Best bike under 3 lakhs in India

According to Market Research, the Indian two-wheeler market size is expected to reach USD 346.81 billion in 2025, with projections to grow to USD 472.75 billion by 2034, reflecting a strong growth trajectory. Budget is one of the crucial factors that bike buyers look for. The ₹3 lakh price point has emerged as a sweet spot for bike buyers in India, offering a balance of performance, features, and affordability. At this range, riders can enjoy modern styling, advanced technology, and respectable engine performance without breaking the bank. Buyers also have to look for future expenses with the bike – its maintenance, bike insurance, repair costs, depreciation costs, etc., making the 3 lakh range the best spot.

Best Bikes Under ₹3 Lakhs in India 2025

When it comes to choosing the best motorcycles under ₹3 lakh in India, buyers look for a balance of performance, style, and value. This curated list highlights the top bikes in this price segment, taking into account brand reputation, features, and overall appeal, helping you make an informed decision for both new and experienced riders.

Disclaimer: The ex-showroom prices mentioned above are approximate and may vary based on city, state, taxes, and dealer offers. Launch years indicate the most recent generation of the model available in India. Bike types are indicative of their category and intended usage.

Bajaj Pulsar N250

Priced around ₹1.45 lakh (ex-showroom), the Bajaj Pulsar N250 is a powerful and practical street bike. It is highly popular among young and enthusiastic riders for its sporty styling, robust performance, and modern features like a fully digital console with Bluetooth connectivity, traction control, and multiple ABS modes.

With an ARAI-certified mileage of around 44 kmpl, it offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. This bike is well-suited for daily commuting within the city thanks to its agile nature, but its powerful engine also makes it capable of thrilling weekend rides. If you need a bike with aggressive styling and modern technology for both urban commutes and spirited rides, the Pulsar N250 is a strong contender.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Starting at approximately ₹1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has quickly become a massive hit since its 2022 launch, particularly with newer and younger riders. Its popularity rises from its affordable pricing, lightweight and nimble design, and a charming retro-classic aesthetic.

It comes with a 349cc J-series engine, a comfortable riding posture, and offers an impressive real-world mileage of around 35 kmpl, making it a very fuel-efficient Royal Enfield. The Hunter is an excellent choice for daily commuters who want a characterful and stylish machine for navigating city traffic with ease, while also being capable enough for relaxed weekend cruising.

Bajaj Dominar 400

As Bajaj’s flagship model, the Dominar 400 is a value-for-money sports tourer priced at approximately ₹2.39 lakh (ex-showroom). It is praised for its excellent highway performance, powerful 373cc liquid-cooled engine, and a suite of premium features including USD forks and dual-channel ABS. With a claimed mileage of about 30 kmpl, it is built to handle long distances comfortably.

This bike is perfectly suitable for long-distance touring, offering a comfortable and controlled riding experience. It is the ideal bike if your main priority is high-speed cruising and long-distance travel, coupled with a muscular road presence.

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

Positioned around ₹1.48 lakh (ex-showroom), the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is a feature-rich and performance-oriented street bike. It is a popular choice for budget-conscious but performance-oriented riders due to its refined engine, agile handling, and best-in-class features like GTT (Glide Through Technology), multiple riding modes, and TVS SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity.

Its real-world mileage hovers around 38 kmpl, which is very competitive for its segment. The Apache is suitable for spirited daily commuting and occasional track days, offering a thrilling and responsive ride.

Royal Enfield Classic 350

Priced at around ₹1.81 lakh (ex-showroom), the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is an iconic retro-classic motorcycle with timeless appeal. It's a hugely popular model because of its rich heritage, classic design, and the thumping sound of its 349cc J-series engine.

The bike offers decent mileage of about 35 kmpl and features a refined engine for a smooth and effortless ride. The Classic 350 is an ideal companion for riders who appreciate a laid-back, comfortable riding style and want a bike with a strong brand legacy and a powerful road presence for city rides and leisurely highway cruising.

Yamaha MT-15 V2

With an ex-showroom price starting at roughly ₹1.70 lakh, the Yamaha MT-15 V2 is a performance-focused street naked bike that is a favorite among enthusiasts. It owes its popularity to a high-revving, liquid-cooled engine, sharp styling, and a lightweight, agile chassis.

Despite its performance pedigree, it offers good mileage, with an ARAI-certified figure of nearly 48 kmpl. The MT-15 V2 is built for an exhilarating riding experience, making it perfect for performance-oriented riders who need a bike that is both a nimble daily commuter and a fun machine for weekend twists and turns.

KTM 250 Duke

A favorite for performance-oriented riders, the KTM 250 Duke starts at about ₹2.30 lakh (ex-showroom). This street naked bike is known for its aggressive styling, powerful engine, and dynamic handling. It is for riders who prioritize raw performance and nimble handling.

While its mileage is lower than some competitors at around 31 kmpl, its performance and premium components justify the cost for enthusiasts. The 250 Duke is ideal for riders who are more performance-oriented and want a bike for sporty daily rides and carving corners on weekend trips.

Suzuki Gixxer 250

Positioned at around ₹2.00 lakh (ex-showroom), the Suzuki Gixxer 250 offers a balanced blend of performance and practicality in the street naked segment. It is popular for its reliable and refined 250cc oil-cooled engine, comfortable ergonomics, and sporty design.

With a decent mileage and Suzuki's reputation for reliability, it provides a hassle-free ownership experience. The Gixxer 250 is best suited for riders who seek a refined, balanced bike for both city commuting and occasional highway runs, prioritizing a smooth ride and reliability over all-out performance.

Honda H'ness CB350

Starting at around ₹2.10 lakh (ex-showroom), the Honda H'ness CB350 is a retro-classic motorcycle known for its premium build quality and classic appeal. It appeals to riders who value a smooth and refined riding experience with the reliability of the Honda brand.

With an owner-reported mileage of around 35 kmpl, it offers good efficiency for its engine size. The H'ness CB350 is suitable for daily commuting and relaxed highway cruising, offering a comfortable and mature alternative in the retro segment.

Triumph Speed 400

Priced around ₹2.51 lakh (ex-showroom), the Triumph Speed 400 combines premium brand heritage with modern performance at an accessible price. This modern classic is known for its high-quality components, powerful engine, and refined riding dynamics.

It provides a real-world mileage of around 29 kmpl, offering a premium riding experience without a hefty fuel penalty. If you are looking for a bike with exceptional brand reputation and top-tier performance for both daily city riding and spirited weekend getaways, the Triumph Speed 400 is a top-tier choice.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bike Under ₹3 Lakhs

When shopping for a bike under ₹3 lakhs, it’s important to balance performance, features, and affordability. This budget range offers plenty of choices, but making the right decision depends on your priorities and long-term ownership goals. Here are the key aspects to evaluate:

Intended Usage

Decide if you need the bike mainly for daily commuting, weekend touring, or a mix of both. In the ₹3 lakh segment, you’ll find commuter-friendly models as well as performance-oriented machines—choose based on how often and where you ride.

Engine Capacity and Performance

Bikes under ₹3 lakh range from 200cc commuters to 400cc+ tourers. Pick an engine size that matches your riding needs—going too high on performance might stretch your budget with higher fuel and maintenance costs.

Comfort

Prioritise seating posture, suspension setup, and pillion comfort. If you plan longer rides within this budget, comfort should outweigh aggressive styling, as discomfort on long journeys reduces riding enjoyment.

Mileage Expectations

Fuel efficiency directly impacts your running costs. Many ₹3 lakh bikes balance power with decent mileage, but be clear on whether you value sporty performance or everyday affordability.

Brand and Service Network Reliability

A strong brand presence with widespread service centres ensures lower upkeep costs. Within this budget, brands like Bajaj, Royal Enfield, and TVS provide extensive networks, which help in affordable maintenance.

Resale Value

Since ₹3 lakh is a significant investment, choose models that retain good resale value. Popular bikes like the Royal Enfield Classic 350 or Honda H’ness CB350 tend to fetch higher resale prices compared to niche options.

Maintenance Frequency and Cost

Higher-capacity engines often mean more expensive servicing. Stick to bikes that align with your budget for regular upkeep while still offering reliable performance.

Availability of Spare Parts

Readily available and reasonably priced spare parts keep your ownership cost in check. Bikes from brands with limited networks may strain your ₹3 lakh budget in the long run.

Can Bikes Under 3 Lakhs Impact Two Wheeler Insurance Premiums?

Yes, the cost of a bike directly influences its two wheeler insurance premium, as insurers calculate the risk and claim liability based on the bike’s market value and specifications. For bikes under ₹3 lakhs, the premiums usually fall into a moderate range - higher than basic commuter bikes but significantly lower than high-end superbikes or imported models. Understanding the factors that affect your premium ensures you make a well-informed purchase without straining your budget.

Key Factors Affecting Bike Insurance Premiums for Bikes Under ₹3 Lakhs

Engine Capacity (CC)

Bikes in this price range often have engines between 150cc and 400cc, which means their premiums are higher than entry-level 100-125cc commuters but still manageable compared to superbikes.

IDV (Insured Declared Value)

The resale value and depreciation rate of your bike define the IDV. For bikes under ₹3 lakhs, the IDV is moderate, helping balance premium affordability and claim benefits.

Type of Bike (Commuter, Sports, Cruiser)

Sports or performance bikes closer to the ₹3 lakh bracket usually have higher premiums due to higher risk and repair costs compared to commuter models in the same price range.

Brand and Model Popularity

Popular and widely sold models often have a lower insurance premium because spare parts are easily available and repair networks are broader.

Safety Features and Theft Risk

Bikes with ABS, advanced braking systems, or tracking features can sometimes attract lower premiums. On the other hand, models with high theft risk in metro cities may see slightly higher premiums.

Conclusion

Indian bike buyers are budget-conscious customers, and people here look for value for money. The 3 lakh bike price range is ideal for Indian markets – Neither too high nor too low. You can get the perfect bike of your choice that will cater to all your needs, be it commuting, weekend touring or aggressive riding in this budget. In this list, you can find options that will cater to all kinds of needs – but one thing will remain constant amongst all the bikes, i.e, bike insurance. It is your financial safety net, low budget or high, bike insurance is an absolute essential.

Frequently Asked Questions