Starting college is a massive change in a person’s life. Unbound from a tight schedule, you are afforded freedom for the first time. One of the best ways to supplement this freedom is with a bike. Going to classes, hanging out with friends or just for evening tea, a bike will be the perfect companion. As such, we have come up with a list of the top 10 bikes for college students under 2 lakh.

Top 10 Best Bikes for College Students

We have compiled the list on certain criteria such as affordability, fuel efficiency, comfort, looks and costs to maintain. With that context in mind, here is a list of the best bikes for college students under 2 lakh.

1. Bajaj Platina 100

Starting Price: Rs 68,890

The Bajaj Platina 100 is the most affordable bike for college students in India. A 102 cc engine runs the Platina and produces 7.9 PS and 8.3 Nm with a claimed mileage of 70 kmpl. A major pain point for college students might be the design of the Platina 100, which is not as extroverted. If one can look over that aspect, the Platina 100 is a perfect bike for someone with a tight budget.

2. Hero Splendor Plus XTEC

Starting Price: Rs 81,000

The Hero Splendor is the highest-selling bike in the world, and for valid reasons. While it lacks road presence, it's famous for reliability and high mileage, all at an affordable price. The Splendor Plus XTEC is the perfect bike for college students under 1 lakh. It is powered by a 97 cc engine that has an output of 8 PS and 8 Nm and is paired with a 4-speed gearbox.

3. TVS Raider

Starting Price: Rs 87,010

The TVS Raider is one of the top bikes for college students in India under 2 lakh. The Raider provides a combo of sporty looks, advanced tech and high mileage. The design elements of the Raider lend it an upmarket experience. The TVS Raider features a 125 cc engine that delivers 11.38 PS and 11.7 PS with a reported mileage of 56 kmpl. The Raider is comfortable for long distances, and the powerful engine makes it engaging to drive. The bike gets 6 variants and features such as a TFT screen, USB charger, helmet indicator and ride modes.

4. Hero Xtreme 125 R

Starting Price: Rs 96,425

The Xtreme 125 R is one of Hero’s latest commuter models. The appearance of this model is more towards the sporty side while being a fuel-efficient commuter. It is offered in four variants, which feature varying levels of tech and customisations. Powered by a 125 cc engine which has an output of 11.5 PS and 10.5 Nm torque, the Xtreme 125 R gets a claimed mileage of 66 kmpl. The feature list includes single-channel ABS, an LCD cluster, and front disc brakes.

5. Suzuki Gixxer

Price: Rs 1.37 lakh

The Suzuki Gixxer belongs to the naked sportsbike segment and is a solid choice for a college student. Powered by a 115 cc engine that delivers 13.6 PS and 13.8 Nm and can go up to 120 kmph. It features a digital console with Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, and single-channel ABS. The riding position of the Gixxer is sporty yet comfortable, with centred footpegs and a scooped seat. If you can shell out a bit more, consider the Suzuki Gixxer SF, which is a faired version of the standard model.

Also Check Out: Top 10 Bikes With Highest Mileage In India Under Rs 1 lakh

6. Honda Hornet 2.0

Price: Rs 1.43 lakh

The Honda Hornet 2.0 is a solid choice for college students who want a powerful engine and stylish looks. It is adorned with sharp shapes all around, and the dual-tone paint job makes the bike pop out. A 184 cc engine powers the Hornet 2.0 that produces 17.3 PS and 15.9 Nm and is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The feature list includes an LCD cluster, USD forks, and front ABS. The riding position of the Hornet 2.0 is sporty; however, it's comfortable for long-distance travel.

7. Yamaha FZ-S Fi

Starting Price: Rs 1.45 lakh

The Yamaha FZ-S Fi is the first hybrid bike in India, which means increased power and mileage. The 150 cc hybrid engine delivers 12.4 PS and 13.3 Nm with a reported efficiency of 48 kmpl. The appearance of the FZ-S Fi is towards the muscular side, mixed with sporty elements. The rider sits upright, which makes the hybrid bike a comfortable commuter. The feature list includes a TFT display, a single-channel ABS and a traction control system.

8. Bajaj Pulsar NS200

Price : Rs 1.58 lakh

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is one of the top bikes for students in India under 2 lakh. A chunky fuel tank, which is contrasted with aggressive design elements, makes up the looks of the Pulsar NS200. The naked sportsbike features a 200 cc engine that delivers 24.5 PS and 18.74 Nm with a mileage of up to 40 kmpl. Dual-channel ABS, USD forks and 17-inch wheels ensure that the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is both fun to drive and safe.

9. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

Starting Price: Rs 1.74 lakh

The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is a solid sports bike for college students under 2 lakh. The sporty appearance of the Apache demands attention in traffic. Looks are not the only thing going for the bike, as it comes with a 198 cc engine that produces 20.83 PS and 17.25 Nm. The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V comes with ride modes that increase mileage or let you enjoy the full power of the engine. The riding position is sporty (leaning forward) yet comfortable.

Read More: Top 10 Bikes For Long Drive In India For Every Budget

10. Yamaha R15 V4

Starting Price: Rs 1.84 lakh

The R15 V4 is one of the most famous Yamaha offerings and is currently in its fourth generation. It looks like a fully faired sportsbike and performs like one as well. The R15 can reach a top speed of 150 kmph with the help of its 155 cc engine that produces 18.35 PS and 14.2 Nm. The R15 can be used as a daily driver and on a track (just don't race on the streets with it). It comes with traction control, a quickshifter and a digital instrument cluster.

The final decision of which is the best bike for college students under 2 lakh lies with you. While we have compiled the list, the choice depends on your needs. If a bike is just a tool for you, go for the more affordable option, like the Bajaj Platina 100. If you want to commute and enjoy a new hobby at the same time, consider the other options. A bigger budget opens more options; however, the affordable bikes on this list are solid choices as well. And if you have decided on a bike but can shell out a bit more money, consider spending it on riding gear.

Disclaimer

(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)