Best 125cc Bikes in India (2026)

This guide is based on real owner forum data, dealer service quotes, and independent test rides — not manufacturer claims. Mileage figures reflect typical city riding conditions, not ARAI lab results. The 125cc segment spans everything from practical daily commuters to genuinely sporty motorcycles — this guide covers the full range.

The 125cc segment is India's most competitive motorcycle category. It sits in the sweet spot between basic 100cc commuters and heavier 150cc+ bikes — offering meaningfully better highway performance than entry-level commuters while remaining fuel-efficient, affordable to service, and easy to handle daily. Whether you are upgrading from a 100cc bike or buying your first motorcycle, the right 125cc choice delivers far more value than its price suggests.

This guide covers twelve 125cc motorcycles that represent the best the segment has to offer in 2026 — ranked by overall value and split across commuter, feature-loaded, and sporty sub-categories. Each entry includes honest pros, cons, and a clear recommendation on who the bike actually suits.

At a Glance — All 12 Bikes Compared

All twelve bikes in this guide compared across price, mileage, and positioning — so you can see at a glance where each one sits before reading the full write-ups.

1. Honda SP 125

₹96,000 (ex-showroom)  |  123.94cc FI  |  Real-world mileage: 60–65 km/l

The Honda SP 125 is the benchmark 125cc motorcycle in India — and it has earned that position by being genuinely excellent in all the areas that matter for daily ownership. Its PGM-FI fuel-injected 123.94cc engine delivers 60–65 km/l in real-world city conditions, matching the best 100cc commuters while offering meaningfully better highway performance, crisper throttle response, and Honda's characteristic engine smoothness.

The feature set is the best in its class at this price: a fully digital instrument cluster, LED headlamp, front disc brake, CBS (Combined Braking System), and Honda's Eco mode indicator. The FI system maintains fuel delivery consistency across varying temperatures and altitudes, which translates to better cold-start reliability and more consistent mileage across seasons compared to carbureted rivals.

Build quality is Honda's strongest suit. Panel gaps are tight, the finish is durable, and the engine note stays refined for longer between services than competing brands. Resale value in the 125cc segment is the strongest of any bike in this guide — a 3-year-old SP 125 retains approximately 62–68% of its original price.

Who should buy: Riders upgrading from a 100cc commuter who want the full package — best mileage, modern features, Honda reliability, and strong resale — in a single motorcycle. The safest choice in the 125cc segment.

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2. Honda Shine 125

₹78,000 (ex-showroom)  |  124cc  |  Real-world mileage: 55–62 km/l

The Honda Shine 125 is the entry point into Honda's 125cc lineup and the most affordable way to get Honda's engine refinement and build quality at 125cc displacement. Its carbureted 124cc engine delivers 55–62 km/l in real-world city conditions — competitive against most rivals in this price bracket — with Honda's characteristic low vibration and a clean engine note that persists for longer between services.

At ₹78,000, the Shine 125 undercuts both the SP 125 and most feature- loaded alternatives from Hero and Bajaj while retaining Honda's service quality and parts durability. The CBS braking system is standard, improving braking balance for everyday riders. The ergonomics are upright and comfortable — well suited to the 30–50 km daily commuter who wants a step up from a 100cc bike without spending close to ₹1 lakh.

What the Shine 125 gives up is features — there is no disc brake option on base variants, no digital cluster, no Bluetooth, and no USB charging. Buyers who want modern features at this displacement should step up to the SP 125 or look at the Hero Glamour.

Who should buy: City commuters who want Honda build quality and refinement at the most accessible 125cc price point, and can live without modern features like a disc brake or digital cluster.

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3. Honda CB 125 Hornet

₹95,000 (ex-showroom)  |  123.94cc FI  |  Real-world mileage: 52–58 km/l

The Honda CB 125 Hornet brings the Hornet design language — aggressive tank extensions, muscular shrouds, wide handlebar — to the 125cc displacement class. It shares the SP 125's 123.94cc PGM-FI engine, which means FI reliability and consistent fuel delivery, but is tuned for a slightly more responsive power delivery character suited to the sportier riding position.

Real-world mileage of 52–58 km/l is lower than the SP 125 — the sportier tuning and slightly heavier kerb weight account for the difference. The Hornet comes with a front disc brake and CBS as standard, full LED lighting, and a digital instrument cluster. The riding position is more aggressive than commuter-oriented rivals, making it better suited to younger riders and shorter urban commutes than long-distance daily use.

At ₹95,000, the CB 125 Hornet is priced similarly to the SP 125. The decision between the two is essentially: max mileage and practical comfort (SP 125) versus sportier styling and a more engaging ride character (Hornet). Both deliver Honda's build quality and FI reliability.

Who should buy: Younger urban riders who want Honda's FI reliability and build quality wrapped in the most visually striking 125cc design available — and can accept slightly lower mileage for the sportier experience.

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4. Hero Glamour

₹82,000 (ex-showroom)  |  124.7cc  |  Real-world mileage: 55–62 km/l

The Hero Glamour is the default choice for buyers who want Hero's unmatched service network at 125cc displacement. It has been one of India's best-selling 125cc motorcycles for over a decade — a position earned through reliability, low maintenance cost, and the depth of Hero's 6,000+ service points across the country, including in tier-3 towns and villages where Honda and Bajaj coverage can be limited.

Hero's i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology is standard on the Glamour — the engine automatically shuts off at prolonged stops and restarts instantly with the clutch. In Mumbai or Delhi stop-start traffic, this meaningfully improves real-world mileage and reduces engine wear. The Glamour also offers a Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster on select variants, enabling turn-by-turn navigation alerts and call notifications — a useful urban feature at this price point.

Mileage of 55–62 km/l in city conditions is competitive with the Honda SP 125. Resale value is strong — Hero's brand equity in the commuter segment means the Glamour holds its value better than Bajaj and TVS equivalents, and second only to Honda in the 125cc class.

Who should buy: Daily commuters — especially in semi-urban or rural areas — who want 125cc performance with Hero's service depth, lowest parts cost, and strong resale. The Hero Glamour is the Splendor Plus of the 125cc world.

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5. Hero Glamour X

₹90,000 (ex-showroom)  |  124.7cc  |  Real-world mileage: 54–60 km/l

The Hero Glamour X is the step-up version of the Glamour, adding a more contemporary design language, a front disc brake, full LED lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard — giving it a feature set that rivals the Honda SP 125 at a ₹6,000 lower price point. The same 124.7cc engine from the Glamour carries over, with i3S stop-start technology retained.

The Glamour X's styling is notably more modern than the base Glamour — sharper tank lines, blacked-out components, and a semi-digital cluster bring it closer to the sporty aesthetic of the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R, while maintaining the practical upright ergonomics that make the Glamour comfortable for 40–50 km daily commutes. Hero's full service network applies here — the 6,000+ point coverage is unchanged.

Who should buy: Buyers who want the Glamour's Hero reliability and service coverage but also need modern features — disc brake, LED, Bluetooth — and a more contemporary look, without paying the Honda SP 125 premium.

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6. Hero Super Splendor XTEC

₹88,000 (ex-showroom)  |  124.7cc  |  Real-world mileage: 54–61 km/l

The Hero Super Splendor XTEC occupies a distinct space in the Hero 125cc lineup: it targets buyers who want the Splendor family's proven reliability and comfort at 125cc displacement, with a full XTEC feature upgrade — Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging, a semi-digital cluster, LED headlamp, and a front disc brake. It bridges the gap between the feature-light Glamour base and the sportier Xtreme 125R.

The 124.7cc engine delivers 54–61 km/l in real-world city conditions. Importantly, the Super Splendor XTEC prioritises comfort over sportiness — the seat is wider and better cushioned than the Xtreme 125R, the handlebars are higher and more upright, and the suspension tuning is softer. For riders who cover 40–60 km daily and spend 45+ minutes in the saddle, this matters more than a sportier riding position.

Hero's Bluetooth integration on the XTEC cluster enables navigation alerts, call and message notifications, and trip data — genuinely useful for urban commuters who rely on their phones throughout the day.

Who should buy: Mature daily commuters who want modern features and Hero reliability in the most comfortable package. Especially good for riders who cover long daily distances and prioritise seat comfort over sporty ergonomics.

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7. Hero Xtreme 125R

₹95,000 (ex-showroom)  |  124.7cc  |  Real-world mileage: 50–58 km/l

The Hero Xtreme 125R is Hero MotoCorp's most aggressive 125cc offering — designed to compete directly with the TVS Raider 125 and Honda CB 125 Hornet in the sporty commuter space. Its race-inspired bodywork features sharp tank extensions, a tail-mounted grab rail, and dual-tone paint options that position it firmly against budget sports bikes rather than traditional commuters.

The 124.7cc engine is the same unit found in the Glamour and Super Splendor, but tuned for a slightly more responsive power delivery character. A front disc brake is standard across variants, and the suspension is stiffer than Hero's commuter 125cc models — better for sporty riding, firmer on rough roads. Bluetooth connectivity via Hero's Connect app enables navigation and notification alerts on the digital cluster.

Mileage of 50–58 km/l is the lowest among Hero's 125cc offerings — the sportier tuning and stiffer suspension take their toll on efficiency. But buyers choosing the Xtreme 125R are prioritising ride character over fuel economy, and on that measure it delivers the most engaging 125cc experience in the Hero lineup.

Who should buy: Younger urban riders who want the most visually distinctive Hero at 125cc and a more engaging ride character — and are happy to accept lower mileage and firmer suspension for the sporty package.

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8. Bajaj Pulsar 125

₹82,000 (ex-showroom)  |  124.4cc  |  Real-world mileage: 52–58 km/l

The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is the entry point into the Pulsar lineup — and it brings the iconic Pulsar design language to the 125cc displacement class at the most accessible Pulsar price. The split seat, muscular tank, and twin-pod instrument cluster are unmistakably Pulsar, giving the bike a presence on the road that most 125cc commuters cannot match.

The 124.4cc single-cylinder engine delivers 52–58 km/l in real-world city conditions — adequate rather than exceptional for the class, but paired with a throttle response and engine note that feels sportier than the Glamour or Shine 125. A front disc brake and split seat are standard, and the exhaust note has the characteristic Pulsar rumble that younger riders often find appealing.

Bajaj's service network is strong in tier-1 and tier-2 cities but thinner than Hero's in rural areas. Resale value trails Hero and Honda equivalents at the same price, but the Pulsar 125 holds its value better than many in the Bajaj commuter range due to strong brand recognition.

Who should buy: Younger buyers who want the Pulsar design identity and a more engaging ride character at the lowest possible Pulsar price — and are based in a city with good Bajaj service coverage.

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9. Bajaj Pulsar N125

₹92,000 (ex-showroom)  |  124.4cc  |  Real-world mileage: 50–56 km/l

The Bajaj Pulsar N125 brings the N-series design philosophy — muscular naked styling, a wide handlebar, exposed engine, and an upright-yet- aggressive riding position — to the 125cc class. It is the most performance-focused 125cc from Bajaj, and in terms of pure ride engagement it is the most exciting Indian 125cc commuter to ride in urban conditions.

The 124.4cc engine is shared with the Pulsar 125 but benefits from updated tuning. Throttle response is quicker and the power delivery feels more linear at urban speeds. A front disc brake is standard, and the suspension setup — stiffer than commuter rivals — handles city riding with more composure at speed. The instrument cluster is semi-digital, and the overall fit and finish represents a step up over the base Pulsar 125.

Mileage of 50–56 km/l is the lowest among the commuter-oriented 125cc bikes in this guide — the sportier tuning demands fuel. For buyers primarily concerned with efficiency, the Honda SP 125 or Hero Glamour are more appropriate choices. For buyers who want the most engaging daily ride in the 125cc class, the N125 is very difficult to beat at this price.

Who should buy: Urban riders who want the most exciting daily ride in the 125cc class and can accept lower mileage for that experience. Best for smooth city roads rather than rough semi-urban commutes.

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10. Bajaj Pulsar NS125

₹1,05,000 (ex-showroom)  |  124.4cc  |  Real-world mileage: 48–55 km/l

The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 is the most premium 125cc Bajaj in this guide — and the only one that stretches beyond ₹1 lakh. It brings NS-series design credentials to 125cc: a half-fairing body kit, the perimeter frame-inspired visual stance, and a more aggressive front end that positions it closer in appearance to the NS160 than to the commuter Pulsar 125. If you want the look of a sports bike at 125cc, the NS125 is the most convincing option in the segment.

The 124.4cc engine is the same unit used across the Bajaj 125cc range, but the NS125's half-fairing and heavier body add some weight — which, combined with sportier tuning, results in the lowest mileage of any bike in this guide at 48–55 km/l. A front disc brake, back-lit semi-digital cluster, and split seat are all standard. The riding position is the most aggressive of any 125cc in this guide — forward-leaning, lower handlebar, sportier footpeg placement.

Who should buy: Buyers who want the look and feel of a sports bike at 125cc and are willing to pay over ₹1 lakh for it. Best suited to short urban rides and weekend use rather than heavy daily commuting.

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11. TVS Raider 125

₹90,000 (ex-showroom)  |  124.8cc  |  Real-world mileage: 55–62 km/l

The TVS Raider 125 is arguably the most well-rounded 125cc motorcycle in India today. It combines a genuinely sporty design with the best feature set in the segment — Bluetooth connectivity via SmartXonnect, USB Type-C charging, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and a front disc brake — while delivering a real-world mileage of 55–62 km/l that matches the best commuter-oriented 125cc bikes. Very few bikes in any segment manage to be simultaneously feature-rich, fuel-efficient, and visually compelling.

The 124.8cc engine is TVS's most refined 125cc unit — smooth at idle, responsive mid-range, and capable of sustained highway use at 70–80 km/h without feeling strained. The SmartXonnect app integration offers turn-by-turn navigation, ride statistics, and service reminders — the most comprehensive smartphone integration in the 125cc class. The Raider's styling is sharp enough that it is often mistaken for a more expensive motorcycle.

TVS's service network is now strong in tier-1 and tier-2 cities, though thinner than Hero's in semi-urban and rural areas. Resale value is weaker than Hero and Honda equivalents — a genuine consideration for buyers who plan to sell within 3–4 years.

Who should buy: Urban riders who want the most feature-loaded 125cc motorcycle with strong mileage and the segment's best-looking design. The Raider 125 is the 125cc to choose if you value technology and style alongside efficiency.

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12. TVS Star City Plus

₹80,000 (ex-showroom)  |  109.7cc  |  Real-world mileage: 56–63 km/l

The TVS Star City Plus is the practical daily commuter in this lineup — sitting at a lower price than most 125cc bikes here while delivering genuinely strong real-world mileage of 56–63 km/l. Its 109.7cc engine (shared with the TVS Sport and Radeon) is well proven in Indian conditions, and TVS has optimised the Star City Plus for comfort and efficiency over sporty character.

Ergonomics are upright and rider-friendly, the seat is well cushioned for its price, and the ETFi (Ecothrust Fuel Injection) on select variants improves mileage consistency over the carbureted version. TVS also offers a dual-tone colour palette that gives the Star City Plus more visual appeal than its conservative price point suggests. The practical storage hook under the seat and large rear carrier are thoughtful touches for daily use.

At ₹80,000, the Star City Plus is the most affordable bike in this guide. It is not quite a 125cc motorcycle by displacement — the 109.7cc engine sits in the 110cc class — but its real-world performance and positioning place it squarely in competition with entry-level 125cc bikes, and its mileage actually beats most of them.

Who should buy: Budget-conscious city commuters who want the best mileage and the most practical daily bike at the lowest price in this guide. Not the right choice for frequent highway use.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is how all twelve bikes compare across the factors that matter most to 125cc buyers.

Why Upgrade to 125cc? The Real Differences

On paper, 25cc of extra displacement sounds minor. In practice, the difference between a 100cc and a 125cc motorcycle is felt every day — especially in these four areas:

• Highway confidence: At 70–80 km/h, 100cc engines are near their comfortable limit. 125cc engines cruise at this speed with headroom to spare — you are not holding the throttle wide open to maintain pace with traffic.
• Pillion performance: Carrying a pillion on a 100cc bike on an incline is noticeably sluggish. A 125cc handles the same load with more composure — less gear-shifting, less engine strain.
• Overtaking: The extra power means you can overtake more safely and with less planning. On a 100cc bike, overtaking at 70+ km/h requires planning; on a 125cc, it is more instinctive.
• Mileage consistency: 125cc engines are less stressed at everyday urban speeds. A less-stressed engine uses less fuel — which is partly why 125cc FI bikes like the Honda SP 125 match or beat some 100cc commuters in real-world mileage.

Real-World Mileage & Running Costs

ARAI figures are measured under controlled lab conditions — real-world mileage in Indian city traffic is always lower. In typical urban riding with traffic lights, idling, and irregular speeds, expect 10–15% below ARAI claims.

Based on owner reports from popular Indian motorcycling forums:

• Honda SP 125: 60–65 km/l city; FI maintains mileage across all conditions
• Honda Shine 125: 55–62 km/l city; consistent in varied conditions
• Honda CB 125 Hornet: 52–58 km/l city; sportier tuning reduces efficiency
• Hero Glamour: 55–62 km/l city; i3S improves urban stop-start mileage
• Hero Glamour X: 54–60 km/l city; slightly lower than base Glamour
• Hero Super Splendor XTEC: 54–61 km/l city; consistent performer
• Hero Xtreme 125R: 50–58 km/l city; sportier tuning is the trade-off
• Bajaj Pulsar 125: 52–58 km/l city; competitive for a sport-oriented 125cc
• Bajaj Pulsar N125: 50–56 km/l city; engaging character costs efficiency
• Bajaj Pulsar NS125: 48–55 km/l city; lowest in this guide
• TVS Raider 125: 55–62 km/l city; strong mileage for such a sporty bike
• TVS Star City Plus: 56–63 km/l city; best real-world figure in this guide

At ₹104/litre and a 40 km daily commute, the Honda SP 125 costs approximately ₹1,700–₹1,900 per month in fuel. The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 costs ₹2,000–₹2,400 for the same distance. Over three years, that gap adds up to ₹10,000–₹18,000 in fuel alone — worth factoring into the purchase decision alongside upfront price.

Service & Maintenance Costs

Typical servicing costs for 125cc bikes across major Indian cities (April 2026, based on authorised dealer quotes):

• Basic service (oil change + filters): ₹500–₹900
• Standard periodic service (every 3,000 km): ₹700–₹1,200
• Major service with parts (every 10,000 km): ₹1,500–₹2,800
• Front disc pad replacement: ₹350–₹600
• Clutch cable replacement: ₹100–₹200
• Tyre replacement (MRF/CEAT): ₹1,000–₹1,600 per tyre

Hero models — the Glamour, Glamour X, Super Splendor XTEC, and Xtreme 125R — come in at the lower end of these ranges, with the widest genuine parts availability. Honda's 125cc bikes cost slightly more per service but service intervals can be longer on FI variants. Bajaj and TVS 125cc models fall in between. The Pulsar NS125, being the most complex Bajaj here, has the highest service costs in the Bajaj range.

Key Buying Factors for 125cc

• Daily commute distance: Under 25 km/day — any bike here suits you well. 40–60 km/day — mileage matters; lean toward the Honda SP 125, Hero Glamour, or TVS Raider 125. Over 60 km/day — consider stepping up to a 150cc+ bike.
• Highway use frequency: Occasional highway — 125cc is fine, choose any bike here. Regular sustained highway (70+ km/h) — the 125cc FI bikes handle this better; Honda SP 125 and CB 125 Hornet are the most capable here.
• Service network near you: Rural or semi-urban areas — Hero's Glamour, Glamour X, or Super Splendor XTEC are the safer long-term choices. Metro cities — any brand's network is adequate.
• Feature priorities: Need Bluetooth and USB? TVS Raider 125, Hero Glamour X, or Hero Super Splendor XTEC. Need just disc and LED? Most bikes here offer this. Happy with basics? Honda Shine 125 or Bajaj Pulsar 125.
• Resale plan: Selling within 3–4 years? Honda SP 125 holds value best, followed by Hero models. Bajaj and TVS depreciate faster in this segment.
• Ride character vs. practicality: Want engaging performance? Pulsar N125, NS125, or Hero Xtreme 125R. Want comfort-first daily use? Hero Super Splendor XTEC, Hero Glamour, or Honda SP 125.

When You Should Look Beyond 125cc

Final Verdict

For most buyers in the 125cc segment, the Honda SP 125 remains the wisest overall choice. It leads the segment on real-world mileage, offers the best feature set for daily practical use, delivers Honda's class-leading build quality, and holds its value better than any rival. The higher upfront price is recovered over time through lower fuel costs and stronger resale.

If the SP 125 is above budget, the Hero Glamour is the right alternative — it matches the SP 125 on mileage, comes in ₹14,000 cheaper, and offers Hero's unmatched service network. The TVS Raider 125 is the pick for urban riders who want the best feature set and the most distinctive styling at a competitive price point.

Among the sporty options, the Bajaj Pulsar N125 delivers the most engaging daily ride in the 125cc class, the Hero Xtreme 125R gives you sporty aesthetics with Hero's service advantage, and the Honda CB 125 Hornet offers the sharpest design with Honda's FI reliability. Choose based on which combination of style, service, and mileage matches your actual daily needs.

Before finalising, take a test ride. Seat height, handlebar reach, and clutch feel vary significantly across these twelve bikes — and the one that suits your body and riding style on day one will keep you satisfied at year three.

Frequently Asked Questions