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Delhi
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Thaman sai

11w

Hi AC team, I am currently 17 years old and will turn 18 in April 2026. After April, I want to buy a new bike for myself. I have enquired about the Honda CB125 Hornet, Yamaha MT-15, NS160, and Hero Xtreme 125R. My first priority was Honda because I am currently riding my dad’s 2012 Honda Shine 125 (Optimax), and I also have a Yamaha FZ-S. I am 5′7″ tall and weigh 60 kg. My maximum budget will be ₹1.2–1.5 lakh. Please suggest a bike for everyday college riding with friends and weekend highway rides.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
10w

The Honda CB125 Hornet makes a good case for itself as your first bike with its lightweight, frugal engine and flashy style. You should also take a look at the Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider because there are some areas where these bikes have an upper hand on the Honda. 

Bigger bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and Yamaha MT-15 will offer you more performance, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency. They will also be a little heavier, but it won't be a big difference. 

A test ride and a clear expectation of what you want from the bike will help you decide which bike is best for you. 

Honda CB125 Hornet

Honda CB125 Hornet

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Latest questions people are discussing

BM

B M

6d

I ride around 30 km daily in the city and also have back problems. I have shortlisted three motorcycles: the Triumph Speed 400, Honda CB350RS, and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. Which of these bikes would you recommend for comfortable daily commuting?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3d

Between the three bikes you've shortlisted, all three are comfortable for city use, but they all sit at very different price points, and it wouldn't be right to compare the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with the Honda CB350RS and Triumph Speed 400. If you want a straightforward commuter, then sticking to a machine in the 150-160cc space like the aforementioned Apache, Bajaj Pulsar N160, and Honda Unicorn would make sense. These bikes will be lighter and easier to manage within the city (which is where you'll spend most of your life), as well as be fuel-efficient and comfortable. If instead you do want to look at something more premium, the Honda and Triumph you have shortlisted are also good options. You should also look at the Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet 350 in this segment. These bikes will be larger and more spacious than the 150/160cc options mentioned above, with better build quality, road presence and pillion comfort. However, they will demand a little more effort at slow speeds and will also not be as fuel-efficient as the commuters.

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RJ

Rajeev Jain

4d

I am planning to buy a scooter for my daughter for her short daily trips to tuition classes, which would be around 15-20 km per day. My priorities are low seat height, good balance, and a reliable machine. I am considering buying a second-hand scooter like the Suzuki Access 125 or TVS Jupiter for around ₹50,000. Do you think this would be a good decision, or should I instead consider buying an electric scooter, which would cost ₹1 lakh or more? Some friends suggested buying an assembled electric scooter, but I am not comfortable with that option due to concerns about safety and reliability. What would be the best option in my situation?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

Since your daily running is quite low, you should look at a petrol scooter - preferably brand new, for the peace of mind and the manufacturer's warranty it will come with. We'd recommend looking at the base variants of the Honda Activa 110, Suzuki Acess and TVS Jupiter 110. All scooters will be friendly for a newer rider because of their low kerb weights and approachable seat heights. If, however, your budget doesn't permit you to go for a new scooter, then a pre-owned Activa or Access would be our recommendation. The Activa and Access are some of the most popular scooters available, and finding a good example will be fairly straightforward. Because of their popularity and widespread service network, sourcing replacement parts should also be quite easy.

Honda Bikes Activa 110
Suzuki Access
TVS Jupiter

Posted on: 29 Dec 2025