Top 10 Budget-Friendly Bikes for Daily Commute in 2025

If there’s one thing every commuter agrees on, it’s this: traffic in 2025 still sucks. And honestly, nobody wants to burn half their salary just on fuel or fancy EMI payments for a bike that’s more “Instagram reel” than practical ride. That’s why budget-friendly bikes are still the real MVPs. They might not always turn heads, but hey, they get you to office on time and don’t make your wallet cry every month.

So let’s dig into 10 bikes that make daily travel less painful — and still leave enough money in your pocket for chai and samosa after work.

1. Hero Splendor Plus – The Old Reliable

Think of this bike like that one friend who never cancels plans. Not flashy, but always there. Hero Splendor is still top of the charts because of insane mileage and low maintenance. It’s like the Nokia 1100 of bikes.

2. Bajaj Platina 110 – Mileage Monster

If you’re the kind who counts every drop of petrol like gold, Platina is your savior. People on Twitter even joke, “Bajaj Platina runs on air and vibes.” Not wrong though — 70+ kmpl on Indian roads is no joke.

3. TVS Radeon – Simple Yet Solid

No nonsense design, comfy seat, decent power… TVS Radeon is like that basic kurta you wear every week but never gets old. Under budget and built to last.

4. Honda Shine 125 – Smooth Operator

Bit pricier than the Splendor types, but the Shine gives you that smooth Honda engine feel. Perfect if you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic and need something that doesn’t rattle your bones.

5. Bajaj Pulsar 125 – Sporty Without Breaking Bank

Let’s be real, everyone wants a Pulsar at some point. The 125cc keeps the sporty vibe alive but at a friendlier price tag. Good pick if you don’t want your daily ride to feel boring.

6. Hero Glamour XTEC – Techie’s Choice

Digital console, Bluetooth, mileage indicator… this one tries to look “Gen Z approved.” Honestly, half the features most people ignore after a month, but still, it feels cool to have.

7. Honda Livo – Stylish But Practical

This is Honda’s attempt to make a commuter bike not look like a commuter bike. Sharp looks, decent mileage, and still easy on pocket. If you care about style a little, this might be your stop.

8. TVS Star City Plus – Balanced Package

Affordable, reliable, good fuel efficiency. Basically, the all-rounder. I know someone who rides this 40 km daily and still swears by it after 3 years. That says a lot.

9. Yamaha Saluto RX – Lightweight Champ

This one’s so light you can almost push it with one hand. Great for narrow lanes and traffic zigzags. If you hate heavy bikes, you’ll love this.

10. Bajaj CT 110X – The Rough & Tough Guy

Designed like it’s ready to go through potholes, monsoon mud, and still come back smiling. Bajaj CT is the bike you take when you don’t trust the road.

Why These Bikes Work for 2025

The thing with commuting is — it’s not about showing off. It’s about surviving city roads without spending half your salary on fuel or repairs. These bikes tick that box. Plus, spares are everywhere, mechanics know them inside out, and resale value isn’t bad either.