Geared Motorcycles in India 2025: The Most Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

Geared motorcycles define Indian biking culture. From fuel-sipping commuters to modern classics and high-capacity streetfighters, the choices in 2025 are broader and more refined than ever. This guide covers all major segments—from Hero and TVS to Royal Enfield, Honda, Yamaha, Bajaj, and KTM—with real Mumbai ex-showroom prices and core specs for India’s largest and most influential bike market.

Table: Top Geared Motorcycles (2025)

Model	Displacement (cc)	Power (bhp)	Torque (Nm)	Mileage (kmpl)	Ex-Showroom (₹ lakh, Mumbai)
Hero Splendor Plus	97.2	8.02	8.05	65	0.76–0.78
Honda Shine	124	10	10.3	65	0.87–0.92
TVS Raider 125	124.8	13.09	11.5	50	1.04–1.13
Bajaj Pulsar 150	149	14	13.3	45	1.14–1.16
Yamaha FZ	149	12.4	13.6	40	1.25–1.32
Hero Xtreme 160	160	15	14	50	1.17–1.22
Royal Enfield Classic 350	346	20.21	27	35	1.97–2.34
KTM Duke 250	248	29.5	24	30	2.63–2.65

1. Best commuter bikes (up to 125cc)

Hero Splendor Plus

Still India’s #1 by sales in 2025. Simple 97.2cc engine, legendary for reliability, real mileage above 65kmpl, robust resale. Ideal for daily rides and lower-income users.

Honda Shine

Top 125cc seller for city commutes. Silky smooth 124cc engine, durable build, frugal at 60–65kmpl, widely trusted for build and service support.

TVS Raider 125

Edgy styling, digital dash, the punchiest motor in the commuter segment. Satisfies both mature and youth buyers; offers best-in-segment features.

2. Sports commuters & street bikes (150–180cc)

Bajaj Pulsar 150

Iconic since 2001, mixes sporty spirit with commuter sensibility. 45kmpl, perky 14 bhp output. Great balance for office-goers and college students; widespread spares and mods network.

Yamaha FZ

Famed for FZ-X and FZ-S variants, muscular looks, refined engine, solid handling. Good for daily use, short tours, and those wanting Yamaha’s cool factor with reliability.

Hero Xtreme 160

Benchmarked as best value by reviewers and users. 160cc engine with 15bhp ensures spirited performance, 50kmpl real usage, and confidence-inspiring brakes and chassis.

3. Premium & performance bikes (200cc+)

KTM Duke 250

The cult premium naked bike for the new generation. 29.5bhp, advanced tech, aggressive riding stance, first true taste of “big bike” excitement under ₹2.7 lakh.

Royal Enfield Classic 350

The evergreen retro—distinguished for comfort, timeless looks, and a laid-back cruise. Modern features (Tripper navigation, LED updates in 2025), famed thump, 35kmpl economy, and all-India brotherhood for spares and customisation.

4. Other Noteworthy Picks in 2025

TVS Apache RTR 160/200: TVS’s answer to Yamaha/Bajaj; sharp handling, thrilling sound, fully digital dash, and great success in 150–200cc segment.
Honda CB Hornet 2.0: For those upgrading from a Shine or Unicorn, the Hornet delivers peppy 17.3bhp performance and aggressive styling.
Hero Xpulse 200: Affordable adventure/off-road bike—long-travel suspension, built for village roads and fun rides.
Bajaj Pulsar NS and N series: Pulsar NS200 and N160 continue to be loved for value, sporty design, and zippy engines—very popular under Rs 1.5 lakh.
Yamaha R15 V4 and MT-15: Among the highest performance/tech in 150–160cc class, often chosen by young enthusiasts.
KTM Duke 390, Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Step-up options for experienced and aspirational riders looking for highway power, advanced features, or international cult image.

5. Buying Guide: How to Choose

Budget: Under ₹1 lakh: Hero Splendor, Honda Shine; ₹1–1.5 lakh: Raider, Pulsar 150, FZ, Xtreme 160R.
Mileage or power? Daily users value Splendor, Shine, Raider. Young buyers, sportier rides: Pulsar 150, Apache, KTM, R15.
Service & Resale: Hero and Honda lead for all-India reach; Enfield and Bajaj have cult status and resale.
Features: LED lights, full digital dashes, Bluetooth, ABS come standard or optional even in 2025’s commuters.

6. Sales Snapshot (2025 Updates)

Hero Splendor Plus: Over 2 lakh units/month—still India’s commuter champion1 5 6 3
Honda Shine: Consistently #2 seller, winning urban and rural heartland.
TVS Apache, Raider: Gaining youth and metro market share.
Royal Enfield Classic & Hunter: Lead for style-driven, all-age riders; Classic 350 is India’s best-selling 350+cc bike.
Bajaj Pulsar Range: Retains passionate fanbase in sports-commuter space.

7. Quick Reference Table: 2025’s Best-Selling Motorcycles

Bike	Segment	Mileage(kmpl)	Ex-Showroom (₹ lakh, Mumbai)	Why Buy
Hero Splendor Plus	100cc commuter	65	0.76–0.78	Bulletproof ROI, ease of use, pan-India reach
Honda Shine	125cc commuter	65	0.87–0.92	Smooth, durable, best-in-segment service
TVS Raider 125	Style commuter	50	1.04–1.13	Fun to ride, features, youth favorite
Bajaj Pulsar 150	Street/commuter	45	1.14–1.16	Iconic, mod-friendly, sporty
Yamaha FZ/FZ-X	Street	40	1.25–1.32	Cool factor, reliable, comfortable
Hero Xtreme 160	Urban/sport	50	1.17–1.22	Value, agile, bold styling
Royal Enfield Classic 350	Cruiser/retro	35	1.97–2.34	Timeless, highway king, custom culture
KTM Duke 250	Premium naked	30	2.63–2.65	First “big bike” feel, track DNA

Final Thoughts (August 2025)

If you want unbeatable value, low cost, and proven service: Splendor, Shine, Raider.
Want classic brand image and highway comfort? Royal Enfield Classic 350 or Hunter 350.
For youth, urban, or sports riders: Pulsar, Xtreme 160R, RTR 160, Yamaha FZ, R15, NS160/N200.
For serious speed/performance: KTM Duke series.
All have strong resale; test ride, check seat comfort, and service locally for your best fit!

Data and specs referenced from BikeDekho, Drivio, BikeWale, 91Wheels, official brand sites, and the latest 2025 sales/market reports for Mumbai and major Indian cities. For the very latest dealer offers or updates, always check with your local showroom.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, mileage figures and feature lists cited in this article are based on publicly available information as of July 2025 and may change without notice. Always confirm the latest details with authorised dealers or the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, technical or legal advice. Neither the author nor this website assumes any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Mileage Disclaimer: All mileage figures mentioned in this article, including ARAI-certified and real-world fuel efficiency numbers, are indicative and may vary significantly based on actual driving conditions, rider weight, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, traffic patterns, riding style, fuel quality, weather conditions, and individual vehicle variations. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) test figures are obtained under controlled laboratory conditions and may not reflect real-world performance. Actual mileage typically ranges 10-30% lower than ARAI figures depending on usage patterns. Urban city riding generally delivers lower mileage compared to highway cruising at optimal speeds. Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, quality fuel, and smooth riding techniques can help achieve better fuel efficiency. The mileage figures quoted from user reviews and owner reports represent individual experiences and should not be considered as guaranteed performance standards. Always test ride with a helmet and evaluate real-world performance before making a purchase decision.

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