Choosing the right motorcycle as a student or young rider in India is a careful balancing act between style, affordability, mileage, and ease of handling.
Advertisements
Young riders often look for bikes that are lightweight, easy to maneuver, fuel-efficient, and sporty enough to reflect their personality.
However, safety, low maintenance costs, and practicality cannot be ignored, especially for daily commuting to college, work, or part-time jobs.
Advertisements
In this guide, we explore the best bikes for students and young riders in India, highlighting key features, engine performance, mileage, and other factors to help you make a confident decision in 2025.
Why Young Riders Should Be Careful When Choosing a Bike
For students and beginners, picking the right motorcycle goes beyond just looks. The following factors are crucial:
Advertisements
Engine Size and Power: Bikes in the 100cc–160cc range are ideal for beginners as they are manageable and fuel-efficient without being underpowered.
Mileage: Students often travel daily between home, college, and part-time jobs, making fuel efficiency an important consideration.
Maintenance Costs: Affordable servicing and spare parts ensure the bike stays economical over time.
Safety: Light handling, good brakes, and stable suspension reduce the risk of accidents for new riders.
Affordability: Budget-friendly bikes with competitive features are ideal for students who may have limited funds.
By considering these factors, young riders can choose bikes that are practical, fun, and safe.
Key Features to Look for in a Student Bike
When buying a bike as a student or young rider, keep the following features in mind:
Lightweight Design: Easier to handle in traffic and less intimidating for beginners.
Comfortable Seating: Ideal for city commutes and occasional longer rides.
Decent Top Speed: Enough for highways but not excessively powerful for a beginner.
Modern Styling: Sleek designs and bright colors appeal to younger riders.
Digital Instrument Console: Provides better control and monitoring of speed, fuel, and trip distance.
Top Bikes for Students & Young Riders in India
Here’s a curated list of bikes that combine affordability, efficiency, and fun, perfect for young riders.
1. Honda CB Shine SP
A favorite among students for its reliability and smooth performance.
Engine: 124cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Power & Torque: 10.7 hp @ 7500 rpm, 11.5 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Mileage: 55–60 km/l
Top Speed: 95–100 km/h
Why Students Love It: Lightweight, easy to handle, and incredibly fuel-efficient. The Honda CB Shine SP also has a comfortable seating posture for city rides. Low maintenance costs make it perfect for students on a budget.
Sporty looks combined with a performance-oriented engine make this ideal for young riders who enjoy speed responsibly.
Engine: 159.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Power & Torque: 15.1 hp @ 8500 rpm, 13.9 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Mileage: 45–50 km/l
Top Speed: 110–115 km/h
Why Students Love It: Agile handling and modern styling appeal to younger riders. The responsive engine allows city commuting and occasional weekend rides with fun without compromising control.
3. Bajaj Pulsar NS 125
A smaller sibling in the popular Pulsar series, perfect for beginners.
Engine: 124.4cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Power & Torque: 11.8 hp @ 9500 rpm, 11 Nm @ 8000 rpm
Mileage: 50–55 km/l
Top Speed: 95–100 km/h
Why Students Love It: Combines Pulsar’s sporty DNA with beginner-friendly handling. Its sleek design and digital console attract students looking for style and practicality.
4. Hero Splendor Plus
The evergreen choice for students prioritizing mileage and low maintenance.
Engine: 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Power & Torque: 8.02 hp @ 8000 rpm, 8.05 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Mileage: 65–70 km/l
Top Speed: 85–90 km/h
Why Students Love It: Reliable, extremely fuel-efficient, and very affordable. The Splendor Plus is perfect for students who need a dependable daily commuter without breaking the bank.
5. Suzuki Gixxer SF 125
For students who want sporty aesthetics without compromising comfort.
Engine: 124cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Power & Torque: 9.7 hp @ 7500 rpm, 10.3 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Mileage: 50–55 km/l
Top Speed: 95–100 km/h
Why Students Love It: The fully-faired design gives a sporty look, while smooth handling and comfortable seating make it practical for daily commuting.
6. TVS Sport
A lightweight, efficient option suitable for new riders.
Engine: 99.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Power & Torque: 7.8 hp @ 7500 rpm, 8.0 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Mileage: 65–70 km/l
Top Speed: 80–85 km/h
Why Students Love It: Extremely fuel-efficient, very affordable, and easy to handle. Ideal for students traveling short distances daily or on tight budgets.
7. Bajaj Platina 110 H-Gear
Perfect for students looking for a comfortable and mileage-friendly commuter.
Engine: 115cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Power & Torque: 8.6 hp @ 7500 rpm, 9.81 Nm @ 5500 rpm
Mileage: 70–75 km/l
Top Speed: 85–90 km/h
Why Students Love It: Tubeless tires, reliable braking, and comfortable seating make this bike ideal for urban commutes and occasional long rides. High mileage keeps running costs low.
Tips for Students Buying Their First Bike
Choosing the first motorcycle can be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips:
Stick to Beginner-Friendly Engines: Start with 100cc–160cc bikes to balance control and performance.
Prioritize Fuel Efficiency: High mileage saves money, especially for daily college commutes.
Consider Maintenance and Spare Part Availability: Popular brands like Hero, Honda, Bajaj, and TVS ensure low maintenance costs.
Test Ride Before Buying: Check comfort, braking, and handling to ensure it suits your riding style.
Opt for Safety Features: Disc brakes, tubeless tires, and quality suspension improve safety for inexperienced riders.
Budget Wisely: Factor in not only the bike cost but also insurance, gear, and regular servicing.
Conclusion
For students and young riders, the right motorcycle should strike a balance between style, fuel efficiency, affordability, and ease of handling.
Bikes like the Honda CB Shine SP, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Bajaj Pulsar NS 125, and Hero Splendor Plus offer practical options for different priorities from mileage and reliability to sporty aesthetics and performance.
Choosing the right bike ensures a safe, economical, and enjoyable commuting experience while helping young riders develop confidence and skill on the road.
