The Ultimate Guide to Commuter Bikes: Choose Your Ideal Ride

India is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing commuter bike markets in the world. The ever-growing demand for commuter bikes stems from the need for a convenient and practical mode of transport to whiz past congested streets. Simplifying everyday travel, commuter bikes boast lightweight and practical designs offering unmatched manoeuvrability and handling capabilities. The best commuter bikes feature small, frugal engines to bring you great mileage and low running costs - all at an affordable price point.

Top two-wheeler brands like Hero MotoCorp, Honda, and Bajaj offer stylish commuter bikes custom-made for Indian roads. Equipped with top-notch fuel-saving technology, digital consoles, electric start, and even Bluetooth connectivity, the latest commuter bikes are more than just daily travel partners. However, with so many options available on the market, choosing one can be daunting. So, if you are looking for the best bike for office commutes, here is a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice.

Commuter bikes overview

India boasts one of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets for commuter bikes, driven by the need for practical and convenient urban transport solutions amidst bustling streets. These bikes are renowned for their lightweight, maneuverable designs, and economical engines that prioritize mileage and affordability. Top brands like Hero MotoCorp, Honda, and Bajaj offer commuter bikes equipped with advanced features such as fuel-saving technologies, digital consoles, and Bluetooth connectivity, enhancing their utility beyond mere transportation. With a wide range of options available, selecting the best commuter bike involves considering factors like mileage, engine displacement, comfort, maintenance costs, and affordability.

Things to consider when choosing a commuter bike

To shop for the perfect commuter bike that meets your requirements, here is a list of factors you should consider.

• Mileage: Mileage is critical to enjoying cost-effective daily commutes on a bike. Thus, when purchasing a daily commute bike, you must ensure it offers good mileage figures. Fuel efficiency numbers for excellent commuter bikes range from 60-80 kmpl.
• Engine displacement: Commuter bikes in India feature small, frugal engines. Engine displacement in this category can vary from 100cc to 150cc. For better fuel efficiency numbers, you can pick a model with low engine displacement. However, if you want more speed, power, and torque on your daily commute, you should opt for a commuter bike with greater engine displacement.
• Comfort: Since commuter bikes are used for everyday travel, comfort is a significant factor in making the right choice. Ergonomic-designed commuter bikes are generally lightweight, with many featuring grab rails, long seats, and ample ground clearance.
• Maintenance costs: While most top commuter bikes in India boast a practical design with sturdy and reliable body parts, maintenance costs can vary depending on the engine cc and brand. Ideally, you should compare the maintenance costs of shortlisted models to find the best low-maintenance option.
• Adjustable rear shock absorbers: Apart from good ground clearance, a commuter bike should also feature adjustable rear shock absorbers since Indian roads are dotted with potholes and bumps. Adjustable shock absorbers can adapt to different riding conditions in the city, ensuring greater comfort and enhanced safety.
• Price: Lastly, you need to consider the cost of the commuter bike. As travel essentials, commuter bikes are cheaper than other types of bike models available in the market. Thus, you can find several cheap commuter bikes from a starting price of Rs. 60,000 (ex-showroom).

List of top 10 commuter bikes price in India 2025

Assessing the factors above will help you find a great commuter bike that fits your requirements. Here is a comprehensive list of the best commuter bikes in India to help you make an informed choice.

* Ex-showroom price in Delhi. On-road prices will vary from city to city.

Which is the best commuter bike in India

This guide highlights the top commuter bike models under the following popular categories to simplify your search for the best commuter bikes.

Hero Splendor Plus Drum: The Hero Splendor Plus Drum is a popular 100cc commuter bike known for its reliability, mileage, and comfort. It is powered by a 97.2cc air-cooled, 4-stroke engine that generates 8.02 bhp of power and 8.05 Nm of torque. The bike is equipped with Hero’s i3S idle start-stop system, enhancing fuel efficiency by reducing fuel consumption during traffic halts. Offering an impressive mileage of around 61 kmpl, it stands out as a cost-effective option for daily riders. The drum brake setup ensures dependable stopping power, while its classic design and comfortable ergonomics make it a timeless choice among commuters.

Honda Shine: The Honda Shine is one of India’s most trusted commuter bikes, known for its excellent balance of performance, mileage, and comfort. Powered by a 123.94cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, BS6 engine, it produces a peak power of 10.74 PS and a torque of 11 Nm, ensuring smooth city and highway rides. The advanced PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) system and Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology deliver superior fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Offering a real-world mileage of around 55 kmpl, the Honda Shine stands out as an economical daily commuter. Its refined engine, comfortable seat, and premium design make it a favorite among working professionals and city riders alike.

Honda SP 125: The Honda SP 125 brings a sporty look to the commuter segment while maintaining top-class mileage and comfort. It houses a 123.94cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that delivers 11.2 of power and 10.9 Nm of torque. Equipped with eSP technology and PGM-FI fuel injection, it ensures quick throttle response and optimized fuel efficiency. With a city mileage of around 63 kmpl and a highway mileage nearing 70 kmpl, the SP 125 is both practical and performance-oriented. Its fully digital meter, LED headlamp, and muscular tank design give it a modern appeal, while its 5-speed gearbox makes it smooth and efficient for everyday commuting.

Honda Livo BS6: The Honda Livo BS6 is a stylish and refined commuter bike that delivers both comfort and economy. It is powered by a 109.51cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, BS6-compliant engine producing 8.79 PS of power and 9.3 Nm of torque. The engine features Honda’s advanced PGM-FI system, enhancing combustion efficiency for better mileage and smoother performance. Offering a mileage of around 60 kmpl, the Livo is designed for urban riders who value reliability and low running costs. With features like a digital-analog meter, sleek tank design, and CBS (Combined Braking System), the Honda Livo BS6 provides a safe, fuel-efficient, and premium commuting experience.

Bajaj Platina 110: The Bajaj Platina 110 is a top choice among budget commuters, known for its exceptional mileage and comfort-oriented design. It runs on a 115.45cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 8.60 PS of power and 9.81 Nm of torque. With features like Electronic Injection (EI) and Comfortec suspension, it offers a smooth and efficient ride across city roads and rural areas. The bike delivers an impressive mileage of around 70 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient in its class. Equipped with front disc brakes (in select variants), alloy wheels, and soft seat cushioning, the Platina 110 ensures both safety and superior comfort for long commutes.

TVS Radeon: The TVS Radeon combines old-school charm with modern engineering, making it a dependable mileage bike for Indian roads. It comes with a 109.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that generates 8.19 PS of power and 8.7 Nm of torque. The engine is tuned for excellent low-end torque and smooth acceleration, ensuring better control in stop-and-go traffic. Offering an impressive mileage of 62 kmpl, the Radeon is one of the most practical commuters available. It features Synchronized Braking Technology (SBT), a comfortable long seat, and a classic chrome design, giving riders both safety and style on their daily rides.

Hero HF Deluxe Pro: The Hero HF Deluxe Pro continues Hero’s legacy of fuel-efficient and reliable commuter motorcycles. It is powered by a 97.2cc air-cooled, 4-stroke engine, delivering 8.02 PS of power and 8.05 Nm of torque. The inclusion of Hero’s i3S idle start-stop technology significantly improves fuel efficiency by conserving fuel during halts. With a city mileage of 83 kmpl and highway mileage of 65 kmpl, the HF Deluxe Pro is among the best bikes for daily use. It also offers a comfortable seat, easy handling, and strong build quality, making it ideal for riders seeking affordability, efficiency, and long-term reliability.

Hero Glamour: The Hero Glamour is one of the most popular 125cc commuter bikes in India, combining modern design with exceptional mileage and performance. Retailed in multiple variants and stylish colour options, the Glamour is powered by a 124.7cc air-cooled, 4-stroke engine that produces a peak power of 10.99 PS and a torque of 10.4 Nm. This refined engine, paired with Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System), ensures improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The Glamour delivers a city mileage of around 65 kmpl and a highway mileage of up to 70 kmpl, making it one of the most efficient 125cc bikes for everyday use. Along with great performance, it offers a semi-digital instrument cluster, LED headlamp, and front disc brake (in select variants). Overall, the Hero Glamour stands out as a reliable and stylish choice for daily commuters looking for both comfort and economy.

Honda Unicorn: The Honda Unicorn is a well-balanced commuter motorcycle known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It is powered by a 162.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces a peak power of 13.18 PS and a torque of 14.58 Nm, ensuring smooth and refined performance in city and highway conditions. The bike features Honda’s advanced PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) system, which optimizes fuel delivery for enhanced efficiency and throttle response. With a city mileage of 50 kmpl and a highway mileage of around 60 kmpl, the Unicorn provides excellent value for money. It also includes features like a comfortable long seat, monoshock suspension, and single-channel ABS for added safety. Designed for mature riders and daily commuters, the Honda Unicorn remains a top contender for those seeking durability, refinement, and fuel economy in one package.

Hero Xtreme 125R:Retailed in multiple variants and eye-catching colour options, the Hero Xtreme 125R is one of the most dynamic and performance-oriented commuter bikes in India. This stylish 125cc motorcycle is powered by a 124.7cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that delivers a peak power of 11.56 PS and a torque of 10.5 Nm, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride across city streets and highways alike. The refined engine, combined with Hero’s advanced XSens fuel injection technology, offers an impressive balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The Xtreme 125R delivers a city mileage of around 66 kmpl and a highway mileage of up to 70 kmpl, making it a practical yet powerful commuter option.

Key highlights of commuter bikes

Easy finance for your commuter bike

Choosing your ideal ride by investing in a good commuter bike does not mean spending the better part of your monthly salary or dipping into your savings pool. You can easily bypass all this and upgrade to a good bike for daily commutes with the Bajaj Finserv Two-wheeler Loan. With this two-wheeler loan, you can secure up to Rs. 21 lakh and finance your commuter bike purchase. You can then divide the repayment burden into easy instalments, pacing them out over a convenient tenure of up to 84 months. Moreover, Bajaj Finance offers up to 100% financing, covering the bike’s on-road price. So, you can purchase the best commuter bike without putting down a deposit.

Model-wise bike EMI calculators for easy loan planning