If you’re entering the world of motorcycling or looking for a stylish, economical and easy-to-handle bike for your daily college commute, the 125cc segment is the ideal place to start. These motorcycles offer the perfect blend of performance, fuel efficiency, affordable maintenance and beginner-friendly ergonomics. In India, the 125cc category has evolved dramatically, with manufacturers now introducing feature-rich, sporty and premium-looking models that appeal directly to young riders.
Whether you’re a student searching for your first bike or a new rider wanting something manageable yet exciting, the 125cc class offers several strong choices. Below, we explore the top 5 best 125cc bikes in India, breaking down their design, engine performance, features and suitability for everyday use.
Top 5 Best 125cc Motorcycles in India (Ex-Showroom Price Comparison)
| Model | Ex-Showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Honda CB125 Hornet | ₹1.03 lakh |
| Hero Xtreme 125R | ₹89,000 |
| TVS Raider 125 | ₹80,500 |
| Bajaj Pulsar N125 | ₹91,691 |
| Honda SP125 | ₹85,564 |
1. Honda CB125 Hornet – The Most Aggressive and Stylish 125cc Bike
Price: ₹1.03 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Honda CB125 Hornet stands out as one of the most aggressively styled and premium-looking motorcycles in the entire 125cc segment. Its muscular design, LED headlights, sharp body lines and sporty stance give it the appearance of a much larger motorcycle. It’s particularly attractive for students who want something bold and eye-catching.
Engine & Performance
The CB125 Hornet packs a 123.94cc single-cylinder engine that produces around 11.14 PS. The power is delivered smoothly, and Honda’s trademark refinement ensures a vibration-free ride even at higher speeds. It’s a bike that feels confident, stable and very beginner-friendly.
Why Students Will Love It
- Bold and sporty design that stands out on the road
- Smooth and refined engine suitable for city traffic
- 12-litre fuel tank ideal for long commutes
- Excellent riding posture for daily use
Who Should Buy?
Riders looking for a premium 125cc bike with striking looks, sharp performance and Honda’s reliability will find the CB125 Hornet a compelling choice. It’s perfect for college students who value style and want a motorcycle with a sporty road presence.
2. Hero Xtreme 125R – Best for Style, Safety and Value
Price: ₹89,000 (ex-showroom)
The Hero Xtreme 125R brings a modern, athletic design paired with practical performance, making it a well-balanced motorcycle for urban riders. Hero has positioned it as a sporty entry-level bike with great value for money.
Design & Features
Its muscular fuel tank, sharp tail section, sleek headlamp and aggressive stance give it a youthful appeal. The bike now comes with dual-channel ABS (a rare feature in the 125cc category), making it one of the safest options for beginners.
Engine & Power
Powered by a 124.7cc engine producing 11.55 PS, the Xtreme 125R offers strong acceleration and adequate pulling power for city roads. It’s quick off the line, stable at medium speeds and nimble enough for urban traffic.
Why Students Will Love It
- Modern, sporty styling
- Dual-channel ABS improves safety
- Punchy engine performance
- Efficient and budget-friendly
Who Should Buy?
Students who want style + performance + advanced safety without stretching their budget will appreciate what the Hero Xtreme 125R offers. It is one of the most value-packed motorcycles in this segment.
3. TVS Raider 125 – The Most Feature-Rich and Sporty 125cc Bike
Price: ₹80,500 (ex-showroom)
The TVS Raider 125 has revolutionized the 125cc segment by offering features that were once found only in higher-displacement bikes. With sporty ergonomics, modern technology and excellent mileage, the Raider is easily one of the most exciting and youthful bikes on this list.
Design & Technology
The Raider screams modernity with its:
- Sharp LED headlights
- Split-seat setup
- Stylish fuel tank
- Futuristic digital instrument cluster
- TFT console (in higher variants)
- Ride modes like Eco and Power
The new variants also offer dual disc brakes with single-channel ABS.
Engine & Efficiency
It is powered by a 124.8cc engine producing 11.38 PS, known for delivering an excellent claimed mileage of nearly 72 kmpl. Its low kerb weight boosts agility, making it one of the easiest bikes for new riders to handle.
Why Students Will Love It
- Looks and feels like a premium sports bike
- Best-in-class mileage
- Feature-loaded digital instrumentation
- Very comfortable and lightweight
- Quick acceleration and fun handling
Who Should Buy?
Students who want the sportiest and most tech-loaded 125cc bike should absolutely consider the TVS Raider. It offers unmatched value and riding enjoyment for beginners.
4. Bajaj Pulsar N125 – A True Pulsar Experience in a Compact Form
Price: ₹91,691 (ex-showroom)
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 brings the iconic Pulsar DNA into the 125cc segment. For many students, the Pulsar brand stands for sporty looks, reliability and youthful appeal—and the N125 delivers all of that in a smaller, more manageable package.
Engine Performance
The bike runs on a 124.4cc engine producing around 11.8 PS and 10.8 Nm. These figures give it strong low-end and mid-range performance, ideal for overtaking and navigating city traffic smoothly.
Design & Build
The N125 features:
- Muscular tank extensions
- Sharp LED elements
- Bold Pulsar-style graphics
- Heavier kerb weight (~140 kg) for stability
Its planted feel inspires confidence even for new riders.
Why Students Will Love It
- Familiar Pulsar looks and riding stance
- Strong city performance
- Good build quality
- Stable at higher speeds
Who Should Buy?
If you want a motorcycle that blends sporty Pulsar styling with comfort and reliability, the N125 is a solid pick. It carries the essence of the Pulsar family while being beginner-friendly.
5. Honda SP125 – The Most Comfortable and Efficient 125cc Commuter
Price: ₹85,564 (ex-showroom)
The Honda SP125 is a benchmark in the 125cc commuter segment. Unlike some rivals focused heavily on sporty design, the SP125 emphasizes practicality, comfort and fuel efficiency—making it perfect for students who prioritize regular commuting.
Engine & Mileage
Its 123.94cc engine delivers around 10.87 PS, and Honda’s refinement ensures a smooth, vibration-free ride. With a claimed mileage of around 63 kmpl, it’s one of the most economical options in this segment.
But the biggest advantage is its extremely light kerb weight, going as low as 116 kg depending on the variant. This lightweight build makes it incredibly easy to ride, especially for beginners or shorter riders.
Why Students Will Love It
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Lightest bike in its class
- Very comfortable for long commutes
- Reliable and low-maintenance
- Backed by Honda’s strong service network
Who Should Buy?
Students looking for a comfortable, reliable and easy-to-handle daily commuter will find the Honda SP125 to be the most practical choice.
Which 125cc Motorcycle Should You Choose? – A Quick Breakdown
For the Sportiest Look & Features:
✔ TVS Raider 125
✔ Honda CB125 Hornet
For Best Value & Modern Youth Appeal:
✔ Hero Xtreme 125R
For Pulsar Fans Who Want a 125cc Option:
✔ Bajaj Pulsar N125
For Maximum Comfort, Mileage and Daily Use:
✔ Honda SP125
For Beginners Learning to Ride:
✔ Honda SP125
✔ TVS Raider 125 (lighter and easier to control)
