There’s a saying in the motorcycling world, “It’s more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.” We’ve put together this list of the top 10 most fun to ride two-wheelers in India under the Rs 1.5 lakh mark, for the enthusiast on a budget. One interesting statistic here is that eight out of the ten entrants here are from Indian OEMs. This list is in ascending order by price.
All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, Delhi.
10. Yamaha Aerox 155
Rs 1.50 lakh
It’s very rare that a product that appeals to enthusiasts is also financially viable for the manufacturer, especially in India. However, the Yamaha Aerox is exactly that. Far from its image of being a focused, sporty scooter, the Aerox is quite capable of handling the daily grind while being a hoot to ride.
Also See:
Yamaha Aerox 155 long term review, second report
9. Hero Xtreme 160R 4V
Rs 1.40 lakh
Hero’s 160cc offering the Xtreme 160R 4V is the most expensive of the 160cc class but offers great value and distinct styling. Its issue with high pricing is down to the fact that it is only available in one variant. In 2024, the Xtreme 160R was updated with dual-channel ABS, new brighter LCD display, LED tail light with emergency stop-signal
Also see:
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V review: Gunning 4 the throne?
8. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Rs 1.25 lakh-1.40 lakh
The Apache RTR 160 4V is one of TVS’ most popular motorcycles, and there’s good reason why. It offers impressive performance, everyday practicality and a great features list to boot. Despite being part of a heavily competitive segment, the Apache RTR 160 4V remains one of the quickest and top contenders. Much like the Pulsar N160, the RTR 160 4V was also recently updated with a USD fork to stay in line with current market trends.
Also See:
2022 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar N160 comparison
7. Bajaj Pulsar N160
Rs 1.22 – Rs 1.43 lakh
The new-age Pulsars really have come a long way from their early counterparts, not only in terms of performance but, more importantly, in terms of refinement and build quality. The new Pulsar N160 embodies all the aforementioned qualities while also being a fun motorcycle to ride, thanks to its nimble, stable, and well-balanced chassis. Bajaj updated the N160 last year with a USD fork variant that enhances its visual appeal by bringing in some bulk to its rather slender frame.
Also See:
Bajaj Pulsar N160 review: The challenger
6. TVS Apache RTR 160 2V
Rs 1.22 – Rs 1.43 lakh
The RTR 160 2V laid the very foundation for not just the Apache lineup, but the TVS brand’s sporty image itself. Over the years, it has seen only incremental updates, yet it has remained a consistent performer in the market. Recently, TVS updated the RTR 160 2V’s engine to meet the latest OBD-2B emission norms.
5. TVS Raider 125
Rs 87,010 – 1.02 lakh
Most 125cc bikes that are sold today are hum-drum commuters with nary a hint of sportiness in them, but the Raider 125 is quite the opposite. It’s a fun bike to ride that just happens to be a 125cc commuter and we were so impressed with it that it won our 2022 Bike of the Year award. Its top-spec variant is also the most affordable ICE two-wheeler in the country that comes with a TFT dash.
Also See:
TVS Raider 125 review, test ride
4. Ather 450S
Rs 1.23 lakh
The Ather 450S has been our pick for the most fun electric scooter ever since it came out and it’s not hard to see why. It’s the lightest electric scooter from all the established Indian offerings, thanks to the generous use of aluminium all over, and has a direct and quick-responding accelerator. From 0-50kph, there are few scooters quicker than this.
Also See:
Ather 450S review: Same essence, reduced price
3. Hero Xoom 125
Rs 86,900 – 92,900
Priced at Rs 86,900, the Xoom 125 goes up against rivals like the TVS Ntorq. While its base variant is priced slightly lower than the Ntorq, the Xoom sets itself apart with 14-inch wheels at both ends — unlike the Ntorq’s 12-inch setup. This makes it one of the most affordable scooters in India to offer such a configuration. You can check out our review of the Xoom 125 below.
Also see:
Hero Xoom 125 review: the right stuff
2. TVS NTorq
Rs 87,542-1.07 lakh
The TVS NTorq has always been a zippy little thing to ride while being quite practical to use on a day-to-day basis. Plus, the wide range of variants means that there’s an NTorq for just about everyone. While just about every variant of the NTorq is quite fun to ride, the most powerful Race XP variant has a little extra zing to it. To read our review of the NTorq Race XP, click here.
1. TVS Radeon
Rs 59,880 – 83,984
Of all the basic, straightforward commuters on the market, the Radeon is our pick for a trusty workhorse that also has the ability to put a grin on your face. It handles well, is comfortable enough, and produces a surprisingly peppy exhaust sound for a commuter. You also have the choice of a front disc brake. This is in addition to the fact that even its top-of-the-line variant costs well under the Rs 1 lakh mark. If you’re on a strict budget but want something that gets you from A to B while keeping you entertained, the Radeon is a great choice.
Also See:
BS6 TVS Radeon review, test ride
Honourable mention:
Hero Xpulse 200 4V
Rs 1.52 lakh
The Xpulse 200 gets an honourable mention as its price has creeped up over the Rs 1.50 lakh mark. For those of who have more fun off the beaten track than on it, the Xpulse 200 is the perfect way to get your foot in the door and then some. The Xpulse is a very capable bike despite its modest peak output figures of 19.3hp and 17.65Nm, and with the move to the modern 4-valve engine, it has got decent performance as well.
Also See:
Hero Xpulse 200 4V review, test ride
Bajaj Pulsar NS200
Rs 1.52 lakh
More than a decade later, the Pulsar NS200 still manages to make a case for itself, and it’s largely down to that revvy, brash engine. This little KTM-derived mill is rated for 24.5hp and 18.74Nm and it truly defines the NS200 riding experience. If you’re looking for maximum thrills on a tight budget, you’d struggle to do better than the Pulsar NS200.
Also See:
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200, NS 160 review: Keeping it fresh
