Top 5 125 cc Bikes In India In 2024

The 125 cc segment has been ever so popular among bikers in our country. OEMs offer bikes that are not just feature-rich but also fun to ride with a nice performance-centric engine that is equally frugal with high mileage figures. From Hero to TVS to Bajaj (and even KTM), the options might be endless, but only a few packs in the most value. So, without much ado, here is the list of the top five 125 cc motorcycles you should consider, especially if this is your first motorcycle.

(Also Read: Bajaj Aims To Beat Honda In The 125cc+ Motorcycle Segment)

Honda Shine 125 - ₹79,800 (starting ex-showroom price, Delhi)

Carrying the flag of reliability high in the 125 cc segment is the Honda Shine 125. Its smooth engine power delivery has become the preferred choice of many and is something that not many OEMs have been able to replicate, even after being in partnership with them for so many years. Coupled with its extremely affordable starting ex-showroom price of ₹79,800 (ex-showroom), the Shine 125 is the ideal choice for anyone who is looking for a fun, practical motorcycle with no frills. No wonder then it’s the king of the 125 cc segment for decades! 

Hero Glamour - ₹82,598 (starting ex-showroom price, Delhi)

However, if you want something sportier to ride and looks bigger and much better with the benefit of a fully digital instrument cluster - the Hero Glamour should be your choice. Although a few thousand rupees costlier than the Shine 125, the Hero Glamour tries to back it up with a slightly more premium appeal with a better finish, and body panels with aggressive graphics styled in an upscale manner. So if making a statement is your way, then a newly bought Glamour will surely grab eyeballs in the mohalla. 

(Also Read: Hero MotoCorp To Setup New Bike Manufacturing Plant In Brazil)

Hero Xtreme 125R - ₹95,000 (starting ex-showroom price, Delhi)

If you think the Glamour is still isn’t glamorous enough, Hero has you covered with the Xtreme 125R. This 125 cc commuter is Hero MotoCorp’s attempt to woo a younger demographic, especially college kids, with a premium affordable performance motorcycle. Right from the choice of paint finish on the body panels to the way the bike has been designed – a lot is going on here in terms of styling, and yet it somehow looks so complete. Coupled with the light framework that houses a peppy 11.4 bhp/10.5 Nm 125 cc, single-cylinder, engine the Xtreme 125R can be a hoot to ride around in the city, and sometimes beyond. For more details check out our review below: 

TVS Raider 125 - ₹95,219 (starting ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Hero Xtreme 125R was launched to take on the TVS Raider 125, which rightfully holds the crown for being the first commuter-centric performance motorcycle of its kind. In a typical TVS-style, buyers of the Raider 125 are spoilt for choice, whether it is in terms of four different variants, or the kind of features it uses. For starters, the TVS Raider 125 is the only motorcycle in this list that comes with voice-assist navigation. To make it more attractive, TVS also has Marvel editions with funky Iconic Iron Man and Black Panther themes. However, in terms of performance, the Xtreme 125R edges past the TVS with a 0-40 kmph coming up in 4.9 seconds (claimed), while the Raider 125 can do the same in 5.9 seconds (claimed). But in terms of features and safety, it’s the TVS at an advantage. 

(Also Read: TVS Apache RTR 160 & Apache RTR 160 4V Blaze Of Black Editions Launched)

Bajaj Pulsar NS125 - ₹1,04,922 (starting ex-showroom, Delhi)

If the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 feels like a stretch for your pocket, then the latest iteration of the Pulsar NS125 will be adequate. Updated on the same lines as its bigger siblings that end with the newly launched Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z (you can read more about the same here) — the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 also gets the new Z-styled LED DRLs and a fully digital backlit instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. While not as feature-rich and agile as the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R, especially at ₹1.05 lakh, the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 is at best a good-looking commuter motorcycle that will ride fast. So, if you’re a Pulsarmaniac, this will be a good option over the regular Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150. 

(Also Read: 5 Performance Bikes Under ₹ 2 Lakh)

Bonus: KTM 125 Duke - ₹1,80, 364 (starting ex-showroom, Delhi)

However, if you want to go out big with your first purchase then the KTM 125 Duke makes a compelling case for itself. Built around an extremely capable and agile trellis structure, that is also available with the legendary 390 Duke, the KTM 125 Duke has this distinct performance quality that will never be found with the motorcycles mentioned above. It is powered by a 124.7 cc, liquid-cooled, with DOHC that helps produce 14 bhp and 12 Nm, and it redlines at 9250 rpm making it the most powerful motorcycle in the 125 cc segment. 

It might not be as feature-rich as the TVS Raider 125, however, it does come with a fully digital LCD with an rpm alert. So, if want to experience raw power, the KTM 125 Duke won’t be a bad option. However, there’s one big caveat with this 125 cc KTM, and it’s that if you’re gonna spend almost ₹2 lakh, then why not the  KTM 200 Duke which gets a bigger engine that redlines at 10,000 rpm and costs just ₹18,000 more.