Autocar India
•41w

Which family bike should I buy in the 125cc–150cc segment that offers strong mileage and full features? I am looking for a model with a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder engine, dual disc brakes, ABS, and an elegant look. Could you recommend suitable options?

Verified
•41w
Since you haven’t specified your budget or exact usage, here are some credible options across both segments:
In the 125cc sporty space, strong choices include the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R, and Honda CB125 Hornet. If you prefer a more conventional look, you could also consider bikes like the Hero Super Splendor, Glamour, Honda Shine 125, or SP 125. Most of these models offer ABS on at least one variant, as you requested.
In the 150–160cc category, sporty commuters like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 are good picks. For larger riders, the Pulsar N160 offers a more spacious ride. And even though it is more than two decades old at this point, the trusty Honda Unicorn is worth considering if you want a no-nonsense but solid and comfortable commuting partner.
For liquid-cooled options in the 150–160cc space, only the KTM 160 Duke and Yamaha MT-15 V2 fit the bill. Both are great for commuting, though their design may not be classically elegant.
Yamaha MT-15 V2

Yamaha MT-15 V2

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More questions on similar bikes

•6d

Hi Autocar Expert Team, I am 43 years old and commute around 60 km every day. Approximately 90% of my journey is on highways, with the remaining 10% on city roads. During my highway commute, I have to cross three bridges with expansion joints, which make the ride quite uncomfortable. I also suffer from sciatica-related back pain, so ride comfort and good suspension are my top priorities. I currently commute by car, but frequent traffic congestion significantly increases my travel time. As a result, I am planning to switch to a motorcycle for my daily commute. My budget is between Rs 2-4 lakh. Engine capacity is not a major concern, and I am open to motorcycles ranging from 150 cc to 450 cc. Based on my daily riding conditions, comfort requirements, and back condition, could you please recommend the most suitable motorcycle? I am particularly looking for a bike with the best suspension and ride comfort over bridge joints and uneven roads, a comfortable seat and relaxed riding ergonomics that are suitable for someone with sciatica, remains stable and composed at highway cruising speeds, and is reliable, easy to maintain, and offers a good long-term ownership experience.

Verified
•20h

Since your commute is quite long and comfort is your top priority, the Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 210 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 are both worth considering. The choice between the two depends largely on your typical highway cruising speeds.Both bikes offer an upright, neutral riding position that is well-suited to long hours in the saddle. They also have comfortable seats (the Himalayan 450 has the upper hand here).The Himalayan 450 offers stronger highway performance. However, it is noticeably heavier. If you want a lighter motorcycle that is easier to manage in daily use, the Xpulse 210 is the more approachable option.Take a test ride of both motorcycles before making a decision, as that will give the clearest indication of which one feels more comfortable for your riding needs.

Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 210
Royal Enfield Himalayan
•2w

Hi, I live in Bangalore and am looking to buy a new motorcycle under 3 lakh (on-road) and would really appreciate your suggestions. I am planning to primarily use this bike for daily commuting, weekend rides, and occasional long-distance touring or adventure trips. My wife and I are both around 5'10" tall, and pillion comfort is a high priority. Since I occasionally experience back pain, a comfortable riding posture and good suspension are very important. Also, good mileage is another major deciding factor. I'm looking for a bike that offers a good balance of comfort (for both rider and pillion), reliability, fuel economy, touring capability and ability to handle occasional bad roads or light adventure riding. I'm open to any brand and would love to hear your recommendations based on personal experience. If you've owned or ridden any bike that fits these requirements, please share your thoughts, along with any pros and cons. Thanks in advance!

Verified
•1d

From what you've described, it seems like the TVS Apache RTX 300 would be a good fit for your needs. The RTX is spacious, comfortable, loaded with features and has decent performance and fuel economy too. The downside here is that RTX waiting periods are on the higher side and since this is still a fairly new product, you may experience teething issues. Fully loaded with luggage and a pillion, its performance will also be quite modest. If you are open to extending your budget to account for the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, we would strongly suggest you go down that route. The Himalayan has excellent suspension, gutsy performance and is a proven commodity today. The only real downside is it's heft and size but since you and your partner both are on the taller side, chances are, you should be able to make your peace with it or even welcome the added space on offer. Take rest rides of both machines and see which one you guys lean towards more.

TVS Apache RTX
Royal Enfield Himalayan
•1w

I am planning to buy a new motorcycle, and my priorities are reliability, good fuel efficiency, and low cost of ownership. I am currently confused between the Honda Unicorn 160 and the Bajaj Pulsar N160 (single-seat, single-channel ABS variant). Which of these two would be the better choice? Also, are there any other motorcycles in this segment that I should consider based on my requirements?

Verified
•6d

It seems that you value peace of mind over everything else, so choosing an unimpeachable product like the Honda Unicorn will be a safer bet. The Unicorn can't match the Pulsar in terms of outright performance, handling or features, but it consistently provides reliable transportation to lakhs of Indians, which makes it the better fit for your needs. It would also be advisable to throw the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V into the mix. To be sure, take test rides of all three before you make your decision.

Honda Bikes Unicorn
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

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Popular discussions right now

•2w

I've been riding a Honda Shine 125 for the last 12 years and am planning to upgrade to the Harley-Davidson X440 T. Is it a good motorcycle for a 60km daily commute?

Verified
•6d

The Harley-Davidson X440T makes for a good commuting companion with its torquey yet smooth long-stroke single-cylinder engine, neutral ergonomics and plush suspension setup. Depending on the traffic on your route as well as the way you ride, fuel economy will vary, but you should expect a big drop from your Shine 125 in this regard.If you want a similiar riding experience but a machine that is more affordable and with better fuel economy, consider the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic 350 and Honda CB350 models. These machines have similar attributes to the bigger X440 T, but with their smaller engines, they will be more fuel-efficient, although of course, you will have to sacrifice some peak output.Take test rides of these machines before you make your decision, depending on which one you prefer the most.

Harley Davidson X440T
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•2w

I'm upgrading from a Honda Hornet CB160 and am considering the Harley-Davidson X440 T or the Honda H'ness CB350. My riding is mostly in the city, but I can stretch my budget if the bike is worth the extra money.

Verified
•6d

Since your usage is mostly in the city, the added performance that the Harley-Davidson X440T brings over the Honda CB350 H'ness is unlikely to make a big enough difference to justify the big price difference between the two. Additionally, the Honda bike will also return much better fuel economy owing to its smaller, more efficient engine. Both are on a similar level when it comes to comfort, so the CB350 H'ness is the more logical buy between the two. Take a test ride of both to see which one you're leaning towards more before you make a decision.

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•2w

I'm looking for an electric scooter with good range, a large storage compartment, and enough comfort for a 6'2" rider carrying a pillion. My daily commute is around 50km in Kerala. It should also have a good service network in Malappuram.

Verified
•6d

The River Indie is a scooter that is both comfortable for larger riders and has the largest boot on any Indian electric scooter, measuring 43 litres. You should get a range of 100km on a single charge if ridden sensibly in the middle 'Ride' mode, and River has also built an excellent reputation for service quality and experience, even if its volumes aren't as big as the heavy hitters in the market. Take a test ride of the Indie before you make your decision to make an informed purchase.

River Indie

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Posted on: 9 Oct 2025