My father has been using a Yamaha SZ-R since 2011 and it’s now due for replacement. He is over 60, so I’m thinking of buying a 125cc bike for mixed use on both highways and rural roads. He doesn’t want a scooter. Please suggest a no-nonsense machine that will offer a comfortable ride for him and a pillion.

Autocar India

•7w

In the 125cc commuter bike segment, if you want a straightforward, simple machine, your best bet would be the Honda Shine. This is a machine that has proven its dependability over the many years. It has been on sale and will be reasonably comfortable for two-up riding, as well as return excellent fuel economy. You can also take a look at its more stylish sibling, the SP125. It is mechanically very similar but gets a few more features.

While you have said you want a simple, no-nonsense machine, the funky-looking TVS Raider is an option we would also strongly urge you to take a look at. It may look flashy, but as a commuter, it works extremely well and will serve you well.

The lower versions come with a single-piece seat, which will be slightly better for two-up riding. If you want the highest level of safety, then the top models come with single-channel ABS, which is a worthwhile feature to have.

Take your father for a test ride of these bikes and see which one suits him best before making a decision.

Explore bikes mentioned

Honda Bikes

Shine 100

from ₹72,919

Honda Bikes

SP 125

from ₹95,751

TVS

Raider

from ₹92,870

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Latest questions people are discussing

Dharmender Kaushik

•5d

I want to buy a 125-150 cc bike. My height is 165 cm. I want it for the daily office commute. I want a bike with low seat height, not too high, with a refined engine, decent mileage of 45+ and with ABS.

Autocar India

•1d

Pretty much every single 150-160cc commuter comes with at least single-channel ABS, so that won't be a deciding factor for you. Our top picks in this class are the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V if you want something sportier and feature-rich. If you want to stick to a simple, no-nonsense machine, then the Honda Unicorn remains a safe bet. If ridden sensibly, you should see in excess of 45kpl for all of these 150cc bikes.In the 125cc class, if having ABS is non-negotiable, then your options are restricted to the TVS Raider and Honda CB125 Hornet. Of these three, the TVS is our top recommendation. The 125s will be quite fuel-efficient, and you'll seldom see a mileage figure below 50kpl, no matter your riding style.You should first decide which segment you want to stick with and then take a test ride of the bikes accordingly before you make a decision.

TVS Raider

Bajaj Pulsar N160

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Honda Bikes Unicorn

Honda Bikes CB125 Hornet

Rainak Sharma

•3d

I am 5ft 4 inches in height. Which Royal Enfield would be suitable for me so that I don't have to tiptoe? I was thinking Meteor 350.

Autocar India

•2d

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has a very manageable 765mm seat height, which should suit your stature. But if you want the lowest 350cc Royal Enfield bike, then it would be the Goan Classic. The Goan has an even lower 750mm perch, which will be even easier to flatfoot.Do bear in mind that the Goan Classic's handlebars are taller than usual, and this is something you should pay attention to on a test ride. We'd advise taking test rides of both the Meteor and Goan and pick whichever one suits you best and the one you prefer the look of more.

Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Tamil R

•1w

I’m 22 and planning to buy my first bike, mainly for city commuting, with strong pillion comfort as a top priority. We already have a 15-year-old Honda Shine that is still reliable. My parents encouraged me to buy something better than basic commuter bikes like the TVS Sport or Bajaj Platina, and even offered financial help, which I would prefer to avoid since I’ve just started working. Initially, I shortlisted the TVS Raider, Hero Glamour (with cruise control, which I don’t really need), and Honda SP125 because they are affordable. However, I’m concerned about long-term service with TVS and Hero, and the lack of ABS on the Honda SP125. Then I looked at higher-segment options but ruled out sporty bikes with stepped seats (like the Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V) due to pillion comfort concerns. That left me considering the TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and Yamaha XSR155 (which I ruled out due to pillion comfort). Now I’m confused between the comfort and efficiency of the TVS Ronin and the road presence and perceived reliability of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. At the same time, I’m wondering if it would be smarter to save money and stick with a premium 125cc bike, since 90% of my usage will be relaxed city riding and I value cruiser-like comfort over speed.

Autocar India

•6d

Since you've said that most of your riding is relegated to city riding with a pillion, where comfort and fuel efficiency are top priorities, we'd recommend you stick to a premium 125cc commuter. The TVS Raider is a good option as it offers a comfortable ride and a spacious seat for the rider and pillion. In that category, our top picks are the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R. Both are available with variants that have a long, single-piece seat, so pillion comfort as well as fuel efficiency will be taken care of. In case you do want to scratch the itch of getting a larger machine, you will be well served by the TVS Ronin as well as the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Both have smooth, torquey engines, plush suspension and are large enough to carry a pillion. Take a test ride of these bikes and see which one you prefer the most before purchasing.

TVS Raider

Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 125R

TVS Ronin

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

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