For students, a two-wheeler is more than just a vehicle—it’s independence on two wheels. Whether it’s zipping through college traffic, weekend road trips, or daily city commutes, owning a bike offers unmatched freedom and affordability. In 2025, the market is brimming with youth-focused motorcycles that blend style, practicality, and performance—all without emptying your wallet. If you’re a student or a parent looking for the perfect bike under ₹1.5 lakh, this list is your go-to guide.
The most popular bikes in India for students tend to strike a balance between mileage, sporty appeal, and smart features like digital consoles, Bluetooth connectivity, and robust suspension setups. Add to that a competitive on-road price, and you’ve got a perfect match for young Indian riders.
Brands like Hero, TVS, Bajaj, Honda, and Yamaha dominate this space, each offering reliable models that cater to the specific needs of students—be it fuel efficiency for daily classes, ruggedness for long commutes, or a youthful design that turns heads on campus.
These motorcycles are also designed to be low on maintenance while offering decent resale value—a key factor when choosing a first-time or budget-friendly ride. From tech-packed 125cc machines to punchy 150cc options, there’s a perfect ride waiting for every kind of student.
So if you’re on the hunt for a budget-conscious, fun-to-ride, and reliable motorcycle, check out our handpicked list of the 10 most popular bikes in India 2025 that are student-approved and wallet-friendly.
Here’s a curated list of the Top 10 Most Popular Bikes in India for Students—a perfect mix of affordability, mileage, tech, and street appeal. Whether you’re commuting to college or zipping around the city, these bikes deliver performance without draining your wallet. Let’s dive into the student favorites!
Now that you’ve seen the list, let’s break down what makes each bike a hit among students. From real-world mileage to smart tech, performance to pocket-friendly pricing—here’s a detailed look at the specs, strengths, and features that define the top most popular bikes in India for students in 2025.
The TVS Raider 125 stands out as a premium 125cc motorcycle that doesn’t compromise on style, performance, or smart tech—making it a top choice among college students in 2025. With aggressive styling, a split seat design, and sharp LED headlamps, the Raider looks and feels sportier than most in its segment.
Under the hood, it packs a 124.8cc air-cooled engine that churns out 11.4 PS and 11.2 Nm, delivering peppy city performance. The 5-speed gearbox and refined ride dynamics make it enjoyable for daily commutes and occasional weekend sprints. In real-world conditions, the Raider offers a mileage of 55–60 kmpl, keeping fuel bills in check.
It also includes a fully digital console with Bluetooth (on the SmartXonnect variant), voice assist, gear position indicator, USB charger, and ride modes—a rare find in this price range. The on-road price in major metro cities is around ₹1.05 lakh (base variant).
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Why Students Love It: It offers everything in one package—style, features, and mileage—making it a dream entry-level sports commuter for campus and city life.
The Honda SP 125 is a polished package that blends style, comfort, and top-notch fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for students. With its modern sporty design, sharp LED headlamp, and digital console, it stands out on campus roads.
Powering the SP 125 is a 123.94cc single-cylinder engine delivering 10.7 PS and 10.9 Nm of torque. The refined eSP (Enhanced Smart Power) technology ensures smooth performance and improved combustion efficiency. The bike offers an impressive ARAI-certified mileage of 65 kmpl, with real-world figures close to 58–60 kmpl—ideal for budget-conscious college riders.
Key features include a fully digital meter, silent start, eco indicators, and premium switchgear. Though it lacks Bluetooth connectivity, the digital console provides trip data and maintenance reminders.
On-road price (2025): ₹95,000 – ₹1.05 lakh (varies by city).
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Why It’s Popular Among Students: The SP 125 is perfect for students seeking a mature, premium-feel commuter without going over budget. Its refined engine and economical nature make it a great daily ride.
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 offers that legendary Pulsar attitude at a lower price point, making it a hit among students who crave sporty looks and decent performance. It carries forward the iconic Pulsar design with muscular tank, split grab rails, and semi-digital console.
At its core is a 124.4cc DTS-i engine that produces 11.8 PS of power and 10.8 Nm of torque. The throttle response is sharp for the segment, and it handles well in city traffic. Mileage is decent too, with a real-world range of 50–55 kmpl.
Smart features include a semi-digital console, gear shift indicator, and clip-on handlebars in the split-seat variant. While it misses out on Bluetooth or USB ports, it makes up with street presence.
On-road price (2025): ₹96,000 – ₹1.05 lakh.
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Why It’s Popular Among Students: The Pulsar 125 is for those who want performance and Pulsar swag without shelling out over ₹1 lakh. It’s sporty, reliable, and perfect for city rides.
Hero Glamour XTEC is the most premium version of the long-running Glamour series, now updated for 2025 with Bluetooth, USB charging, and a modern look. It’s ideal for students who want tech-savvy features in a fuel-efficient body.
Under the tank lies a 124.7cc engine with 10.7 PS power and 10.6 Nm torque. Hero’s i3S technology aids fuel saving, pushing the mileage close to 55–58 kmpl in real-world riding.
The Glamour XTEC boasts a full digital meter, turn-by-turn navigation via Bluetooth, call/SMS alerts, and side-stand engine cut-off. It also features a USB charger and LED headlamp—something rare in this segment.
On-road price (2025): ₹1.05 – ₹1.12 lakh.
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Why It’s Popular Among Students: This bike appeals to tech-savvy students who want a stylish ride that blends modern connectivity and practicality with Hero’s widespread service network.
The Yamaha FZ-S Fi V3 is one of the most affordable 150cc bikes in India and a favorite among students who prefer premium styling and refined performance. The bike exudes muscular presence and refined ride dynamics.
It’s powered by a 149cc fuel-injected engine delivering 12.4 PS and 13.3 Nm. It’s not about top speed—it’s the smooth low-end grunt and ride comfort that shine here. Mileage hovers around 45–50 kmpl in cities.
It includes single-channel ABS, a digital console, LED lighting, and Bluetooth (in the Deluxe variant). Ride ergonomics are relaxed, making it ideal for both city commutes and occasional weekend rides.
On-road price (2025): ₹1.20 – ₹1.30 lakh.
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Why It’s Popular Among Students: Perfect for students who want to enter the 150cc club without splurging. It’s stylish, urban-ready, and ideal for daily use with a touch of sporty flair.
The Honda Shine 125 continues to be the go-to bike for students who prioritize comfort, reliability, and long-term savings. It carries Honda’s legendary engine refinement, and in 2025, it still dominates the 125cc commuter segment.
Powered by a 123.94cc single-cylinder engine producing 10.7 PS and 11 Nm, the Shine offers smooth throttle response and vibration-free performance—ideal for daily city commutes. With Honda’s Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) and silent start, it’s a quiet yet dependable performer.
Mileage is where the Shine truly excels. Real-world mileage stands between 58–62 kmpl, saving students plenty on fuel every month. The design is sober and mature, with chrome accents and clean lines.
On-road price (2025): ₹92,000 – ₹1.03 lakh.
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Why It’s Popular Among Students: For students looking for a no-nonsense, low-maintenance, fuel-efficient ride, the Honda Shine 125 is a proven companion. It’s also a parent-approved choice thanks to its practicality and reliability.
The Hero Xtreme 125R brings a fresh sense of aggression to the 125cc category. Aimed at younger riders and college students who want a sporty-looking bike without going over budget, it ticks several boxes—performance, looks, and tech.
This bike runs on a 124.7cc air-cooled engine delivering 11.5 PS and 10.5 Nm of torque. It’s peppy for urban sprints and provides a lively throttle feel, especially in the lower gears. Hero claims an ARAI mileage of 66 kmpl, with real-world usage returning around 55–58 kmpl.
Smart features include a digital console, LED headlamp, LED indicators, and muscular tank shrouds that enhance its streetfighter stance. Its underbelly exhaust adds a sporty touch rarely seen in this segment.
On-road price (2025): ₹99,000 – ₹1.08 lakh.
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Why It’s Popular Among Students: It’s built for college-goers looking to stand out. The Xtreme 125R offers a cool aesthetic with punchy performance, without crossing the ₹1.1 lakh mark.
Bajaj CT 125X is built like a tank and designed for rugged terrain, making it a favorite for students in semi-urban or rural areas. It’s affordable, sturdy, and practical—a combination that speaks to real-world Indian road conditions.
It comes with a 124.4cc air-cooled engine putting out 10.9 PS and 11 Nm torque. The performance is tuned for low-end torque, making it ideal for rough roads, daily village commutes, and carrying extra load. Mileage is exceptional at around 58–62 kmpl.
The CT 125X has a simple analogue console, tank pads for grip, long seat, crash guards, and metal carrier at the rear. While it lacks modern tech like Bluetooth or digital meters, its appeal lies in toughness and affordability.
On-road price (2025): ₹83,000 – ₹91,000.
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Why It’s Popular Among Students: Students in small towns or those commuting long distances on tough roads love the CT 125X for its durability, comfort, and low ownership cost.
TVS Radeon blends retro design with modern reliability. It’s ideal for students who want something different from typical commuter bikes, especially those who prefer understated, classic appeal over flashy looks.
The Radeon is powered by a 109.7cc Dura-Life engine producing 8.2 PS and 8.7 Nm of torque. While it may not win races, it ensures a smooth, no-stress ride through congested city roads. It’s also one of the most fuel-efficient in its class, returning around 60–65 kmpl in real-world conditions.
Its old-school tank pads, chrome elements, and quilted seat add to the vintage charm. You also get USB charging, LED DRLs, and a synchronized braking system for better safety.
On-road price (2025): ₹78,000 – ₹86,000.
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Why It’s Popular Among Students: The Radeon is for students who prioritize comfort, unique looks, and superb mileage—all at a price that won’t strain their wallet.
Yamaha Saluto 125 is a smart commuter choice with Yamaha’s engineering and lightweight design, tailored for students looking for efficient urban commuting. It’s one of the lightest bikes in the 125cc segment, which makes it easy to handle even in tight traffic.
It’s powered by a 125cc Blue Core engine delivering 8.3 PS and 10.1 Nm. While not built for thrill-seekers, it offers a smooth ride with an impressive mileage of 60–65 kmpl in real-world usage. The low kerb weight also adds to the bike’s agility and fuel efficiency.
Features include a unified braking system, an analog meter, and an optional disc variant. It keeps things simple and focuses on practical usage rather than high-tech frills.
On-road price (2025): ₹86,000 – ₹94,000.
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Why It’s Popular Among Students: Saluto’s light frame and reliable mileage make it great for daily commuting, especially for first-time riders or students navigating city roads daily.
Take a quick glance at the bikes in the below table and pick the bike that suits your style and budget.
| Bike Name | Mileage (kmpl) | On-Road Price (₹) | Power Output (bhp / PS) | Features | Student Rating (★/5) |
| TVS Raider 125 | 56 | ₹87,000 – ₹1.02 Lakh | 11.2 bhp | Digital console, LED headlight, USB charger, ride modes | ★★★★★ (4.8) |
| Honda SP 125 | 60 | ₹1.08 – ₹1.18 Lakh | 10.72 bhp | Digital meter, Bluetooth, silent start, CBS | ★★★★☆ (4.6) |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 51 | ₹85,000 – ₹93,000 | 11.64 bhp | Digital cluster, USB, iconic styling | ★★★★☆ (4.5) |
| Hero Glamour XTEC | 60 | ₹1.03 – ₹1.08 Lakh | 10.72 bhp | Bluetooth, navigation, digital console, USB | ★★★★☆ (4.4) |
| Yamaha FZ-S Fi V3 | 50 | ₹1.15 – ₹1.20 Lakh | 12.4 bhp | LED lights, advanced engine, muscular looks | ★★★★☆ (4.3) |
| Honda Shine 125 | 64 | ₹83,000 – ₹87,000 | 10.78 PS | Analog-digital console, silent start, smooth ride | ★★★★☆ (4.6) |
| Hero Xtreme 125R | 59 | ₹95,000 – ₹1.00 Lakh | 11.4 bhp | Full digital cluster, sharp styling, USB | ★★★★☆ (4.5) |
| Bajaj CT 125X | 60 | ₹75,000 – ₹80,000 | 10.9 PS | Basic analog meter, rugged design, large seat | ★★★★☆ (4.4) |
| TVS Radeon | 65 | ₹70,000 – ₹75,000 | 8.08 bhp | USB charger, LED DRLs, classic looks | ★★★★☆ (4.3) |
| Yamaha Saluto 125 | 62 | ₹75,000 – ₹80,000 | 8.3 PS | Lightweight, electric start, analog console | ★★★★☆ (4.2) |
Q1. Which bike gives the best mileage for students in 2025?
Among the top student bikes, Honda SP 125 and TVS Radeon deliver the highest real-world mileage—typically between 60–65 kmpl. If fuel savings is your top concern, these two are excellent.
Q2. Are 150cc bikes good for beginners?
Yes, many 150cc bikes like the Yamaha FZ-S Fi V3 are beginner-friendly. They offer more power than a 125cc without being intimidating. With features like ABS and better suspension, they provide extra confidence for new riders.
Q3. What is the cheapest student bike in 2025?
The TVS Radeon and Bajaj CT 125X are the most affordable, with on-road prices starting from ₹78,000. Despite their low price, they offer solid performance and mileage—making them value champions.
Q4. How much should a student budget for a bike?
A realistic student bike budget in 2025 ranges from ₹90,000 to ₹1.2 lakh, depending on brand, features, and city. Also set aside around ₹10,000–₹15,000 for insurance, safety gear, and accessories.
Q5. Are EMI plans available for college students?
Yes, most dealerships offer EMI and finance options even for college students. However, you may need a guarantor (usually a parent) or minimum monthly income proof. Some brands also tie up with banks offering low-interest student loan schemes for two-wheelers.
Choosing the right bike as a student is about more than looks or speed—it’s about smart choices that support your daily routine, long-term savings, and lifestyle goals. In 2025, students are no longer limited to basic commuter bikes. With advanced features, bold styling, and practical mileage, today’s machines offer the perfect blend of fun and functionality.
From the sporty TVS Raider 125 and efficient Honda Shine to rugged performers like the CT 125X, there’s a perfect match for every kind of student rider, whether you live in a metro or a small town.
Remember, the best student bike is one that saves fuel, rides comfortably, fits within budget, and makes you want to hit the road every day. Always test ride a few options, explore online and offline offers, and consider resale value before committing.
And don’t overlook safety—invest in a good helmet and riding gear. A bike can be freedom on two wheels, but only when you ride responsibly.
College life’s more fun with the right ride. Pick the bike that fuels your dreams without draining your wallet!
