Bikes Under Rs 2.5 Lakh

Last Updated on: 01 Oct 2026
I am a first-time motorcycle buyer looking for a bike in the Rs 2.0-2.5 lakh range. I am 5ft 3in, so I need something with a lower seat height and manageable weight for comfortable use. My usage will be around 80% in the city, with occasional 300-400 km highway trips. I have shortlisted the TVS Ronin, Yamaha XSR 155 and Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Which would be the most suitable option for me, and are there any other bikes I should consider at my height?
Your research is absolutely spot on, and the three options you have shortlisted will surely serve your intended purpose quite well. However, which one is right for you is a decision only you can make because all three are quite different to ride.The Yamaha XSR155 is the lightest and sportiest of this trio and will be faster than the other two. What it will not be is as comfortable as the relaxed Hunter and Ronin, which score quite highly in terms of overall comfort. These two have mellow, torque-rich engines which will make for an altogether different, more laid-back riding experience.Given the magnitude of difference between all three, deciding between them warrants a test ride.
Can I tour all over India on the Yamaha XSR 155 as a solo rider with light luggage, or would there be a better option? I'm 56 years old, but I'm fit enough to comfortably ride around 250 km in a day.
With enough planning and determination, touring across India on the Yamaha XSR155 is certainly possible. The XSR155 is a reliable, lightweight and fuel-efficient motorcycle, but comfort isn't its strongest suit, something you will notice more often, especially over longer distances.If the plan involves spending long days in the saddle, an aftermarket seat for better comfort and a small windscreen to reduce windblast are worthwhile upgrades.Kudos to you for considering such a venture, and we wish you all the very best!
I currently ride a 2017 Honda CB Hornet 160R Special Edition and often face gear shifting issues while downshifting in traffic that remain unresolved. I want to upgrade my bike with a budget of around ₹2 lakhs on-road in Delhi. My daily run is about 50 km with a highway and city mix, and I want mileage of 40 km/l or more. I prefer bikes with a muscular, bulky tank and overall bulky appearance. I have shortlisted the MT-15, NX200, Hornet 2.0, Hunter, and Ronin. Kindly suggest.
Since you have owned a Honda motorcycle in the past, sticking with the brand and getting the Hornet 2.0 and NX200 will make sense. Both are decently peppy, refined, comfortable and fuel-efficient machines which should be reliable in the long run. The Yamaha MT-15 will be the lightest machine on your list, and it is likely to also be the most fuel-efficient. Despite its small engine, it does offer a good level of performance. You should also take a look at the XSR155 because this is a more spacious motorcycle while being mechanically very similiar to the MT.The TVS Ronin and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will have the most comfort and will be different to ride than the other bikes owing to their relaxed engines. Do bear in mind that you are unlikely to see a fuel economy figure of 40kpl unless you ride very sedately on either of them. Since the machines you have shortlisted are very diverse, we'd recommend a test ride of all before you make a decision.
I am a beginner who has recently learned to ride a bike and am considering buying a new one, but I am confused between the Yamaha XSR 155, MT 15, Hunter 350, and Honda CB 350 Highness.
All bikes you have shortlisted make for good beginner bikes with their unique strengths. The Yamaha XSR155 / MT-15 will be the lightest and easiest to manage machines with a sporty and engaging engine + chassis combination. They will also return excellent fuel economy. However, over long stretches of bad roads, the stiff suspension will cause some discomfort.The Honda CB350 H'ness and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 are laid-back roadsters with torquey, smooth 350cc engines. They will be more comfortable but will not have as good fuel economy or handling capabilities. It all boils down to the sort of experience you are after and the design you like the most, so a test ride of all four is in order.
I'm 5'7", 60kg, and currently ride a Hunter 350. I find it heavy (181kg) for Bangalore traffic & miss the 'light & fast' agility of the legendary RX135. Your recent review of XSR 155 (137kg) got me excited as a potential replacement. My only concern is the 810mm seat height (vs. Hunter's 790mm). Will this be manageable for my height in stop-and-go traffic? Does the XSR 155 finally offer that 'flickable' RX135 experience, or should I stick to Hunter for its lower centre of gravity?
While the Yamaha XSR155 has a taller seat height on paper, its slim build and petite kerb weight will more than make up for it. Moreover, for someone of your height, you should easily be able to get one foot flat on the ground, which will help inspire confidence. The XSR is a sweet-handling machine due to its R15-derived chassis. Although its suspension is on the stiffer side, which could be a concern if you regularly ride long distances on poor roads.A long test ride should help you figure out if the XSR is the bike for you.
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