This list is as diverse as it is affordable, featuring everything from a commuter, a maxi-sports scooter to an off-road friendly bike, among others.
There’s a saying in the motorcycling world, “It’s more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.” We’ve put together this list of the top 10 most fun to ride two-wheelers in India under the Rs 1.5 lakh mark, for the enthusiast on a budget. One interesting statistic here is that eight out of the ten entrants here are from Indian OEMs. This list is in ascending order by price.
All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, Delhi.
1. TVS Radeon: Rs 60,925-78,834
Of all the basic, straightforward commuters on the market, the Radeon is our pick for a trusty workhorse that also has the ability to put a grin on your face. It handles well, is comfortable enough, and produces a surprisingly peppy exhaust sound for a commuter. You also have the choice of a front disc brake. This is in addition to the fact that even its top-of-the-line variant costs well under the Rs 1 lakh mark. If you’re on a strict budget but want something that gets you from A to B while keeping you entertained, the Radeon is a great choice.
Also See:
BS6 TVS Radeon review, test ride
2. TVS NTorq: Rs 84,386-1.04 lakh
The TVS NTorq has always been a zippy little thing to ride while being quite practical to use on a day-to-day basis. Plus, the wide range of variants means that there’s an NTorq for just about everyone. While just about every variant of the NTorq is quite fun to ride, the most powerful Race XP variant has a little extra zing to it. To read our review of the NTorq Race XP, click here.
3. Ather 450X: Rs 98,079-1.28 443 lakh
The Ather 450X has been our pick for the most fun electric scooter ever since it came out and it’s not hard to see why. It’s the lightest electric scooter from all the established Indian offerings, thanks to the generous use of aluminium all over, and has a direct and quick-responding accelerator, especially in its ‘Warp’ mode. From 0-50kph, there are few scooters quicker than this.
Also See:
Ather 450X Gen 3 review: A change that matters
Ather 450X Gen 3 long term review, 540km report
4. TVS Raider 125: Rs 93,719-1.00 lakh
Most 125cc bikes that are sold today are hum-drum commuters with nary a hint of sportiness in them, but the Raider 125 is quite the opposite. It’s a fun bike to ride that just happens to be a 125cc commuter and we were so impressed with it that it won our Bike of the Year award. With its youthful style, its top-spec variant is also the most affordable ICE two-wheeler in the country that comes with a TFT dash.
Also See:
TVS Raider 125 review, test ride
5. Bajaj Pulsar N160: Rs 1.29 lakh
The new-age Pulsars really have come a long way from their early counterparts, not only in terms of performance but, more importantly, in terms of refinement and build quality. The new Pulsar N160 embodies all the aforementioned qualities perfectly and at the same time is a fun motorcycle to ride with a nimble yet stable and well-balanced chassis.
Also See:
Bajaj Pulsar N160 review: The challenger
6. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Rs 1.23 lakh-1.32 lakh
The Apache RTR 160 4V is one of TVS’ most popular motorcycles, and there’s good reason to see why. It offers impressive performance, everyday practicality and a great features list to boot. Despite being part of a heavily competitive segment, the Apache RTR 160 4V remains one of the quickest and top contenders.
Also See:
2022 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar N160 comparison
7. Hero Xpulse 200 4V: Rs 1.38 lakh
For those of us who have more fun off the beaten track than on it, the Xpulse 200 is the perfect way to get your foot in the door and then some. The Xpulse is a very capable bike despite its modest peak output figures of 19.3hp and 17.65Nm, and with the recent move to the modern 4-valve engine, it has got decent performance as well.
Also See:
Hero Xpulse 200 4V review, test ride
8. Yamaha Aerox 155: Rs 1.42 lakh
It’s very rare that a product that appeals to enthusiasts is also financially viable for the manufacturer, especially in India. However, the Yamaha Aerox is exactly that. Far from its image of being a focused, sporty scooter, the Aerox is quite capable of handling the daily grind while being a hoot to ride. Fun fact, the Aerox is the only two-wheeler on this list that gets traction control.
Also See:
Yamaha Aerox 155 long term review, second report
9. Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Rs 1.47 lakh
More than a decade later, the Pulsar NS200 still manages to make a case for itself, and it’s largely down to that revvy, brash engine. This little KTM-derived mill is rated for 24.5hp and 18.74Nm, and the NS200 is by far the most powerful bike on this list. If you’re looking for maximum thrills on a tight budget of Rs 1.5 lakh, you’d struggle to do better than the Pulsar NS200.
Also See:
Bajaj Pulsar NS 200, NS 160 review: Keeping it fresh
10. Kawasaki W175: Rs 1.47 lakh-1.49 lakh
Where the NS200 offers the most bang for your buck, the W175 offers you oodles of retro charm and a prestigious Japanese badge for (relatively speaking) not that much dough. This no-frills machine will appeal to those who want a simple, easygoing and retro motorcycle riding experience, without any of the niggles of an old bike or having to break the bank.
Also See: Kawasaki W175 review: Sweet and Simple
Which two-wheeler listed here is your favourite and why? Let us know in the comments section below.
