Best 125cc Bikes in India 2023-24 – Price, Mileage, Specifications, Colours, Images
Not all 100 and 110cc bikes have enough grunt for active commuters and occasional highway riders. For more than just commuting, you need more power, better performance, and premium overall ride quality. The 125cc bikes segment is here for the same reason. Check out the price list of best 125cc bikes in India starting from most affordable one and ending with most premium and sporty 125cc bikes.
Best 125cc Bikes Price List in India
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) |
| Honda Shine | ₹77,378 |
| Hero Glamour Xtec | ₹84,220 |
| TVS Raider | ₹85,173 |
| Honda SP 125 | ₹82,486 |
| Hero Glamour | ₹77,600 |
| Hero Super Splendor | ₹77,200 |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS125 | ₹104,371 |
| Bajaj CT125X | ₹71,354 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | ₹81,389 |
| KTM Duke 125 | ₹178,041 |
| KTM RC125 | ₹188,640 |
A 125cc bike delivers more power and thus riding it in the city and on the highways becomes easier and more comfortable. There is enough grunt for faster travel between point A and point B. The best part is there is no significant drop in the performance of a 125cc bike as compared to 100 or 110cc bikes. Carrying a pillion on a bike with 110cc engine reduced their fuel efficiency by a huge margin and the performance drop is significant.
125cc bikes have more power, better performance and added features which are far superior than 100 or 110cc bikes
In order to get same performance on an 110cc bike with pillion you have to open the throttle wider which puts more load on the engine. Thus, engine runs under strain which ultimately reduces fuel economy. 125cc bikes are also safer than their small capacity counterparts as they are equipped with wider tyres and better brakes.
Not to forget, people who buy commuter bikes never overlooks the mileage of the bike and 125cc bikes segment never hides it. You get a premium commuter bike with extra power, better performance, modern features and practicality without sacrificing the fuel efficiency. A 125cc bike only delivers few kilometres less than the 110cc bikes but that cannot nullify the extra bells and whistles you are receiving with the new bikes.
Let’s go through each and every 125cc bikes which are best in the segment. Try comparing the features, fuel efficiency and other aspects of the bikes before finalising on one product.
Honda Shine
Honda Shine is a trusted premium commuter bike from Honda. It is a popular motorcycle and spread with word of mouth among the masses. The bike’s popularity is seen in the monthly sales number of more than 1 lakh units on an average. Shine 125 is the king of 125cc bikes segment as it offers impeccable reliability, refinement and ride comfort. More than that, the bike doesn’t require extensive maintenance apart from regular services.
The Shine is available in Black, Geny Grey Metallic,Rebel Red Metallic,Athletic Blue Metallic,Matte Axis Grey, Matte Steel Black Metallic and Matt Sangria Red Metallic.
The running life of Honda Shine is more than 1 lakh kilometres as many Shine owners have reportedly crossed 1 lakh km mark with the engine in good condition. This is possible due to simple engine construction as well as top notch quality materials included in the engine. Japanese technology has made it possible with adequate amount of power output from right engine speed. Honda Shine 125 does not feel underpowered or overwhelmingly powerful for its segment.
At the core of Honda Shine is a single cylinder, air-cooled engine which displaces 124cc and comes with a 2-valve head. This BS6 compliant fuel injected motor develops a respectable power of 10.59 bhp at 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 11 Nm which arrives at 6000 rpm. The motor is mated to a 5-speed transmission which offers smooth performance in the city as well as occasional highway stints.
Like any other commuter bike in the segment, Honda Shine is equipped with a pair of telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers doing their job at the rear. The suspension setup is tuned towards softer side in a proposition to deliver as little jolts as possible over the bad potholes filled roads of our country. Shine has strong build quality with sturdy components which allows it to travel across the roads of tier 3 cities and rural areas without breaking down.
With a powerful engine comes the manufacturer’s responsibility to offer better braking power at least as an option. Honda is selling Shine with standard drum brake at the front but you can opt for a front disc brake by paying a small premium. Since, bike under 125cc capacity do not require ABS, the Shine comes with combined braking system which helps in reducing the braking distance and brings the bike to a halt with higher stability and safety.
The customers of commuter bikes look at the mileage figure which is attractive for the Shine 125. The real-world fuel economy of the Honda Shine is around 60 km per litre. A full tank capacity of 10.5 litres will provide you with a range of about 577 km. It is great mileage considering the rising fuel prices in the country.
Speaking about the features, the Shine comes with a basic all-analogue instrument cluster with a twin-pod design. On the left side, you get a speedometer and odometer and on the right side, there is a fuel gauge with typical tell-tale lights. There are no edgy features available on the Shine as it is targeted on the mature customers who need minimalistic approach for a commuter bike.
Honda Shine is the segment leader and proves a lot of point while doing so. The Shine is a no nonsense bike whose sole purpose it to take you point A to point B with peace of mind and by burning least amount of fuel.
| Model | Honda Shine |
| Engine | 124 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 10.59 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Weight | 114 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 10.5 Ltr |
| Mileage | 55 kmpl |
| Range | 577.5 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹ 77,378 |
Hero Glamour Xtec
The second spot is held by the Hero Glamour Xtec. What is Xtec? Xtec is the upgrade version over the regular Glamour 125 motorcycle and comes with all the latest and smart features offered by the company. It is the first bike to have come on this list because of long features list and all modern and technologically advanced equipment.
The price of the Hero Glamour Xtec starts from Rs 84,220 ex-showroom New Delhi for the base drum brake variant. There is a top variant of the Xtec that carries a price tag of Rs 88,820 ex-showroom New Delhi and features front disc brake for better braking performance. It comes it three colour variants – Glossy Black, Matte Axis Grey and Candy Blazing Red.
Talking about the features, Hero Glamour Xtec has full LED headlight cluster with stylish H-shaped LED DRLs. This headlight is among the stylish in this segment and ensures the bike to stand apart from the crowd. The tail-light of the bike continues to be halogen unit along with the turn indicators.
Moving on to the instrument cluster, the Glamour Xtec gets an Xpulse 200 derived fully digital meter console. This console offers an array of information to the rider. With speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, odometer and trip meters, the console has many other features like mobile phone notifications, turn by turn navigation that is courtesy to the Bluetooth connectivity technology.
Yes, it is the only bike in this list to have the Bluetooth connected instrument cluster with Hero’s ride smart features. The Hero connect features offer important connectivity solutions such as speed alert, live tracking, driver score, trip analysis, topple alert, tow away alert, Hero locate, Geo fence and much more.
Apart from these features, the bike gets an inbuilt USB charging socket for mobile phone charging on the run, side-stand engine cut-off switch for rider safety and auto sail technology. The auto sail technology allows the rider to avoid engine stalling without opening the throttle while riding through dense traffic conditions.
The suspension system of the Glamour Xtec is comprised of 30mm diameter telescopic forks at the front and twin spring-loaded shock absorbers with hydraulic dampers at the rear that supports pre-load adjustment. This suspension is calibrated towards a softer side which provides comfortable and plush ride in the city limits. With this setup, the bike tackles the bad patches of roads with ease without unsettling the rider. The ground clearance is high at 180 mm protecting the underbelly of the bike on the ill-designed speed-breakers.
A 240 mm front disc brake with 2-piston combined brake front callipers and 130 mm drum brake unit at the rear manages to handle the braking performance. For a lower price, the company is also offering front drum brake with lower braking performance. A combined braking system is present on both the variants for better braking performance under emergency situations.
Hero Glamour Xtec is a stylish and comfortable bike for daily city use and is equipped with long list of features to easily overwhelm any beginner rider. This is the only reason it is positioned at the first bike on this list without any doubt. The alloy wheels on the Glamour Xtec are split units which look stylish with the overall design language of the bike.
Powering the Hero Glamour 125 Xtec is an air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, 2-valve SOHC, fuel-injected engine displacing 124.7cc. This motor churns out 10.72 bhp of power at 7500 rpm and 10.6 Nm torque at 6000 rpm. There is a city-centric 5-speed gearbox with a balance of short and tall gear ratios for optimum city performance. This motor has been designed to develop all its torque in the lower and mid-range for better city ride instead of out-right top-end performance.
Hero Glamour Xtec 125 is a pretty fuel-efficient two-wheeler as it returns about 55 to 60 kmpl in the real-world riding conditions with possibility of up to 65 kmpl on the open roads. A 10-litre fuel tank will deliver a riding range of between 550 to 600 km.
| Model | Hero Glamour Xtec |
| Engine | 124.7 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 10.72 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Weight | 122 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 10 Ltr |
| Mileage | 55 kmpl |
| Range | 550 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹84,220 |
TVS Raider
The second bike on this list is none other than the recently launched TVS Raider 125. It is a completely new motorcycle from the house of TVS which ticks all the right boxes of style, practicality, features, mileage and what not. TVS Raider is placed on the second spot on this list because of the segment first features and overall feature-packed package for the young riders looking for a premium and stylish commuter motorcycle for daily use.
At present, the TVS Raider has been priced aggressive from Rs 85,173 ex-showroom New Delhi for the base drum brake variant of the bike. Speaking about the top variant which comes with front disc brake comes at a price of Rs 92,689 ex-showroom, New Delhi. Four striking colours are available on the Raider – Blazing Blue, Fiery Yellow, Striking Red and Wicked Black.
Starting with the styling, the Raider 125 is equipped with a radically designed full LED headlight cluster with smart shaped LED DRLs. The tail-light is also made of LED units but the turn indicators continue to use the power of halogen bulbs. The fuel tank is a muscular unit that seems to be inspired from the sports bike of higher levels with cuts and creases at the right locations. There is a blacked-out strip in the top centre part offering a distinct sporty look like we have seen on the Apache series of bikes.
TVS Raider 125 features split seat which looks sporty and seats are large in dimensions for both the rider and the pillion that the users to be in comfortable posture on long city rides or even on weekend getaways. The pillion seat can be unlocked with the key and a respectable under-seat storage space is present for placing big-sized smartphone and sunglasses along with the bike documents. This is a segment first feature.
There are normal bar-type handlebars which are raised up to a perfect level to prevent the rider from leaning forward to hold them. This provides the rider with a comfortable posture for riding non-stop over long distances.
TVS Raider 125 is among the most feature-rich 125cc bike on sale in India as of now. For starters, the bike gets a fully digital reverse LCD screen that accumulates an array of readouts including digital speedometer, bar-type digital tachometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, average fuel consumption, range, gear position indicator with shift up and shift down indicators, display for eco and power modes, digital clock, top speed recorder and much more.
For recharging smartphone on the go, there is an USB socket present at the front side of the fuel tank. All you have to do is attach a smartphone pocket on the tank to secure your mobile phone while charging. On the right switch-gear, you get a large switch for toggling between Eco and Power mode. Yes, it is also the first bike to offer two ride modes in a 125cc segment with Eco mode offering more mileage and power mode providing better top speed. Rest all the switches offer usual functioning to the rider. All that is missing from the switchgear in the engine kill switch.
TVS Raider 125 is suspended on telescopic forks at the front and gets a gas-charged monoshock with 5-step pre-load adjustability. This suspension setup has been well-calibrated by the company to provide comfortable ride at city speeds and broken stretch of roads and offers good stability at highway speeds.
The braking power on the Raider 125 comes from a 240 mm petal disc at the front that is gripped by 2-piston Bybre calliper. The rear wheel is fitted with a drum brake unit. A master cylinder has been placed in the foot brake pedal which applies the front brake along with the rear drum brake. This system is called as the synchronised braking technology (SBT) from TVS that is tuned to offer a safer and stable braking performance.
TVS is working on to launch the Raider 125 with a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster with SmartXonnect technology similar to what you see on the Apache series of bikes. The SmartXonnect feature on the Raider 125 will make it the most feature-rich bike under Rs 1 lakh. You can expect GPS navigation, smartphone notifications, added vehicle information and much more functions via smartphone app.
Finally, moving on to the powertrain, the TVS Raider 125 is powered by an all-new 124.8cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled, 3-valve SOHC engine. The eco-thrust fuel injection system feeds the motor which offer best-in-class mileage and gripping power. The engine is super refined and you cannot find any vibration from idling to the red-line. There is passive oil-cooling system with multiple fins in the lower part of the engine and the behind the clutch cover. It eliminates the need of separate oil-cooling system and reduces the components along with increased cooling capacity. This smooth motor has linear power delivery which aids riders to understand the bike better and offers superb torque delivery throughout the rev range.
This mill dishes out 11.2 bhp of max power at 7500 rpm and peak twisting force of 11.2 Nm comes up at 6000 rpm. These numbers might look too great but considering the kerb weight of the bike at just 123 kg, makes it pretty good on the roads.
Performance-wise, the Raider 125 does 0 to 60 kmph sprint in just 5.9 seconds with a claimed top speed of 99 kmph. All-in-all, TVS Raider 125 will be the best performing bike in the 125cc segment, leaving off-course the KTMs.
Tin terms of fuel mileage, the Raider is expected to return around 57 to 60 kmpl in mixed riding scenarios. Even at these numbers, you can get a reasonably low running cost on this 125cc bike. It comes with a 10-litre fuel tank that can cover around 550 km before needing a refuel.
TVS Raider 125 is the best blend of styling, practicality, refinement, builds quality and fuel efficiency and is best package for any young rider wanting to have their first motorcycle. It offers great road presence for the riders and can be a great machine for daily commuting.
| Model | TVS Raider |
| Engine | 124.8 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 11.2 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Weight | 123 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 10 Ltr |
| Mileage | 57 kmpl |
| Range | 570 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹85,173 |
Honda SP 125
Up next we have Honda SP 125. This bike is the most feature loaded and premium 125cc commuter bike in the Indian market. It priced at Rs 74,407 ex-showroom, New Delhi. It was launched in India last year when Honda started upgrading its line-up to BS6 emission norms. It is called as the new generation of Honda Shine SP 125 which is replaced by the SP 125. Striking Green, Matte Axis Grey Metallic, Imperial Red Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic and Pearl Siren Blue are the paint jobs available on SP 125.
Powering the new Honda SP 125 is a fuel injected, air-cooled, 124cc single cylinder engine with a 2-valve head. This motor pumps out 10.72 bhp of power at 7500 rpm and 10.9 Nm of maximum twisting force arriving at 6000 rpm. The gearbox no this bike is a 5-speed unit which is developed with an intention to provide good city rideability and highway performance.
The new features that were added as BS6 update are full LED headlight, ACG silent starter system, a fully digital instrument panel with a plethora of information on offer. Apart from this, the bike features an all-new styling and graphics. The instrument cluster comes with speedometer, odometer, trip meters, digital clock, gear position indicator, average fuel efficiency, instant fuel efficiency, service due indicator and a fuel gauge. The only thing that lacks in this cluster is the tachometer. Anyways, the audience it is targeted at do not require a tachometer.
Honda SP 125 is a good commuting motorcycle for mature people who have a taste of technology and want more than just a regular commuting bike. There is an integrated engine kill switch and starter button.
Honda offers drum brakes in the standard variant of SP 125. If you need more stopping power, then you can choose the disc brake variant by paying a small premium. For rider safety, there is a combined braking system that has equaliser for enhanced control over the bike under hard braking.
Moving on to the mileage of the bike, Honda claims that eSP technology has increased the mileage of this bike by 16%. In the real-world conditions, expect a fuel economy of around 65 km per litre which is the ball park of many 110cc bikes. The 12-litre fuel tank will make you ride for more than 720 km in a single tankful.
The price is on the higher side of the spectrum when compared to other 125cc bikes. However, the bike offer amazing features and also is among the highest reliable bikes in India.
| Model | Honda SP 125 |
| Engine | 124 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 10.72 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.9 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Weight | 117 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 11 Ltr |
| Mileage | 65 kmpl |
| Range | 715 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹ 82,486 |
Hero Glamour
Moving on to something extra for your hard-earned money, the Hero Glamour is the bike which is targeted at the people who need more than just a basic commuter bike for their daily riding requirements. It is another 125cc bike from the Hero MotoCorp with more features over the Super Splendor and the style that would capture the eyes of a road user.
With the BS6 update, the Glamour now became even more value for money motorcycle and offers Hero’s latest i3S technology. The fuel efficiency also seen to be increased with the recent update. A number of colour shades are available on the Glamour and they are – Sports Red, Radiant Red, Matt Vernier Grey, 100M Edition, Matte Axis Grey, Techno Blue, Midnight Black, Candy Blazing Red, Glossy Black, Canvas Black, Sunset Gold, Daring Yellow and Fiery Red.
At the heart of the Hero Glamour is an air-cooled, single cylinder engine displacing 124.7cc. The engine is now equipped with programmed fuel injection system and has a 2-valve head. This motor now pumps out a maximum power of 10.72 bhp at 7500 rpm and a peak 10.6 Nm torque at 6000 rpm. There is a 5-speed gearbox to complete the powertrain and give you a smooth commuting experience. The Glamour is for reaching the point B from point A with style.
As a commuter motorcycle, the engineers at Hero MotoCorp worked extensively to extract as much as 55 km per litre of fuel. This number when coupled with the 10-litre fuel tank of the bike will give you a range of about 550 km before needing to be refilled.
Hero Glamour excels in the features department as it comes with a semi-digital instrument panel that offers an array of information to the rider. The silver finished cluster offers an analogue speedometer with an LCD display. The screen displays odometer, trip meters, average fuel economy, digital clock and fuel gauge. Like we said earlier, the bike now comes with Hero’s i3S technology which helps in increasing fuel economy of the bike by switching of the engine during prolonged idling. The dashboard features a button to turn on or off the i3S idle-stop system. A side-stand indicator and service reminder are also present for added convenience.
The telescopic forks and twin shock absorbers do the job of tackling bumps and potholes providing a smoother and comfortable riding experience. You get to choose from drum brake or disc brake at the front while a standard drum brake is available at the rear. The braking performance is aided by combined braking system that comes as standard fitment in the bike.
And icing on the cake is the low maintenance requirements of the bike. All you need to do is get the servicing regularly at correct intervals. The spare parts of Hero bikes are also affordable to change or replace which make it possible for easy repairs in case of mishaps. Since it is a Hero branded bike, you can get good price in the used bikes market as well.
| Model | Hero Glamour |
| Engine | 124.7 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 10.72 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Weight | 122 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 10 Ltr |
| Mileage | 55 kmpl |
| Range | 550 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹ 77,600 |
Hero Super Splendor
Hero Splendor is a brand in itself, when someone talks about commuter bikes, there has to be a mention of the Splendor. There is lesser known fact among the masses that Hero MotoCorp also offers a 125cc version of the Splendor with the name tag Super Splendor. Why? Because it offers higher performance and better styling than its 100cc sibling. Super Splendor also features larger dimensions and more comfortable seats than the smaller Splendor. Colours on the Super Splendor are – Glaze Black, Dusky Black, Nexus Blue, Heavy Grey, CB Red and Black and Accent.
The Hero Super Splendor is powered by an air-cooled, single cylinder, 124.7cc engine with a 2-valve head. This programmed fuel injection powerplant is able to generate a peak power of 10.72 bhp at 7500 rpm and a twisting force of 10.6 Nm at 6000 rpm. These numbers are promising enough for city performance when cycled through a 5-speed gearbox. The bike is comfortable enough to ride through the highways as in weekend getaways.
Apart from the style and the comfort, the Super Splendor is tuned for returning a fuel efficiency of over 60 km per litre in the real-world riding conditions. Expect the 12 litres fuel tank for ride for more than 670 km in a single tankful ensuring you a fewer petrol station visits per month. Also, the rising petrol prices should not be a concern thanks to the great mileage.
As this bike is positioned as an entry level 125cc commuter, the bike comes with full analogue instrument cluster with three-pod design. You get only the basics such as speedometer, odometer and a fuel gauge. Rest, you have the tell-tale lights which completes the cluster. There is a side stand indicator which is present for safety reasons.
The bike is suspended on telescopic forks at the front end with twin shock absorbers at the rear. The suspension is soft which offers comfortable ride and glides over the broken roads. To bring the bike to a stop, a pair of drum brakes work together with combined braking system assisting in reducing the stopping distance. Hero MotoCorp is offering an option of front disc brake for added braking power.
Hero Super Splendor is a premium commuter motorcycle for those looking at India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer for a reliable and trusted product. The bike has a good amount of share in the 125cc segment which is actually ruled by Honda Shine.
| Model | Hero Super Splendor |
| Engine | 124.7 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 10.72 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Weight | 122 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 12 Ltr |
| Mileage | 56 kmpl |
| Range | 672 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹ 77,200 |
Bajaj Pulsar NS 125
On the fourth position we have the Bajaj Pulsar ns 125. It is a machine of sports for the riders under a tight budget. For those who are looking for the Pulsar branding with muscular design and a fuel-efficient engine, the NS 125 will be the perfect choice for them. It is technologically advanced motorcycle as it features one of the best motorcycle chassis and the most powerful 125cc 2-valve engine.
It is the most expensive 125cc bike on sale in India at Rs 1,04,371 ex-showroom New Delhi. It is around Rs 20,000 more expensive than other 125cc commuter bikes in the 125cc segment. Nevertheless, the NS 125 is the most powerful, stylish and sporty 125cc sports bike under a budget.
Coming to the design language, the NS 125 is no doubt based on the Pulsar NS 200 and NS 160 streetfighter motorcycles. It is muscular with sculpted fuel tank and gets raised clip-on handlebars for creating an upright riding posture for the rider. The seats are split with ample space for the rider and for the pillion. There is enough space for the rider to adjust while on the run which reduces the rider fatigue.
There are four colours present on the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 – Burnt Red, Pewter Grey, Saffire Blue and Orange. In our opinion, it is the Blue and the Orange colours are the one which makes it stand apart.
The Pulsar NS 125 is built around a pressed steel perimeter frame that is which is highly rigid and provides greatest stability to the rider around any corner or on straight line run. This chassis on the NS 125 is derived from the likes of Pulsar NS 200 and 160.
Coming to the dashboard, the NS 125 features a sporty looking semi-digital cluster which is also lifted from the NS 160 and the NS 200 Pulsars. An analogue tachometer sits in the centre with an LCD screen flanking right with information regarding the speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, trip meters and more. Nothing more technologically advanced features are present on the bike and no Bluetooth connectivity option is available either. The company has not even provided an USB socket for charging the mobile phone on the go. And the near future update is expected to bring some exciting changes to the bike.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is fitted with telescopic forks at the front and a gas-charged monoshock towards the rear. This suspension setup is calibrated for daily city rides as well as high speed runs on the highways. The suspension absorbs bumps with ease and provides great essence of confidence. The NS 125 do not shy away from the bad patches of roads due to it well controlled dampers that do not send the shocks to the rider. The tyres fitted on the Pulsar NS 125 are 80 and 100 section at the front and the rear.
There is a 240 mm front disc unit at the front wheel which is clenched by 2-piston Bybre calliper and a 130 mm drum brake manages the braking at the rear. A combined braking system is provided for improving the braking performance and reducing the braking distance.
Propelling the Pulsar NS 125 draws is a four-stroke, 124.4cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine with a 2-valve SOHC head. This motor generates 11.83 bhp of power at 8500 rpm and 11 Nm torque at 7000 rpm. A 5-speed gearbox handles the reduction duties on the bike and is connected via a wet multi-plate clutch.
The DTS-i technology on the S 125 makes use of two spark plugs that manages to improve combustion efficiency and enhances the mileage. In the real-world scenario, the NS 125 can return a fuel mileage of 53 kmpl in the city and 57 kmpl on the highway runs. The 12-litre fuel tank will provide a range of over 660 km in a tankful.
Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is a premium 125cc sports bike with the elements pointing towards a sportier ride and handling. There is ample road presence offered by the bike which makes it class apart when compared to other 125cc bikes available in the Indian market.
| Model | Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 |
| Engine | 124.45 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 11.6 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Disc – 240 mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Weight | 144 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 12 Ltr |
| Mileage | 49 kmpl |
| Range | 588 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹104,371 |
Bajaj CT 125X
After the NS 125, we have a new bike from the house of Bajaj Auto, the CT 125X. It is an upgrade of the CT 110X which was made for the buyers in the tier 3 cities and rural areas where the roads are not smooth and the riders have to tackle undulations. Bajaj CT 125X has been designed with robustness in mind and it reflects in the design of the bike. There are three colour options on the CT 125X and they are – Ebony Black with Green decals, Ebony Black with Blue decals and Ebony Black with Red decals.
It is a pretty basic bike as it gets analogue instrument cluster on contrary to other bikes in the category featuring at least digi-analogue meter cluster. The speedometer and fuel gauge will remind you of original CT 100’s dashboard. There is, however, a mobile charging socket present right on the centre of the handlebar.
Speaking about the engine, the bike features a 124.4cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine with 2-valve head and ignited by a twin-spark system. This motor churns out 10.7 bhp of max power at 8000 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm. It is matched to a 5-speed gearbox and sends power to the rear tyre. The torque is produced at lower rpm and thus city riding will be easy.
The mileage of the CT 125X is expected to be over 60 kmpl in daily riding conditions. It is fitted with an 11-litre fuel tank which can deliver a range of over 600 km in a tankful.
Speaking about the suspension, the bike features a telescopic fork at the front and twin-shock absorbers at the rear. Fork guards are installed for keeping the front forks clean and safe from dust which will be too much in the rural areas the bike is targeted at. Expect the ride quality to be on the softer side and the bike will glide over the bad roads.
In terms of features, the CT 125X comes fitted with engine bash plate, pillion foot rest on both side, wider foot-pegs, long and flat seat and rear luggage carrier. It is one of the most practical bike on this list and it made for the Indian roads.
Bajaj CT 125X is available in two variants – Drum and Disc. The drum variant is priced at Rs 71,354 while the disc variant is available for Rs 74,554 ex-showroom New Delhi. Having a front disc brake improves the braking performance and comes handy for safer braking.
| Model | Bajaj CT 125X |
| Engine | 124.4 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 10.7 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Weight | 127 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 11 Ltr |
| Mileage | 60 kmpl |
| Range | 650 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹71,354 |
Bajaj Pulsar 125
Bajaj Pulsar 125 has to come in this list of best 125cc bikes in India that you can purchase in 2023-24. The main reason for this bike to appear in this list is for its spirited performance and popularity among the young buyers. The bike offers muscular styling, economical performance as well as good stability.
However, the Pulsar 125 utilises the old bike design of yesteryears and it around two decades old. It comes in three colours – Solar Red, Neon Green and Neon Silver.
It came after the safety norms in 2019 as most 150cc bike were moving up in the price chart with ABS system installed in them. There remained a gap between the 125cc bikes and 150cc bikes. Hence, Pune based automaker decided to go with a performance oriented 125cc bike after the failure of all its Discover and V125 range of bikes in the commuter segment.
The Pulsar 125 is powered by a fuel injected, 124.4cc single cylinder, air-cooled engine with a regular 2-valve head. This engine pumps out healthy 11.64 bhp at 8500 rpm and best in class torque figure of 10.8 Nm which arrives at 6500 rpm. The engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox with a multi-plate clutch. The bike does one thing it is meant to do, perform. It is the only sports commuter bike in the whole 125cc segment excluding the KTMs.
A bad bit which lingers with the Pulsar 125 is the high kerb weight of 140 kg. It is around 20 kg heavier than rest of the 125cc commuter bikes in India. The high weight and powerful engine lead to a slightly lower fuel economy when compared with the competition in the 125cc segment. Despite the fact, the twin-spark 125cc motor is capable of returning a mileage of about 52 km per litre in real-world riding conditions. A fuel tank capacity of 15 litres, which is largest in the segment, will let you ride non-stop up to 780 km before making a stop at the fuel station.
Unlike rest of the 125cc commuter bikes, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 gets a tachometer. It is the same instrument panel which is available on other Pulsar models as well. The tachometer is on the left side with low fuel indicator and rpm limit light. An LCD display on the right side offers speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, engine oil warning light, air filter choke light and other tell-tale lights. All this stuff makes Pulsar 125 a feature loaded motorcycle for sporty commuting
At the front end, there is a fat telescopic fork and the rear is taken care of by twin gas-charged shock absorbers. This suspension setup will ensure a balanced ride on the roads with easy tackling of the bad roads. Bajaj Pulsar 125 is the best machine for young college students and professional who need the name tag of Pulsar but with relatively high fuel efficiency.
If you need a Bajaj Pulsar with bigger engine but at an affordable price, then you should go for used bike from your nearest used bike dealer.
| Model | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
| Engine | 124.4 cc |
| Cooling | Air-Cooled |
| Power | 11.64 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.8 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Drum/Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Weight | 140 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 15 Ltr |
| Mileage | 52 kmpl |
| Range | 780 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹ 81,389 |
KTM Duke 125
Finally we are including the KTM 125 Duke which is one of the best 125cc bikes in India all thanks to their superior performance. It caters to the premium performance-oriented customers especially young riders who love the name tag ‘KTM.’ The 125 Duke is the entry level bike to enter the world of KTM. It is priced at Rs 1,78,041 ex-showroom, New Delhi. It is second most expensive 125cc bike in the country. It gets Electronic Orange and Ceramic White paint options to choose from.
What makes it an expensive bike? Unlike rest of the commuter bikes in this list, the Duke 125 has many segment-first features, or you can say this bike is outside this 125cc segment. The KTM 125 Duke gets top notch hardware like Showa USD forks at the front and Monoshock at the rear. Large diameter 300 mm front disc brake with 2-piston Bybre callipers. At the rear, there is a 230 mm disc brake with single piston calliper. The braking system is accompanied with single Channel ABS which is exclusive for 125cc segment as this bike does not have combined braking system.
What makes KTM 125 Duke so special and people buying at such an exorbitant price tag? The main buyers of this little Duke are the college going students and new riders who want to experience KTM Duke, its performance, sound, engine character and the brand itself. The 125 Duke has KTM DNA flowing through its veins and thus who cannot afford the bigger and meaner 200 Duke, opt for 125cc street machine.
KTM Duke 125 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 124.71cc, singe cylinder engine with a 4-valve head. This power plant churns out a maximum power figure of 14.3 bhp arriving at 9250 rpm and 12 Nm torque at 8000 rpm. The engine is connected to a 6-speed gearbox.
The bike does a sprint to 100 kmph from standstill in more than 20 seconds and has a top speed in the range of 110-115 kmph (if you are light weight rider). According to these performance figures, the bike is matched against the 150-160cc bikes segment in the Indian market. But the pricing is still not justifiable.
The tyres are grippy on the Duke 125 as the cross section of front and rear tyre are 110 and 150 respectively which is more than what is required for proper performance. It feels like the small engine struggles for performance due to heavy kerb weight of 159 kg.
Being a KTM bike, the fuel economy the 125 Duke offers is manageable at 40-42 km per litre. With a fuel tank capacity of 13.5 litres, expect the bike to run for about 510-520 km before needing for a fuel station halt.
If you are looking for a fast 125cc bike no matter the price at which it comes, then KTM 125 Duke is the best option for you. Do not consider it as a commuting bike as it does not provide excellent comfort over the bad roads for its stiffer suspension setup.
| Model | KTM Duke 125 |
| Engine | 124.71 cc |
| Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
| Power | 14.3 bhp @ 9,250 rpm |
| Torque | 12 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed |
| Front Suspension | USD Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Disc – 300mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc |
| Weight | 159 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 13.5 Ltr |
| Mileage | 40 kmpl |
| Range | 520 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹178,041 |
KTM RC 125
Finally, we arrived at our most expensive 125cc bike in the country. The KTM RC 125 is a sports bike focused at the community of riders looking to learn track racing. It is made for the learners and beginner riders who need to learn the basics of motorcycling especially the sports bike category. Ceramic White and Dark Galvano are two colour options on the RC 125.
The RC 125 is priced at Rs 1,88,640 ex-showroom, New Delhi. At this price you can get any other bike with more power and greater performance. For example, there is Yamaha R15 priced a few thousand bucks cheaper than the RC 125, Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 priced lesser than the 125 Duke and offers nearly double the amount of power and best in class performance.
At the core of KTM RC 125 is a small liquid-cooled, 124.71 cc, single cylinder engine with a 4-valve head. This mill churns out same numbers as that of 125 Duke – 14.3 bhp at 9250 rpm and a peak torque of 12 Nm at 8000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and with its short gearing helps the bike to achieve a top speed in the range of 110-115 kmph. This speed can be achieved only on a long straight road with a light rider as bike’s performance drops with slight increase in weight.
RC 125 tips the scale at 159 kg which is too heavy for a bike with 125cc engine. It offers a fuel mileage of more than 40 km per litre. Making is one of the reasons why people love to buy this overpriced 125cc bike from the Austrian brand. A KTM with fuel efficiency is the catch.
The RC series from the KTM has best in class hardware and cycle parts. You get USD forks at the front and Monoshock at the rear which is tuned for providing high speed stability and perfect cornering ability. The suspension setup does not offer comfortable ride over bad roads and the rider get unsettle if rider at high speed over bad roads.
Speaking about the features, the bike gets a fully digital instrument cluster which offers an array of information. The meter includes speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meters, gear position indicator, instantaneous fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency, distance to empty and much more. This is a lot of information for a small bike.
KTM RC 125 is not meant for shorter rider as the seat height of the bike is really high at 828 mm. The riding posture on the RC is highly committed and needs you to lean down to hold the clip-on handlebars. This positing is good only for short city rides and tract racing but not comfortable for long highway hauls. The bike offer impeccable control to the rider as it is optimised for track racing.
| Model | KTM RC 125 |
| Engine | 124.71 cc |
| Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
| Power | 14.3 bhp @ 9,250 rpm |
| Torque | 12 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed |
| Front Suspension | USD Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Front Brake | Disc – 300mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc |
| Weight | 159 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 13.7 tr |
| Mileage | 40 kmpl |
| Range | 520 km |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹188,640 |
In Conclusion
With this, we end this list of best 125cc bikes in India. We hope that we were able to clear your doubts on which bike would be best for your riding and budget needs.
The 125cc segment is under a lot of stress as the competition is high and new bikes arrive now and then to further increase your confusion. You should always finalise on a motorcycle only after taking thorough test ride to better understand the bike in real.
Also understand the fact that prices mentioned in this article are ex-showroom price and the on-road price of bikes will include RTO tax and Insurance which is over and above the ex-showroom price.
We hope that you can choose to buy bike according to your needs and usage pattern. Which one will you choose and why? Do tell us in the comments section below.
Always wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, carry your driving licence and follow all the traffic rules to make our roads safer for all. Stay tuned for more from the motorcycling world at Autobreeds.com.
Best 125cc Bikes in India Specifications: Engine and Gearbox
| Model | Engine | Cooling | Power | Torque | Gearbox |
| Honda Shine | 124 cc | Air-Cooled | 10.59 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 11 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Hero Glamour Xtec | 124.7 cc | Air-Cooled | 10.72 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 10.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
| TVS Raider | 124.8 cc | Air-Cooled | 11.2 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Honda SP 125 | 124 cc | Air-Cooled | 10.72 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 10.9 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Hero Glamour | 124.7 cc | Air-Cooled | 10.72 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 10.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Hero Super Splendor | 124.7 cc | Air-Cooled | 10.72 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 10.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 | 124.45 cc | Air-Cooled | 11.6 bhp @ 8,500 rpm | 11 Nm @ 7,000 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Bajaj CT 125X | 124.4 cc | Air-Cooled | 10.7 bhp @ 8,000 rpm | 11 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | 5-Speed |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 124.4 cc | Air-Cooled | 11.64 bhp @ 8,500 rpm | 10.8 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 5-Speed |
| KTM Duke 125 | 124.71 cc | Liquid-Cooled | 14.3 bhp @ 9,250 rpm | 12 Nm @ 8,000 rpm | 6-Speed |
| KTM RC125 | 124.71 cc | Liquid-Cooled | 14.3 bhp @ 9,250 rpm | 12 Nm @ 8,000 rpm | 6-Speed |
Best 125cc Bikes in India Specifications: Suspension, Wheels and Brakes
| Model | Front Suspension | Rear Suspension | Wheels | Front Brake | Rear Brake |
| Honda Shine | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | Alloy | Drum/Disc | Drum |
| Hero Glamour Xtec | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | Alloy | Drum/Disc | Drum |
| TVS Raider | Telescopic Forks | Monoshock | Alloy | Drum/Disc | Drum |
| Honda SP 125 | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | Alloy | Drum/Disc | Drum |
| Hero Glamour | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | Alloy | Drum/Disc | Drum |
| Hero Super Splendor | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | Alloy | Drum/Disc | Drum |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 | Telescopic Forks | Monoshock | Alloy | Disc – 240 mm | Drum |
| Bajaj CT 125X | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | Alloy | Drum/Disc | Drum |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | Telescopic Forks | Twin Shock | Alloy | Drum/Disc | Drum |
| KTM Duke 125 | USD Forks | Monoshock | Alloy | Disc – 300mm | Disc |
| KTM RC125 | USD Forks | Monoshock | Alloy | Disc – 300mm | Disc |
Best 125cc Bikes in India Specifications: Weight, Mileage and Price
| Model | Weight | Fuel Tank | Mileage | Range | Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) |
| Honda Shine | 114 kg | 10.5 Ltr | 55 kmpl | 577.5 km | ₹77,378 |
| Hero Glamour Xtec | 122 kg | 10 Ltr | 55 kmpl | 550 km | ₹84,220 |
| TVS Raider | 123 kg | 10 Ltr | 57 kmpl | 570 km | ₹85,173 |
| Honda SP 125 | 117 kg | 11 Ltr | 65 kmpl | 715 km | ₹82,486 |
| Hero Glamour | 122 kg | 10 Ltr | 55 kmpl | 550 km | ₹77,600 |
| Hero Super Splendor | 122 kg | 12 Ltr | 56 kmpl | 672 km | ₹77,200 |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 | 144 kg | 12 Ltr | 49 kmpl | 588 km | ₹104,371 |
| Bajaj CT 125X | 127 kg | 10.5 Ltr | 55 kmpl | 550 km | ₹71,354 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 140 kg | 15 Ltr | 52 kmpl | 780 km | ₹81,389 |
| KTM Duke 125 | 159 kg | 13.5 Ltr | 40 kmpl | 520 km | ₹178,041 |
| KTM RC125 | 159 kg | 13.7 tr | 40 kmpl | 520 km | ₹188,640 |
Best Bikes of Other Category in India:
Best Scooters/Scooty of Other Category in India:
| Best Scooters in India | Best Electric Scooters in India | |
| Best Vespa Scooters In India | Best 125cc Scooters In India |
Best 125cc Bikes in India FAQs
Q: Is the KTM 125 Duke a commuter bike?
A: No, KTM 125 Duke is not a commuter bike as it not comfortable like other bikes in the segment. Also, the seats are small and fuel efficiency is very less around 40 kmpl which is nearly in the ball park of 180cc bikes in India. KTM 125 Duke is an aggressive street fighter bike under a budget.
Q: What should I look for when buying commuter vehicles?
A: While buying a commuter bike or scooter, you should look for comfort and fuel efficiency. Style and features should be your last priority as commuting take a lot of time and requires energy for tackling the urban traffic and pollution. If a commuter bike is not comfortable to ride or offers low mileage, then the basic point of commuting ends then and there.
Q: Which is better – an air cooled or liquid cooled engine?
A: Liquid cooled engines are best for highway rides where engine needs to run continuously for long time. But liquid-cooled engines are complex and their repairs are costly. Air-cooled engine is simple and requires less maintenance. Bike with air-cooled engines are perform well in the city and highways. However, the power output of air-cooled engine is lesser to ensure engine reliability.
Q: Which is the most affordable bike under 125cc?
A: Bajaj CT 125X is the most affordable bike in 125cc segment with a price tag of Rs 71,354 ex-showroom, New Delhi.
Q: Which are the popular bikes under 125cc?
A: The popular bike in 125cc segment is Honda Shine, Hero Glamour Xtec, TVS Raider, Hero Glamour, Bajaj CT 125X, KTM RC 125, Hero Super Splendor, Bajaj Pulsar NS 125, Honda SP 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125 and KTM 125 Duke.
Q: Are there any upcoming bikes under 125cc?
A: TVS is going to launch a new 125cc bike in the near future with the expected name of Fiero 125.
