Finding the best bikes under 2 lakh in India in 2026 is harder than it looks — there are over 30 models in this price bracket, ranging from bulletproof daily commuters to weekend thrillers. We have tested and compared the top 7 across real-world mileage, on-road pricing, service costs, and ride quality to help you make the right call. Whether you ride 30 km daily in city traffic or want something more exciting for weekend rides, this guide has a pick for you.
All prices below are ex-showroom. On-road prices in Delhi and Chandigarh are included for each model — calculated with road tax, insurance, and handling charges as of March 2026.
How We Selected These 7 Bikes
Every bike on this list meets all four of our selection criteria:
- Ex-showroom price under Rs 2 lakh — verified on manufacturer websites, March 2026
- ARAI-certified mileage above 45 kmpl OR strong performance that justifies the fuel trade-off
- Authorised service centre network across Tier 1 and Tier 2 Indian cities
- Minimum 3-year track record in India OR a brand with proven reliability history
Quick Comparison: All 7 Bikes at a Glance
| Bike | Ex-Showroom Price | ARAI Mileage | Engine | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Splendor Plus | Rs 79,900 | 60 kmpl | 97.2cc | Daily commuting, maximum mileage |
| Honda SP 125 | Rs 91,537 | 60 kmpl | 124cc | Smooth city ride, Honda reliability |
| Bajaj Pulsar 150 | Rs 1,20,473 | 45 kmpl | 149cc | Performance + practicality balance |
| TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | Rs 1,20,310 | 45 kmpl | 163.7cc | Sporty riding, weekend thrill |
| Yamaha FZ-S V4 | Rs 1,24,900 | 45 kmpl | 149cc | Sporty naked, urban style |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS160 | Rs 1,30,000 | 40 kmpl | 160.3cc | Sporty + practical, daily and weekend |
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Rs 1,49,900 | 36 kmpl | 349cc | Classic style, highway cruising |
On-Road Prices in Delhi and Chandigarh (March 2026)
| Bike | Ex-Showroom | On-Road Delhi (est.) | On-Road Chandigarh (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Splendor Plus | Rs 79,900 | Rs 93,500 | Rs 92,200 |
| Honda SP 125 | Rs 91,537 | Rs 1,06,400 | Rs 1,04,800 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 150 | Rs 1,20,473 | Rs 1,37,800 | Rs 1,35,600 |
| TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | Rs 1,20,310 | Rs 1,37,600 | Rs 1,35,400 |
| Yamaha FZ-S V4 | Rs 1,24,900 | Rs 1,42,800 | Rs 1,40,500 |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS160 | Rs 1,30,000 | Rs 1,48,700 | Rs 1,46,300 |
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Rs 1,49,900 | Rs 1,71,200 | Rs 1,68,500 |
Note: On-road prices are estimates calculated with standard Punjab/Delhi road tax, 5-year third-party insurance, and Rs 3,000 handling charges. Confirm the final on-road price at your nearest showroom before booking.
#1 Hero Splendor Plus — Best Mileage Under 1 Lakh
Price: Rs 79,900 (ex-showroom) | Mileage: 60 kmpl ARAI | Engine: 97.2cc
The Hero Splendor Plus has been India’s best-selling bike for over two decades — not by accident. With 60 kmpl ARAI-certified mileage and a service centre in virtually every Indian town, it is the most practical bike in the sub-1 lakh bracket. At Rs 79,900, it is also the most affordable on this list.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder
- Power: 7.91 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
- Torque: 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
- ARAI Mileage: 60 kmpl
- Kerb Weight: 112 kg
- Fuel Tank: 9.8 litres
- Seat Height: 785 mm
- Colours: Sports Red, Matte Grey, Techno Blue, Black
Why We Like It
The Splendor Plus is the definition of a get-the-job-done bike. Daily riders in cities like Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Amritsar report real-world mileage of 52–55 kmpl — still excellent for the money. A standard 3,000 km service at an authorised Hero centre costs Rs 600–900 including oil change. Spare parts are available everywhere, which means zero waiting time for repairs.
One Honest Drawback
The Splendor Plus is not an exciting bike to ride. The 97.2cc engine produces just 7.91 bhp — enough for city commuting but noticeably underpowered on highway stretches above 80 kmph. If you regularly use expressways or want to open the throttle occasionally, look at the Pulsar 150 or Honda SP 125 instead.
Who Should Buy: Daily city commuters riding 20–50 km per day who want maximum fuel savings and minimum maintenance hassle. Best for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where service access matters most.
#2 Honda SP 125 — Best Balance of Mileage and Refinement
Price: Rs 91,537 (ex-showroom) | Mileage: 60 kmpl ARAI | Engine: 124cc
The Honda SP 125 sits in a sweet spot that many buyers overlook: it returns 60 kmpl like the Splendor Plus, but with a 124cc engine that is significantly more refined, quieter, and capable on highways. The extra Rs 12,000 over the Splendor Plus buys you noticeably better build quality and Honda’s class-leading engine smoothness.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 123.94cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, PGM-FI fuel injection
- Power: 10.7 bhp @ 7,500 rpm
- Torque: 10.9 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
- ARAI Mileage: 60 kmpl
- Kerb Weight: 118 kg
- Fuel Tank: 11 litres
- Seat Height: 790 mm
- Colours: Imperial Red Metallic, Matte Steel Black, Pearl Igneous Black
Why We Like It
Honda’s PGM-FI fuel injection makes a real difference in two situations: cold starts and city stop-go traffic. The bike starts instantly even on cold Punjab winter mornings, and the fuel injection delivers smoother throttle response in congested traffic compared to carbureted rivals. Honda’s service network across Punjab and Haryana is strong, and the 12,000 km oil change interval keeps maintenance costs low.
One Honest Drawback
The SP 125 standard variant has drum brakes front and rear — no disc option on the base model. In an emergency stop on wet roads during monsoon season, disc brakes make a meaningful safety difference. If this concerns you, consider the CBS variant at Rs 97,000 or step up to a bike with front disc as standard.
Who Should Buy: Riders who commute daily and also occasionally do 100–150 km highway runs on weekends. The Honda SP 125 handles both without complaint. Ideal for someone upgrading from a scooter to their first proper motorcycle.
#3 Bajaj Pulsar 150 — Best Performance-to-Price Ratio
Price: Rs 1,20,473 (ex-showroom) | Mileage: 45 kmpl ARAI | Engine: 149cc
The Bajaj Pulsar 150 created India’s performance commuter segment in the early 2000s, and the 2026 version is its best iteration yet. At Rs 1.20 lakh, it offers twin disc brakes, a genuinely sporty riding position, and enough power to make 30-minute commutes enjoyable rather than a chore.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 149.5cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, DTS-i
- Power: 14 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
- Torque: 13.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
- ARAI Mileage: 45 kmpl
- Kerb Weight: 151 kg
- Fuel Tank: 14 litres — largest on this list
- Front Brake: 260mm disc (all variants)
Why We Like It
The Pulsar 150’s 14 bhp output delivers confident overtaking on highways, comfortable cruising at 90–100 kmph, and enough reserve power for two-up riding without engine strain. Bajaj’s service network is the largest in India after Hero — there is a Bajaj workshop in virtually every Indian town with a population above 20,000.
One Honest Drawback
At 151 kg, the Pulsar 150 is the heaviest bike in the sub-Rs 1.25 lakh bracket. This weight is noticeable when manoeuvring in tight parking spaces or slow traffic. The mileage at 45 kmpl ARAI (real world: 38–42 kmpl) is 15 kmpl worse than the Splendor Plus — over 5 years of daily riding, this adds up to roughly Rs 35,000 extra fuel cost.
Who Should Buy: Riders aged 22–35 who want a bike that is both practical for commuting AND genuinely enjoyable on weekends. The best all-rounder on this list for someone who refuses to choose between mileage and fun.
#4 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V — Best for Sport Riding
Price: Rs 1,20,310 (ex-showroom) | Mileage: 45 kmpl ARAI | Engine: 163.7cc
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is the most technologically advanced bike on this list. Its 163.7cc engine uses Race Tuned Fuel Injection (RT-Fi) and 4-valve technology derived from TVS’s motorsport programme. If you ride with intent — leaning into corners, accelerating out of them — no other bike under Rs 1.25 lakh rewards skill the way the Apache does.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 163.7cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder, RT-Fi
- Power: 17.55 bhp @ 9,250 rpm — highest on this list
- Torque: 14.73 Nm @ 7,250 rpm
- ARAI Mileage: 45 kmpl
- Kerb Weight: 148.5 kg
- Features: SmartXonnect Bluetooth, GT Mode, Rain Mode
- Front Brake: 270mm petal disc
Why We Like It
At 17.55 bhp, the Apache RTR 160 4V has the highest power output on this entire list. The SmartXonnect Bluetooth app shows real-time fuel efficiency, cornering speed, and service reminders. The Rain riding mode noticeably softens throttle response on wet Punjab roads — genuinely useful, not a gimmick.
One Honest Drawback
The Apache’s sporting focus means the riding position is more aggressive than the Pulsar 150 or SP 125. For daily rides above 45 minutes, the forward-leaning posture causes wrist fatigue. In dense bumper-to-bumper city traffic, the performance advantage is largely wasted. It earns its money on clear roads.
Who Should Buy: Riders who have already owned a 125cc or 150cc bike and want a genuinely sporty upgrade without spending over Rs 1.5 lakh. Also excellent for anyone who commutes 20 km daily AND does 200+ km highway rides on weekends.
#5 Yamaha FZ-S V4 — Best for Urban Style and Everyday Use
Price: Rs 1,24,900 (ex-showroom) | Mileage: 45 kmpl ARAI | Engine: 149cc
The Yamaha FZ-S V4 is the bike you choose when you want to look good arriving at work and still enjoy the ride home. Its 149cc engine is tuned for tractability rather than outright power — it pulls cleanly from low RPM, making city traffic less exhausting than the Apache or Pulsar NS160.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 149cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected
- Power: 12.4 bhp @ 7,250 rpm
- Torque: 13.3 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
- ARAI Mileage: 45 kmpl
- Kerb Weight: 135 kg — lightest sporty bike on this list
- Fuel Tank: 13 litres
- Features: Y-Connect Bluetooth, negative LCD display
Why We Like It
At 135 kg, the FZ-S V4 is 16 kg lighter than the Pulsar 150 — a difference felt every day in dense city traffic. The low-RPM torque delivery means fewer gear changes in slow traffic. Yamaha’s build quality, particularly the paint finish and switchgear feel, is a noticeable step above Bajaj at the same price.
One Honest Drawback
The FZ-S V4 is the least powerful sporty bike at 12.4 bhp — weaker than the Apache (17.55 bhp) and Pulsar NS160 (15.7 bhp). Above 110 kmph on expressways, it feels strained. Its strong suit is urban riding — not the right choice if long highway trips are a regular part of your routine.
Who Should Buy: Urban riders aged 22–30 who want a sporty-looking, lightweight bike for daily city commuting with occasional 100–150 km weekend rides. An excellent first sporty bike for riders moving up from a scooter.
#6 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 — Best All-Rounder Under Rs 1.35 Lakh
Price: Rs 1,30,000 (ex-showroom) | Mileage: 40 kmpl ARAI | Engine: 160.3cc
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 (Naked Sport) is the evolved version of the Pulsar 150 — sharper, more powerful, and with a more aggressive riding posture. It is the bike for riders who felt the Pulsar 150 was slightly underpowered but do not want to jump to the Royal Enfield budget bracket.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 160.3cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder
- Power: 15.7 bhp @ 8,750 rpm
- Torque: 14.6 Nm @ 6,750 rpm
- ARAI Mileage: 40 kmpl
- Kerb Weight: 153 kg
- Front Brake: 300mm disc — largest on this list
- Warranty: 3 years / 30,000 km — best coverage in this price bracket
Why We Like It
The NS160’s 300mm front disc brake is the largest on this list — the stopping power difference above 80 kmph is real and noticeable. The oil-cooled engine runs significantly cooler than air-cooled rivals during prolonged city traffic, relevant during Chandigarh and Delhi summers where temperatures regularly hit 45°C.
One Honest Drawback
At 40 kmpl ARAI (real world: 34–38 kmpl), the NS160 has the worst mileage among the sporty options. Over 5 years riding 15,000 km annually, you will spend approximately Rs 55,000 more on fuel compared to the Hero Splendor Plus. If fuel cost is a major concern, step down to the Pulsar 150 or SP 125.
Who Should Buy: Riders who have already owned a 150cc bike and want a meaningful performance upgrade without crossing Rs 1.5 lakh. Particularly strong for those who mix city commuting with regular 200+ km highway rides on weekends.
#7 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 — Best for Classic Style and Highway Cruising
Price: Rs 1,49,900 (ex-showroom) | Mileage: 36 kmpl ARAI | Engine: 349cc
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is the deliberate outlier on this list. No other bike under Rs 2 lakh delivers the Royal Enfield experience: the thump of a 349cc single, the head-turning retro design, and highway cruising ability that no 150–160cc bike can match. It is a lifestyle choice as much as a transport decision.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 349cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder J-series
- Power: 20.2 bhp @ 6,100 rpm
- Torque: 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm — highest torque on this list by a wide margin
- ARAI Mileage: 36 kmpl
- Kerb Weight: 181 kg
- Fuel Tank: 13 litres
- Variants: Dapper / Dapper S / Rebel / Rebel S
Why We Like It
The Hunter 350’s 27 Nm of torque is almost double the Pulsar 150’s 13.5 Nm. In real riding this means effortless highway cruising at 90–100 kmph with zero vibrations and strong overtaking ability without downshifting. The J-series engine has proven its reliability over 3 years across the Meteor 350 and Classic 350. Royal Enfield’s service network has expanded significantly — authorised centres are now present in every major Punjab and Haryana city.
One Honest Drawback
At 181 kg with the worst mileage on this list, the Hunter 350 is not a practical daily commuter for stop-go city traffic. Real-world city mileage drops to 28–32 kmpl, making your monthly fuel bill significantly higher than any other bike here. This is a highway and weekend bike that can do city commuting — not primarily a city commuter.
Who Should Buy: Riders who commute less than 20 km daily but make frequent 200–500 km highway trips. Also ideal as a second bike for someone who already has a daily commuter and wants a weekend machine.
Which Bike Should You Actually Buy? Our Recommendation
| If You Are… | Buy This | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily commuter, 30–60 km city riding, want maximum mileage | Hero Splendor Plus — Rs 79,900 | 60 kmpl, lowest service cost, widest service network in India |
| Daily commuter who also does highway trips, want refinement | Honda SP 125 — Rs 91,537 | 60 kmpl + 124cc smoothness + Honda reliability = best all-day commuter |
| Want fun AND practicality in one bike, aged 22–32 | Bajaj Pulsar 150 — Rs 1,20,473 | Best performance-to-price ratio under Rs 1.25 lakh |
| Sporty rider who loves cornering, willing to trade some mileage | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V — Rs 1,20,310 | Highest power (17.55 bhp), best handling, smartest technology |
| Urban rider who wants style and a light, manageable bike | Yamaha FZ-S V4 — Rs 1,24,900 | Lightest sporty bike (135 kg), best city maneuverability, best build quality |
| Stepping up from a Pulsar 150, want more power for weekends | Bajaj Pulsar NS160 — Rs 1,30,000 | 15.7 bhp + 300mm disc + oil cooling = best upgrade path from 150cc |
| Weekend rider, highway cruiser, lifestyle purchase | Royal Enfield Hunter 350 — Rs 1,49,900 | Nothing else under Rs 2 lakh gives you the torque, thump, and presence |
Our overall pick for most buyers: The Honda SP 125 at Rs 91,537. It matches the Splendor Plus on mileage, adds 124cc refinement, and handles both daily commuting and light highway use without compromise. For riders who want more excitement, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 is the best step up without crossing Rs 1.25 lakh.
Final Verdict
The best bike under 2 lakh in India in 2026 is different for every rider. The Hero Splendor Plus wins on mileage and value under Rs 80,000. The Honda SP 125 wins on refinement without sacrificing economy. The Bajaj Pulsar 150 wins for riders who refuse to choose between performance and practicality. For sport riding, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V earns every rupee. And if open roads call you and the budget stretches to Rs 1.5 lakh, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is in a class of its own.
Ready to check full specs and variant-wise pricing? Compare all bikes on CarBikeBHP →
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best bike under 2 lakh in India in 2026?
The best bike under 2 lakh depends on your use case. For maximum mileage and value, the Hero Splendor Plus at Rs 79,900 is the clear winner at 60 kmpl. For the best balance of performance and practicality, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 at Rs 1,20,473 is the top pick. For sporty riding, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V at Rs 1,20,310 is the most capable bike in this price range.
2. What is the on-road price of Hero Splendor Plus in Chandigarh in 2026?
The on-road price of the Hero Splendor Plus in Chandigarh is approximately Rs 92,200 as of March 2026. This includes the ex-showroom price of Rs 79,900, road tax applicable in Punjab, 5-year third-party insurance, and dealer handling charges of Rs 3,000. Confirm the exact on-road price at your nearest Hero MotoCorp showroom in Chandigarh before booking.
3. Which bike gives the best mileage under 2 lakh in India?
The Hero Splendor Plus and Honda SP 125 both return 60 kmpl as per ARAI certification — the highest mileage on this list. In real-world city conditions both return 50–55 kmpl. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has the worst mileage at 36 kmpl ARAI, dropping to 28–32 kmpl in city stop-go traffic. If mileage is your top priority, either the Splendor Plus or SP 125 is the right choice.
4. Is the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 worth buying under Rs 2 lakh?
Yes — if your use case matches what the Hunter 350 is built for. It is an excellent highway cruiser and weekend bike with 349cc engine, 27 Nm torque, and genuine Royal Enfield character. However it is not ideal for daily city commuting due to its 181 kg weight and 36 kmpl mileage. If you ride primarily in city traffic, the Pulsar 150 or SP 125 offer better value for money.
5. What is the EMI for Bajaj Pulsar 150 in 2026?
For a Bajaj Pulsar 150 with an on-road price of approximately Rs 1,35,600 in Chandigarh, financing Rs 1,22,040 (after 10% down payment) over 3 years at 10.5% interest gives an approximate EMI of Rs 3,970 per month. For an accurate EMI calculation based on your city, credit profile, and loan tenure, use the CarBikeBHP EMI calculator or contact your nearest Bajaj dealer directly.
6. Honda SP 125 vs Hero Splendor Plus — which is better?
Both return identical 60 kmpl ARAI mileage but the Honda SP 125 has a larger 124cc engine, fuel injection instead of a carburettor, and smoother power delivery. The Splendor Plus is Rs 11,637 cheaper and has a wider service network in Tier 3 cities. If budget is tight or you are in a smaller city, the Splendor Plus wins. If you have the extra Rs 12,000, the SP 125 is the better all-round motorcycle.
7. Which bikes are launching under 2 lakh in India in 2026?
Bajaj is expected to update the Pulsar N150 series in 2026, and TVS is rumoured to refresh the Apache RTR 160. Hero MotoCorp is expected to launch a new Xtreme 160R variant. We will update this guide as new models are confirmed and launch prices are announced. Bookmark this page or subscribe to CarBikeBHP for the latest updates as they happen.
8. What should I check before buying a second-hand bike under 2 lakh?
Before buying a used bike: verify the RC (Registration Certificate) matches the VIN and engine number on the bike, check for pending challans on the Parivahan portal using the registration number, verify the insurance is active, and ask for the authorised service history book. For bikes under 3 years old, check the stamped service book. Avoid bikes with tampered odometers — inspect the engine for signs of major repair work before paying.