Best Bikes for College Students Under 1 Lakh

For many college students, owning a bike is more than just a means of transport — it’s freedom, convenience, and often a style statement. But being on a student budget means you also need a bike that is affordable to buy and cheap to run.

Fortunately, the Indian two-wheeler market is packed with options under ₹1 lakh that beautifully blend style, efficiency, and reliability. Here’s a detailed look at the best bikes for college students under ₹1 lakh, keeping in mind mileage, looks, performance, and long-term maintenance.

1. Hero Xtreme 125R

• Price: ~₹95,000 (ex-showroom)
• Engine: 125cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected
• Power: 11.4 bhp
• Mileage: ~60 km/l
• Why it stands out:
  Hero’s latest addition to the 125cc segment, the Xtreme 125R, offers a fresh sporty design that easily catches attention on campus. The muscular fuel tank, sharp LED headlamp, and stylish graphics make it look like a bigger bike. It’s also equipped with a digital console and side-stand engine cut-off for safety.

Perfect for students who want: A sporty bike with a refined engine, low maintenance cost, and the reliability of Hero’s vast service network.

2. TVS Raider 125

• Price: Starting from ₹95,000
• Engine: 124.8cc, air-cooled
• Power: 11.2 bhp
• Mileage: ~60 km/l
• Highlights:
  The Raider is one of the most youth-focused bikes in this price bracket. It comes with a striking LED headlamp, aggressive tank design, split seat, and even under-seat storage. The digital display shows gear position, mileage, and ride modes — features rarely seen in this segment.

Why college riders love it: Zippy performance in city traffic, playful handling, and a strong road presence. Great for short campus rides and weekend hangouts.

3. Honda SP 125

• Price: ~₹90,000
• Engine: 124cc, fuel-injected
• Power: 10.7 bhp
• Mileage: ~65 km/l
• Why choose it:
  Honda’s SP 125 is popular among students for its smooth, silent, and refined engine. The bike comes with a fully digital console that displays average fuel economy, gear position, and service reminders. The modern graphics and LED headlamp add a premium touch.

Best suited for: Those who prioritize a sophisticated look, high mileage, and a vibration-free riding experience.

4. Bajaj Pulsar 125

• Price: ~₹90,000
• Engine: 124.4cc
• Power: 11.8 bhp (strongest in this list)
• Mileage: ~55-60 km/l
• What makes it special:
  Want that big Pulsar feel on a student budget? The Pulsar 125 carries forward the same DNA — muscular design, back-lit switches, semi-digital cluster — and is slightly more powerful than most 125cc bikes. It's also quite stable on highways, making it fun for occasional long rides.

Ideal for students who: Love the iconic Pulsar styling and want slightly more punch for weekend getaways.

5. Hero Glamour XTEC

• Price: ~₹88,000
• Engine: 125cc, fuel-injected
• Power: 10.7 bhp
• Mileage: ~60 km/l
• Key features:
  The Glamour XTEC brings in a new-age digital cluster with Bluetooth connectivity for call & SMS alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, and even a USB charger. Its LED headlamp and sporty graphics keep it youthful.

Why it fits college life: Strikes a balance between style, tech features, and everyday mileage. Also very comfortable for daily rides to college.

6. Honda Shine 125

• Price: ₹80,000 - ₹85,000
• Engine: 124cc, silent start
• Mileage: ~65 km/l
• Why it’s a smart buy:
  The Shine might not look overly sporty, but it’s the benchmark for reliability. The refined engine ensures minimal vibrations, even at higher speeds. Its seat is well-cushioned — perfect for city commutes or occasional long rides home during holidays.

Best for students who: Want a no-nonsense, durable bike with excellent resale value and Honda’s trusted after-sales.

7. TVS Star City Plus

• Price: ~₹75,000
• Engine: 110cc
• Mileage: ~70 km/l
• Why it’s here:
  If your priority is maximum fuel efficiency and ultra-low maintenance, this is a hidden gem. It’s lighter, easier to maneuver in traffic, and has features like LED headlamp and eco/power mode indicator.

Suited for: Students who have a tight budget, need high mileage, and prefer simple yet reliable styling.

How to Pick the Right Bike as a College Student

• Focus on mileage: You’ll probably be riding daily, so anything above 55 km/l will save you plenty over time.
• Easy maintenance: Choose brands with strong service networks in your city. Hero, Honda, and TVS are often cheapest to maintain.
• Consider comfort & ride quality: Test the seat, suspension, and riding position. A stylish bike won’t matter if your back hurts on the way to class.
• Look for modern features: Digital console, LED lighting, USB charging, and even Bluetooth (like on the Glamour XTEC) add a modern touch.
• Resale value: Bikes like Honda Shine, Hero Glamour, and TVS Star City Plus have excellent resale when you’re ready to upgrade.

Conclusion

For college students, a bike isn’t just a way to reach lectures — it’s about convenience, small adventures, and personal style. Thankfully, under ₹1 lakh, you don’t have to sacrifice quality or looks. Whether you want the edgy look of a Pulsar, the tech-laden Raider, or the long-term assurance of a Shine, these bikes ensure you’ll enjoy your college rides without burning a hole in your wallet.