Top 5 Best Bikes Under ₹1 Lakh in India (October 2025 Festive Deals)
The festive season is upon us, and with Diwali just around the corner, it’s traditionally the best time of the year to bring home a new vehicle. For countless Indians, especially first-time buyers and daily commuters, the search often begins in the most crucial and competitive segment: bikes under ₹1 lakh. This price bracket is the heartland of the Indian two-wheeler market, offering a fantastic range of motorcycles that deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, reliability, and value for money.
Navigating this segment, however, can be overwhelming with numerous options from leading brands like Hero MotoCorp, Honda, Bajaj, and TVS. Which bike offers the best mileage? Which one provides a touch of style? Which is the most reliable for the daily grind?
As of October 24, 2025, dealerships across Hyderabad and the rest of India are buzzing with festive offers. This guide cuts through the noise to bring you the definitive list of the top 5 best motorcycles you can buy for under ₹1 lakh (ex-showroom) right now, helping you make the perfect choice this Diwali.
What Makes a Great Bike Under ₹1 Lakh?
Before diving into the list, let’s understand the priorities for buyers in this segment:
- Fuel Efficiency (Mileage): This is often the #1 factor. Low running costs are paramount.
- Reliability & Low Maintenance: Buyers need a dependable workhorse that won’t break the bank to maintain.
- Comfort: A comfortable riding posture for daily city commutes is essential.
- Price: Staying strictly within the budget is key.
- Style (Increasingly Important): Even budget buyers now look for a degree of modern design and features.
The Top 5 Bikes Under ₹1 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) – October 2025
1. Hero Splendor Plus / Splendor Plus XTEC
- Why it’s #1: The undisputed king of the Indian two-wheeler market for decades. The Splendor is synonymous with bulletproof reliability, unbelievably low maintenance costs, and phenomenal fuel efficiency. It’s the ultimate workhorse. The XTEC variant adds modern features like a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Engine: 97.2cc, Air-cooled, 4-stroke
- Power: Approx. 7.9 bhp
- Mileage (Claimed): Over 70 km/l
- Ex-Showroom Price (Hyderabad, Approx.): Starts from ₹75,000
- On-Road Price (Hyderabad, Approx.): Starts from ₹90,000
- Best For: Buyers prioritizing absolute reliability, mileage, and low ownership costs above all else.
2. Honda Shine 125
- Why it’s a Top Choice: If the Splendor rules the 100cc segment, the Shine 125 is the benchmark in the 125cc commuter space. It offers a perfect blend of Honda’s legendary refinement, excellent fuel efficiency, and a super smooth engine. It feels premium and is incredibly comfortable for daily riding.
- Engine: 123.94cc, Air-cooled, 4-stroke
- Power: Approx. 10.6 bhp
- Mileage (Claimed): Around 65 km/l
- Ex-Showroom Price (Hyderabad, Approx.): Starts from ₹81,000
- On-Road Price (Hyderabad, Approx.): Starts from ₹98,000
- Best For: Commuters seeking a refined, reliable, and comfortable 125cc motorcycle with excellent mileage.
3. Bajaj Pulsar 125
- Why it’s a Top Choice: For young buyers who desire the sporty Pulsar brand appeal within a tight budget, the Pulsar 125 is the perfect entry point. It offers the muscular styling associated with its bigger siblings while maintaining decent fuel efficiency.
- Engine: 124.4cc, Air-cooled, DTS-i
- Power: Approx. 11.6 bhp
- Mileage (Claimed): Around 50-55 km/l
- Ex-Showroom Price (Hyderabad, Approx.): Starts from ₹82,000 (Neon variant)
- On-Road Price (Hyderabad, Approx.): Starts just above ₹1 Lakh for basic variants, slightly stretching the budget but often considered worth it for the style.
- Best For: Young riders looking for a stylish and sporty-looking commuter bike with the iconic Pulsar branding.
4. TVS Raider 125
- Why it’s a Top Choice: The TVS Raider 125 shook up the 125cc segment with its modern design, peppy engine, and a host of segment-first features. It offers an inverted LCD digital console, riding modes (Eco & Power), and under-seat storage, making it feel much more premium than its price suggests.
- Engine: 124.8cc, Air & Oil-cooled, 3-valve
- Power: Approx. 11.2 bhp
- Mileage (Claimed): Around 60-65 km/l
- Ex-Showroom Price (Hyderabad, Approx.): Starts from ₹97,000
- On-Road Price (Hyderabad, Approx.): Starts from ₹1.15 Lakh (Note: This slightly exceeds the ₹1 Lakh ex-showroom but is a direct competitor often considered).
- Best For: Buyers looking for a modern, feature-packed, and stylish 125cc motorcycle with a sporty feel.
5. Honda SP 125
- Why it’s a Top Choice: Positioned slightly above the Shine 125, the Honda SP 125 offers a more premium and sportier package. It boasts a fully digital instrument cluster, an LED headlamp, and a slightly more refined engine with better performance, while still delivering excellent mileage comparable to the Shine.
- Engine: 123.94cc, Air-cooled, 4-stroke
- Power: Approx. 10.7 bhp
- Mileage (Claimed): Around 65 km/l
- Ex-Showroom Price (Hyderabad, Approx.): Starts from ₹87,000
- On-Road Price (Hyderabad, Approx.): Starts just around ₹1.05 Lakh.
- Best For: Buyers wanting a reliable and efficient 125cc commuter but with more modern features and slightly sportier styling than the Shine 125.
Approximate On-Road Price Summary in Hyderabad (October 2025)
| Bike Model | Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.) | On-Road Price (Approx.) |
| Hero Splendor Plus | Starts ₹75,000 | Starts ₹90,000 |
| Honda Shine 125 | Starts ₹81,000 | Starts ₹98,000 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | Starts ₹82,000 | Starts ₹1,00,000+ |
| TVS Raider 125 | Starts ₹97,000 | Starts ₹1,15,000+ |
| Honda SP 125 | Starts ₹87,000 | Starts ₹1,05,000+ |
Disclaimer: On-road prices include RTO, insurance, etc., and can vary. Check with local dealers.
Festive Season Offers (Diwali 2025)
With Diwali approaching, most dealerships are offering attractive festive deals. When you visit a showroom, be sure to ask about:
- Cash Discounts: Direct reductions on the ex-showroom price.
- Exchange Bonuses: Extra value if you trade in your old two-wheeler.
- Low Down Payment Schemes: Making the initial purchase easier.
- Reduced Interest Rates: Special financing offers from partner banks.
- Free Accessories: Items like helmets or bike covers might be offered.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Choosing the best bike under ₹1 lakh depends entirely on your priorities. If rock-solid reliability and maximum mileage are paramount, the Hero Splendor Plus remains unbeatable. If you seek refinement and comfort in the 125cc space, the Honda Shine 125 or SP 125 are excellent choices. For those desiring style and features, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 and TVS Raider 125 offer a more exciting package, though they might slightly stretch the on-road budget. Visit your nearest dealership, take a test ride, check the latest Diwali offers, and bring home the perfect ride this festive season!