
Power: 14.79 bhp
Torque: 13.7 Nm
Mileage: 47.2 kmpl
Top speed: 105 kmph
In conclusion, choosing the right bike for students depends on personal preferences. With a wide range of options available in the market, students can find bikes that offer the perfect balance of affordability, performance, and practicality. Whether it's for daily commuting or weekend adventures, there's a bike out there to suit every student's needs.
Additionally, for those looking to finance their purchase, opting for a two-wheeler loan can provide a convenient and flexible financing option. With easy repayment plans and competitive interest rates, two-wheeler loans make owning your dream bike more accessible than ever before.
