TVS Raider

Autocar India

•2w

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.

Autocar India

•3w

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.

Autocar India

•6w

Since you have a pretty long commute and fuel efficiency is your priority, you should be looking at either a 125cc or a 150/160cc commuter motorcycle. In the former category, options like the TVS Raider, Hero Super Splendor / Glamour / Xtreme 125R and Honda Shine / SP125 / CB125 Hornet are bikes you should be considering. Do bear in mind that some of these are simple, no-nonsense commuters with more traditional seating positions, and some are feature-rich, snazzy-looking options - pick the one you think will suit you better. In the latter category, you should be considering Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ models and Honda Unicorn / SP160. Over here, the Yamaha and Honda bikes are slightly less powerful and have better fuel economy, while the other three are slightly sportier.In general, the 125cc bikes will be more fuel efficient and more affordable to purchase, while the 150/160s will be less so in both regards. However, if you spend a lot of time at fast highway speeds, then going for a larger machine will make sense because it will feel more relaxed at higher speeds. A test ride will help you decide which bike is the best fit for you.

Autocar India

•9w

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.

Autocar India

•10w

Since you haven't specified what sort of bike you want, nor a displacement or price cap, we'll recommend a variety of options to suit various needs.In the 125cc commuter class, bikes like the Hero Super Splendor, Xtreme 125R, Honda SP 125, CB125 Hornet, and TVS Raider are worth taking a look at, depending on what sort of features and styling you want from your bike.Stepping up to the 160cc commuter class, options like the Honda Unicorn, SP160, Bajaj Pulsar N160, and Hero Xtreme 160R 4V are worth considering.If you want something more premium, then bikes like TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter/Bullet/Classic 350, or any of the Honda CB350 models will serve you well.

Autocar India

•11w

The Yamaha XSR155 is a great motorcycle with its pleasing neo-retro looks and proven performance-oriented engine and underpinnings. It is a great bike to commute on in almost all respects but one - its stiff rear suspension. Since the XSR155 uses an R15-derived chassis, its suspension comfort over bad roads isn't great. If your long commute involves a lot of bad roads or broken surfaces, we would recommend you look elsewhere.In the 125cc commuter category, there are plenty of great options like the Hero Xtreme 125R, Glamour / Super Splendor, Honda Shine, and TVS Raider. A test ride will help you decide which bike is best suited for your needs.

Autocar India

•11w

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.

Autocar India

•6w

Since you have a rather long daily commute, we would recommend you stick with 160cc options like the Honda Unicorn / SP160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160. All options are comfortable, fuel-efficient and reasonably peppy, although the TVS and Bajaj will have an edge over the Honda. If you still wish to go with something smaller for the benefit of fuel efficiency, our top picks are the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R, Honda Shine / SP125, Honda CB125 Hornet and the Hero Glamour / Super Splendor models. The traditional commuter options will have fewer features and more straightforward riding positions. While the sporty, premium 125s will have a little more pep in their step, a sportier rider's triangle and more features.Take a test ride of everything you shortlist before making a decision.

Autocar India

•13w

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.

Autocar India

•7w

If you want wider tyres in the 125cc sporty commuter space, you'll have to go for one of the sporty-looking, feature-loaded options like the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R and Honda CB125 Hornet. All have at least single-channel ABS on the higher variants and tyres that are grippy enough to handle all sorts of road conditions you might encounter, both of which should help you stop in a controlled manner. You've mentioned that having a kick starter is a priority for you, and of the bikes listed above, only the Hero has it as standard. However, these bikes are thoroughly modern, and their electric starters will work in just about every situation you find yourself in. So we'd advise you not to restrict yourself and potentially miss out on a high-quality product because of an antiquated notion like that.