My budget is Rs. 2 lakh, but I am willing to extend it if it is worth it. My daily commute is 80 km, with 40 km in the morning and 40 km in the evening. My major priorities are comfort, good mileage, and reduced rider fatigue.
Since you have a rather long commute with comfort and fuel economy as your top priorities, we'd recommend looking at these 160cc options - Honda Unicorn / SP160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160. The Honda bikes are textbook commuters and are simple, no-nonsense machines which should also prove to be reliable and hassle-free to own. On the other hand, the TVS and Bajaj bikes are feature-rich, sporty commuters that will give you better performance while still being reaonably frugal and comfortable.
In fact, if you want a little more pep, then the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N250 both are worth considering. These bikes offer a tangible step up in performance in comparison to their smaller siblings without sacrificing too much fuel economy and since you have a long commute every day, you will value the added performance on tap.
Take test rides of these bikes to see which ones float your boat before you make a decision.

Honda Unicorn
Explore bikes mentioned
Just check Honda Nx200 As well
Honda hness if you are looking for comfort and stable ride. Mileage will be around 35 to 40 kmpl if the road is mostly highway and free
I use the n250, it easily gives 40+ mileage even 45+ on highways if you don't ride too aggressively. Reliable, powerful and really comfortable with a supple suspension. Just the handlebar position is too agressive leading to pain in wrists and palms. I changed to n150 handlebar which solves the issue partly.
Scooters Are more comfortable than 125 cc bikes mainly because of wide seats and freedom to adjust foot position while driving.Constant seating position and No leg movement can cause even more pain to the back. In scooters one leg front and one back position sometimes gives good relief to the backpain. Iam daily riding 60 km for work Riding classic 350 Honda activa And Ather 450x If roads are Good .scooters are more convenient option even if you suffering back pain
Not fully convinced
Is your commute involve highway or more of a stop and go traffic? Also keep service cost in mind. Any smaller capacity bikes cost less in maintenance but when you go on higher cc bikes you service cost will double. Also look for vehicles that has longer service intervals. Look for vehicles that use fully synthetic engine oil by default by the oem service as it will last more km between services. If your commute is mostly highway then definitely prefer higher capacity bike like 200 to 300cc as this will reduce your commute time a little. CC's cannot be replaced later! My Recommendation are: 1. Suzuki gixxer 250 - This bike is highly underrated. 2. Yamaha MT15 3. Yamaha XSR 155
I’m planning to buy a motorcycle. I’m 5 feet 11 inches tall and weigh 95 kg. My daily commute is around 40–45 km. Initially, I was considering the Honda H'ness CB350, but it’s quite expensive. Then I thought about the Honda Unicorn, but it feels too basic and lacks excitement. The Yamaha FZ series seems a bit over-styled to me. I also rode the TVS Apache RTR 180 2V, but considering my height, it felt too small. Now I’m confused between the Bajaj Pulsar 180 (OG) and the Bajaj Pulsar N160. The Pulsar 180 offers excellent value for money, while the N160 comes with many modern features. However, since I’ll also be riding with my family, I’m leaning towards the Pulsar 180 because of its long, single-piece seat, which is more comfortable for both the rider and the pillion. I’d really appreciate your suggestions and guidance on which one would be the better choice. @autocar.india
@sujoybanerjee going by your height, weight n likings explained,.... Honda Sp160 can be a best fit
What about relaunched Bajaj Pulsar 180 (OG) 2026 model with P220 exhaust and LEDs, as the commuter? @autocar.india
You basically need a 125cc bike. Doesnt matter what is your budget. If you would have given ur height, weight and age it would help better. Honda SP125 is the best i can suggest for you, considering your 3 main priorities.
@sushil.soans 5.6 ,62 kg
@msb.1 then my earlier is much more suitable
@sushil.soans *ealier comment*
Honda hness if you are looking for comfort and stable ride. Mileage will be around 35 to 40 kmpl if the road is mostly highway and free
Go for FZ or MT-15, I happen to have CB unicorn and SP 160. Both of which have the same trait of uneasiness while riding at 60 kmph speeds. Confidence and comfort is what i feel missing in both unicorn and sp160. I had a great time with fazer which happens to share engine with FZ, riding at 60 feels like breeze. No vibrations no other body parts rattling. And MT 15 is also worth considering. If you prioritize comfortable riding position.
Since your commute is longer. I would suggest higher cc if the it is non traffic commute and will prefer 160cc if it involves more stop and go traffic. I would suggest looking at Suzuki gixxer 250 also.
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Posted on: 1 Jul 2026
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