Honda Shine 100 Standard

In your budget, options like the Honda Shine / SP125, Hero Super Splendor / Glamour and TVS Radeon would be our recommendation. The Radeon is the only 110cc commuter here, whereas the Hero and Honda options have 125cc engines. So they will feel a little more capable when riding with a pillion. 

All the bikes suggested here have great fuel economy, and with their long, single-piece seats, should also be great to carry a pillion. 

Take a test ride of the suggested options before you make a decision. 

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.

For your specific needs, a straightforward 125/160cc commuter bike would be the best fit. If mileage is the absolute top priority, then going for something in the 125cc space like the Honda Shine, Hero Super Splendor / Glamour models will be advisable. 

If you want something a little more powerful, then bikes like the Honda Unicorn / SP 160, Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V single-seat variants are machines you should look at. 

The Avenger will be able to do what you are looking for. But being a cruiser, its ergonomics are very laidback, and its suspension isn't the most comfortable either. 

We would recommend taking a two-up test ride of each bike you consider before you make up your mind. 

Since you haven't mentioned whether or not you want a bike in the same category or want to move up, we'll give you a broad spread of options to choose from. 

In the 100cc commuter category, bikes like the Hero Splendor, HF Deluxe and Passion, Honda Shine 100 models and the Bajaj Platina 100 remain compelling propositions for their blend of frugality, comfort, dependability and low ownership costs. 

If you want to move up to a 125cc bike, then the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R and Honda CB125 Hornet would be our recommendations. Since you've said you want a sporty look. 

Take a test ride of these bikes before making a decision. 

Since you are a novice rider and want a machine that prioritises fuel economy over everything else, we'll recommend some models that fit the bill. The Hero Splendor is a proven machine that is very hard to go wrong with and will last you years on end while returning stellar fuel economy, and is a great place to start. 

You should also consider the Honda Shine 100 because it is a comfortable, extremely fuel-efficient, simple and lightweight machine that comes from a reputed company. The TVS Sport is quite a dated machine, but still continues to sell because of its low price, good fuel economy and reputation for dependability.

The TVS is a 110cc bike which will offer you slightly better performance, with not a big drop in fuel economy in comparison to the Hero and Honda. 

Take a test ride before you decide to see which one suits you best.