Top 10 bikes suitable for family rides
The table is a quick summary of the best family-friendly motorcycles:
| Bike | Engine capacity | Ex-showroom price (Starting from) |
| Hero Splendor Plus | 97.2 cc | ₹ 73,902 |
| Bajaj Platina 110 | 115.45 cc | ₹ 69,284 |
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 | 164.82 cc | ₹ 1,16,773 |
| Hero Xtreme 125R | 125 cc | ₹ 91,116 |
| TVS Raider 125 | 125 cc | ₹ 95,600 |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS200 | 199.5 cc | ₹ 1,32,024 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 124.4 cc | ₹ 85,633 |
| Honda Shine | 123.94 cc | ₹ 78,539 |
| Hero Splendor Plus Xtec | 97.2 cc | ₹ 77,428 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 150 | 149.50 | ₹ 1,05,144 |
Hero Splendor Plus
The Splendor Plus is a lightweight and fuel-efficient commuter bike. Its single long seat is comfortable enough for you and your family to travel in the city. This bike, with a low seat height, allows children to hop onto it easily. The bike doesn’t have advanced features, but it has a sturdy build that keeps it stable for a long time.
Key features:
- i3s technology for fuel efficiency
- Analogue console
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Halogen light with DRLs
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Fuel efficient
- Service networks are available everywhere
Cons:
- Lacks disc brake
- Doesn’t come with modern features
Specifications:
| Aspect | Specification |
| Engine capacity | 97.2 cc |
| Maximum power | 5.9 kw @ 8000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 8.05 nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed constant mesh |
| Kerb weight | 112 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 9.8 l |
Bajaj Platina 110
The family-friendly bike has a lower kerb weight compared to most of its rivals. Its single-seat design is good enough for you and your partner to travel every day. The Platina 110 also has a long suspension and an SOS with a nitrox rear suspension system for shock absorption and comfort. Its components, like the knuckle guards, quilted seats, and tubeless tyres.
Key features:
- Analogue console
- Silencer cover
- Halogen bulb with DRLs
Pros:
- Comfortable seat and riding stance
- Easy movement through traffic
Cons:
- Average finish
- Might vibrate at a high speed
Specifications:
| Aspect | Specification |
| Engine capacity | 115.45 cc |
| Maximum power | 6.33 kw @ 7000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 9.81 nm @ 5000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed |
| Kerb weight | 119 kg |
| Seat height | 807 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 11 l |
Bajaj Pulsar N160
The Pulsar N160 is a street bike, designed for everyday conveyance with your family. This lightweight bike has a low seat and comfortable ergonomics, so your partner is always relaxed during the drive. Its handlebars are angled ahead, so you have to crouch a little to ride. The Bajaj bike has a sporty look but is smooth enough to cover long distances without feeling tired.
Key features:
- Semi-digital instrument console
- USB charging port
- Silencer cover
- Side-stand engine cut-off
Pros:
- Aggressive styling
- Dual-channel ABS
- Spare parts are easily available
Cons:
- Doesn’t feature a complete digital console
- Stiff ride quality
Specifications:
| Aspect | Specification |
| Engine capacity | 164.82 cc |
| Maximum power | 11.7 kw @ 8750 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 14.65 nm @ 6750 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
| Kerb weight | 152 kg |
| Seat height | 795 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14 l |
Hero Xtreme 125R
Invest in the Hero bike, and your family will never be uncomfortable during city rides. This mid-weight motorcycle has soft rider and pillion seats for maximum relaxation. Its agile and light frame allows you to easily navigate through peak-hour traffic. The bike comes equipped with a single-channel ABS for safety across all kinds of road conditions. Some of its features include Bluetooth connectivity, hazard lamps, and an immersive LCD screen.
Key features:
- Digital instrument console
- USB charging port
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Silencer cover
Pros:
- Easy handling
- Mid-range engine
- Single-channel ABS
Cons:
- The front brake can be sluggish
Specifications:
| Aspect | Specification |
| Engine capacity | 125 cc |
| Maximum power | 11.4 hp |
| Maximum torque | 10.5 nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
| Kerb weight | 136 kg |
| Seat height | 794 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 10 l |
TVS Raider 125
This premium commuter bike by TVS is lightweight, easy to handle, and has a low seat height for comfortable travel. Its modern design comes with a body-coloured headlight cowl, a split saddle, an engine cowl, and an aluminium grab rail. The Raider 125 with a SmartXConnect works with Bluetooth connectivity and a Voice Assist function. It gets additional functions like SMS/call alert and navigation.
Key features:
- SmartXConnect technology
- Glide Through Traffic technology
- Roto petal dual disc
- Three riding modes
Pros:
- Easy handling
- Comfortable and wide seat
Cons:
- The mobile app might not work properly
Specifications:
| Aspect | Specification |
| Engine capacity | 124.8 cc |
| Maximum power | 8.37 kw @ 7500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 11.2 nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Kerb weight | 123 kg |
| Seat height | 780 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 10 l |
Bajaj Pulsar NS200
The Pulsar NS200 is a commuter bike with a split-seat design. It enables the rider and the pillion to sit at their respective places. There is also a two-piece pillion grabrail, a muscular stance, and an easy-access handlebar, making your every ride stable. This Bajaj bike features include Bluetooth connectivity, a turn-by-turn navigation, and an LED headlight. A comfortable seating posture and multiple features make this Pulsar ideal for family rides.
Key features:
- Digital instrument console
- USB charging port
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Kill switch
Pros:
- High-performance engine
- Comfortable choice for city rides
- Family-friendly handling
Cons:
- Doesn't include modern features
- Styling isn’t aspirational
Specifications:
| Aspect | Specification |
| Engine capacity | 199.5 cc |
| Maximum power | 18 kw @ 8500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 18.74 nm @ 8000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Kerb weight | 158 kg |
| Seat height | 805 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12 l |
Bajaj Pulsar 125
The Pulsar 125 is perfect for families due to its budget-friendly upkeep and a comfortable design. This commuter bike has a middle-weight design and a low kerb seat height, so your partner and kids are always at ease. Its single, long seat is wide enough for riders of all body types to sit comfortably. Some notable features of the Bajaj bike are a digital console, a USB charging port, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Key features:
- Semi-digital instrument console
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Silencer cover
- Halogen bulb
Pros:
- Good low and mid-range torque
- Easy to maintain
- Comfortable riding position
Cons:
- Doesn’t include modern features
Specifications:
| Aspect | Specification |
| Engine capacity | 124.4 cc |
| Maximum power | 8.68 kw @ 8500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 10.8 nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Kerb weight | 140 kg |
| Seat height | 790 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 11.5 l |
Honda Shine
Enjoy long distances with your partner on the Honda Shine as it is neither heavy to handle nor difficult to control. This bike has a single seat that promises a comfortable posture over long distances. It is fuel-efficient, has a smooth engine, and is easy to maintain. The only drawback of this 125 cc bike is a lack of advanced features.
Key features:
- Digital instrument console
- USB charging port
- Halogen bulb
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Silencer cover
Pros:
- Smooth engine performance
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Easily operable gearbox
Cons:
- Old-looking instrument console
Specifications:
| Aspect | Specification |
| Engine capacity | 123.94 cc |
| Maximum power | 7.93 kw @ 7500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 11 nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Kerb weight | 113 kg |
| Seat height | 651 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 10.5 l |
Hero Splendor Plus Xtec
The Hero Splendor Xtec is a contemporary variant of the basic Splendor Plus. It has a digital instrument console, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB charger. This fuel-efficient bike delivers better mileage than many of the other commuter bikes. From the family point of view, this bike flaunts a single, low-rise seat and a muscular build. Its standard features include an analogue console, an odometer, and twin trip meters.
Key features:
- Digital instrument console
- USB charging port
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Silencer cover
- Halogen bulb with DRLs
Pros:
- Optimal fuel efficiency
- Mid-range torque is good
- After-sales experience is good
Cons:
- May vibrate at a high speed
Specifications:
| Aspect | Specification |
| Engine capacity | 97.2 cc |
| Maximum power | 5.9 kw @ 8000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 8.05 nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed constant mesh |
| Kerb weight | 112 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 9.8 l |
Bajaj Pulsar 150
The Pulsar 150 is one of the most popular commuter bikes. Its split-seat design, sporty stance, and lightweight build make the Bajaj bike perfect for regular use. You get access to multiple features like Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charger, and a fully digital console. This bike offers good mileage and is tractable.
Key features:
- Digital instrument console
- USB charging port
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Live location vehicle tracking
Pros:
- Good engine performance
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- The instrument console looks old
Specifications:
| Aspect | Specification |
| Engine capacity | 149.50 |
| Maximum power | 10.3 kw @ 8500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 13.25 nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Kerb weight | 150 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15 l |
Conclusion
When looking for a family-friendly bike, the most important features are comfort, efficiency, and safety. Look for a wide and low-rise seat and a motorcycle that doesn’t feel difficult to control.
The bikes discussed above come equipped with a pillion support and good lighting, making them perfect for a regular commute. Once you know the advantages and key features of the bike, you can pick the right one for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions