The list of 10 best budget-friendly bikes for first-time buyers
Here are the top picks that offer a mix of mileage, comfort, and modern features.
| Bike Name | Engine | Starting Ex-Showroom Price in Delhi |
| Hero HF Deluxe | 97.2 cc | ₹60,738 |
| Bajaj CT 110X | 115.45 cc | ₹72,179 |
| TVS Sport | 109.7 cc | ₹59,950 |
| Hero Splendor Plus | 97.2 cc | ₹80,166 |
| Hero HF 100 | 97.2 cc | ₹63,718 |
| TVS Radeon | 109.7 cc | ₹59,950 |
| Bajaj Platina 100 | 102 cc | ₹70,611 |
| Hero Passion Plus | 97.2 cc | ₹83,191 |
| Honda Shine | 124 cc | ₹85,590 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 124.4 cc | ₹85,178 |
1. Hero HF Deluxe
Price (ex-showroom): Starting at ₹60,738
The Hero HF Deluxe is one of the most popular entry-level bikes in India, and for very good reason. It is light, easy to handle, and gives excellent fuel mileage. The engine is very simple and reliable, so even if you are completely new to bikes, you can ride it with confidence. It also comes with Hero’s i3S technology (in some variants), which automatically turns the engine off at traffic lights to save fuel.
Why it’s great for first-time buyers:
- Very simple to use
- Gives 70–80 km per litre
- Spare parts are cheap and available everywhere
Ideal for: Students, beginners, or anyone who wants a basic bike for city use.
Key specifications
Here are the essential details of the bike at a glance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 97.2 cc, Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power | 7.91 bhp |
| Mileage | 70–80 km/l |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
2. Bajaj CT 110X
Price (ex-showroom): Starting at ₹72,179
The Bajaj CT 110X is built like a small tank. It is strong, durable and handles rough roads easily. It has a simple air-cooled engine that has a very low running cost. The ground clearance is high, so you don’t need to worry about potholes, speed breakers or village roads. For first-time bike buyers who may not have perfect riding skills yet, this bike gives confidence and comfort.
Why it’s great for first-time buyers:
- Very strong build quality
- Works smoothly on village and broken roads
- Needs very little maintenance
Ideal for: Learners in small towns or semi-urban areas.
Key specifications
Here are the essential details of the bike at a glance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 115.45 cc, Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power | 8.6 bhp |
| Mileage | 70–75 km/l |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
3. TVS Sport
Price (ex-showroom): Starting at ₹59,950
The TVS Sport is a simple commuter bike with a slightly sporty design, which is why a lot of young riders like it. It is lightweight and very fuel-efficient, making it ideal for first-time riders who want to save money on petrol. The riding posture is upright and relaxed, and the seat is comfortable enough for daily use. It is also easy to control in tight traffic conditions.
Why it’s great for first-time buyers:
- Sporty looks without a high price
- Very good fuel economy
- Easy to ride in traffic thanks to the lightweight design
Ideal for: Students and young professionals doing mostly city riding.
Key specifications
Here are the essential details of the bike at a glance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 109.7 cc, Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power | 8.18 bhp |
| Mileage | 70–75 km/l |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
4. Hero Splendor Plus
Price (ex-showroom): Starting at ₹80,166
The Hero Splendor Plus is one of the most trusted and long-lasting bikes in India. It has been around for over two decades and is still topping the sales charts. The reason is simple: it is easy to ride, easy to repair, and very fuel-efficient. The riding position is upright and natural, so you won’t get back pain even after a long day of riding. It is a fantastic “first bike” that will serve you with very little fuss.
Why it’s great for first-time buyers:
- Very reliable and long-lasting
- Excellent resale value
- Extremely fuel efficient
Ideal for: Anyone who wants a safe and proven first bike.
Key specifications
Here are the essential details of the bike at a glance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 97.2 cc, Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power | 7.91 bhp |
| Mileage | 65–70 km/l |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
5. Hero HF 100
Price (ex-showroom): Starting at ₹63,718
The Hero HF 100 is one of the most affordable commuter bikes in India, built for riders who want reliability and excellent mileage at a very low cost. It is simple, durable, and easy to maintain, making it perfect for daily city rides. Its lightweight frame and upright seating ensure a comfortable ride, while the fuel efficiency helps save money in the long run.
Why it’s great for first-time buyers:
- Extremely budget-friendly and reliable
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Simple design, easy to ride and maintain
Ideal for: Students, office-goers, and anyone looking for a no-nonsense daily commuter.
Key specifications
Here are the essential details of the bike at a glance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 97.2 cc, Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power | 7.91 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Mileage | 65–70 km/l |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
6. TVS Radeon
Price (ex-showroom): Starting at ₹59,950
The TVS Radeon offers retro styling with the practicality of a modern commuter bike. It has a wide, comfortable seat and is easy to handle in everyday traffic. The engine is smooth, and the bike feels stable even on slightly rough roads. For first-time buyers who want a simple bike with a bit of classic styling, this is a great choice.
Why it’s great for first-time buyers:
- Comfortable and easy to ride
- Retro styling looks different from regular commuters
- Low-maintenance and fuel-efficient
Ideal for: Beginners who want a comfortable daily bike with a classic look
Key specifications
Here are the essential details of the bike at a glance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 109.7 cc, Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power | 8.19 bhp |
| Mileage | 65–70 km/l |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
7. Bajaj Platina 100
Price (ex-showroom): Starting at ₹70,611
The Bajaj Platina 100 is known for delivering excellent fuel economy and a very soft ride. The seat is wide and comfortable, and the suspension is designed to absorb bumps easily, which is very useful in Indian road conditions. It’s perfect for new riders who don’t want to spend much on fuel or maintenance.
Why it’s great for first-time buyers:
- Best-in-class mileage
- Very comfortable seat and suspension
- Low running and service costs
Ideal for: Daily commuters who cover long distances and want maximum fuel savings
Key specifications
Here are the essential details of the bike at a glance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 102 cc, Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power | 7.9 bhp |
| Mileage | 75–80 km/l |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
8. Hero Passion Plus
Price (ex-showroom): Starting at ₹83,191
The Hero Passion Plus uses the same reliable engine as the Splendor, but adds a bit more style and better graphics. It’s easy to ride and has very simple controls, so first-time riders won’t face any issues. The bike is also very fuel-efficient, which means you’ll save money on petrol every month.
Why it’s great for first-time buyers:
- Stylish looks with the trusted Splendor engine
- Very easy to ride
- Spare parts are easily available everywhere
Ideal for: Young first-time buyers who want a bit of style without extra cost
Key specifications
Here are the essential details of the bike at a glance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 97.2 cc, Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power | 7.91 bhp |
| Mileage | 65–70 km/l |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
9. Honda Shine
Price (ex-showroom): Starting at ₹85,590
The Honda Shine is one of India’s most trusted commuter motorcycles, known for its smooth engine and stylish looks. It strikes a great balance between performance, comfort, and mileage, making it ideal for daily use. With a refined 125cc engine, the Shine feels peppy in city traffic while still being efficient on fuel. Its comfortable seat and upright riding position make it a favourite among office-goers and students alike.
Why it’s great for first-time buyers:
- Refined and reliable engine
- Stylish design with modern features
- Comfortable for both rider and pillion
Ideal for: Students, young professionals, and commuters who want a stylish yet fuel-efficient bike for everyday rides.
Key specifications
Here are the essential details of the bike at a glance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 124 cc, Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power | 10.7 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Mileage | 55–60 km/l |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
10. Bajaj Pulsar 125
Price (ex-showroom): Starting at ₹85,178
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is a great option for first-time buyers who want more modern looks and a slightly sportier feel without spending much. It may look like a bigger bike, but it’s still very easy to ride and control. The engine is simple and proven, and gives decent mileage too.
Why it’s great for first-time buyers:
- Sporty Pulsar styling
- Smooth power, easy to ride
- Low-cost maintenance and strong resale value
Ideal for: First-time buyers who want a stylish bike that still gives good mileage
Key specifications
Here are the essential details of the bike at a glance.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 124.4 cc, Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder |
| Power | 11.8 bhp |
| Mileage | 55–60 km/l |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
Tips for first-time bike buyers
Before you buy your first bike, keep these small tips in mind:
- Always take a test ride: This will help you feel whether the bike suits your height and comfort.
- Check service centre availability: Make sure there is a service centre near your home or college.
- Start with a lighter bike: Heavy or high-powered bikes are harder to control when you are learning.
- Go for tubeless tyres if possible: They are much easier to repair in case of punctures.
- Stick to regular service schedules: This keeps the engine healthy and improves mileage in the long run.
- Always wear a helmet: It’s the most important riding rule and will protect you in case of a fall.
Final words
Buying your first bike doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. The most important things are comfort, reliability, low running cost, and easy maintenance, and all five bikes mentioned in this article offer exactly that. Whether you pick the Hero HF Deluxe, Bajaj CT110X, TVS Sport, Hero Splendor Plus or Honda CD110 Dream, you’ll be getting a dependable partner for your daily rides.
Take your time, ride safely, and make sure you pick the bike that feels right when you sit on it. Once you get that perfect first ride, every journey (even to college or work) starts feeling a bit more enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions
