Hero vs Honda: Which Bike Brand is Better Under ₹1.5 Lakh in India (2025)?

4 Aug 2025

Written by: BikeCarHub Editorial Team

Published on: 11th August 2025

Introduction

When it comes to buying a reliable, fuel-efficient, and stylish motorcycle under ₹1.5 lakh, Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India are two brands that dominate the Indian market. Both manufacturers offer a wide range of commuter and performance bikes that cater to students, office-goers, and everyday riders alike. But which one gives you more value for money?

In this comparison by BikeCarHub, we break down their best offerings, specs, riding experience, and more to help you make a well-informed decision in 2025.

Brand Overview: Hero vs Honda

Hero MotoCorp

World's largest two-wheeler manufacturer by volume.
Known for affordability, high mileage, and wide service network.
Strong presence in rural and semi-urban markets.
Focused on practical and fuel-efficient commuters.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI)

Japanese engineering meets Indian affordability.
Popular for smooth engines, refined ride quality, and solid reliability.
Urban appeal with slightly more premium positioning.
Consistent performance and better design elements.

Best Hero Bikes Under ₹1.5 Lakh

1. Hero Xtreme 160R

Price: ₹1,13,211
Engine: 163.2cc, 4 stroke, Air Cooled, 2 Valve
Power: 15 Ps@8500rpm
Torque: 14 NM@6500rpm
Front Tyre: 100/80-17 Tubeless
Rear Tyre: 130/70 R17 Tubeless
Ground Clearance: 167mm
Kerb Weight: 139.5 Kg
Mileage: 47–49 km/l
Highlights: Lightweight chassis, LED lighting, digital console. Ideal for college students and urban riders who want sportiness without breaking the bank.

2. Hero Glamour XTEC

Engine: 124.7cc, Air Cooled 4 stroke
Power: 10.7 PS@7500 rpm
Torque: 10.6 Nm@6000 rpm
Features: Full Digital Display, Bluetooth, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Real-Time Mileage
Transmission: 5-Speed
Front Tyre: 80/100-18 (Tubeless)
Rear Tyre: 100/80-18 (Tubeless)
Brakes: 240 mm front disc, 130 mm rear drum
Weight: 122 kg(Drum), 123 kg(Disc)
Fuel Tank: 10 L
Price: ₹90,498 (Drum Brake), ₹95,098 (Disc Brake)

Why Choose?

Tech lovers will adore the Bluetooth connectivity, mobile charging port, and LED headlamp. It’s a truly modern 125cc bike packed with commuter sensibility and a sporty edge.

3. Hero HF Deluxe

Engine: 97.2cc, Air cooled, 4-stroke, Single cylinder, OHC
Power: 5.9 Kw@8000 rpm
Torque: 8.5 Nm@6000 rpm
Transmission: 4-Speed
Front Tyre: 80/100-18 M/C 47P (Tubeless)
Rear Tyre: 80/100-18 M/C 54P (Tubeless)
Brakes: 130 mm front drum, 130 mm rear drum, Integrated Braking System
Weight: 112 kg
Fuel Tank: 9.6 L
Price Range: ₹59,998-₹73,550

Why Choose?

The no-nonsense commuter — durable, lightweight, and delivers legendary fuel economy. Ideal for rural and daily utility riders.

Best Honda Bikes Under ₹1.5 Lakh

1. Honda Unicorn 160

Engine: 162.71 cc, Air cooled, 4-stroke, Single cylinder, OHC
Power: 9.5 kW@7,500 rpm
Torque: 14 Nm@5,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-Speed
Front Tyre: 80/100-17
Rear Tyre: 110/80-17
Brakes: 240 mm front Disc, 130 mm rear drum
Weight: 140 kg
Fuel Tank: 13 L
Price Range: ₹1,19,681
Highlights: Long seat, great comfort, refined engine Excellent choice for comfort-focused daily riders.

2. Honda SP 125

Engine: 123.4cc, 4-stroke, SI Engine
Power: 8 Kw@7500 rpm
Torque: 10.9 Nm@6000 rpm
Transmission: 5-Speed
Front Tyre: 80/100-18 M/C 47P (Tubeless)
Rear Tyre: 100/80-18 M/C 53P (Tubeless)
Brakes: 130 mm front drum, 130 mm rear drum
Weight: 116 kg(Drum), 117 kg(Disc)
Fuel Tank: 11 L
Price Range: ₹92,465-₹99,998
Features:Full Digital Meter, Real-Time & Avg Fuel Efficiency, Distance-to-Empty, LED Headlamp

Why Choose?

Honda SP 125 leads the pack with top-notch refinement, high fuel economy, and an ultra-informative digital cluster. The aggressive design is an added bonus for younger commuters.

3. Honda Shine 125

Engine: 123.94cc, 4 Stroke, SI, BS-VI Engine
Power: 7.93 kW@7500 rpm
Torque: 11 Nm@6000 rpm
Mileage: 55–65 km/l
Features: ACG Silent Start, Side Stand Engine Cut-off, 5-speed gearbox
Front Tyre: 80/100-18 M/C 47P
Rear Tyre: 90/90-18 M/C 51P
Brakes: 240 mm disc (F), 130 mm drum (R)
Weight: 113 kg
Fuel Tank: 10.5 L
Price: ₹85,221-₹90,472

Why Choose?

Honda Shine is built for comfort, longevity, and reliability. With its elegant chrome accents, 5-speed transmission, and wide seating — it’s made for family and solo riders alike.

Specifications & Features Comparison Table

Bike	Engine	Power	Mileage (km/l)	Price (₹)	Features
Hero Xtreme 160R	163.2cc	15 PS	47–49	1,13,211	LED, Digital Console, Sporty Handling
Hero Glamour XTEC	124.7cc	10.7 PS	60–63	90,498-95,098	Bluetooth, Navigation, USB Charging
Hero HF Deluxe	97.2cc	5.9 Kw	65–70	59,998-73,550	Kick/Self Start, Combi Brakes
Honda Unicorn 160	162.71cc	9.5 Kw	60	1,19,681	Long Seat, High Comfort, Refined Ride
Honda SP 125	123.4cc	8 Kw	60–65	92,465-99,998	Digital Meter, Silent Start, LED
Honda Shine 125	123.94cc	7.93 Kw	55-60	85,221-90,472	CBS Brakes, Clean Design, Great Mileage

Hero vs Honda: Category-Wise Comparison

1. Performance & Ride Handling

Hero’s Xtreme 160R edges out in sporty response, while Honda Unicorn is more tuned for smooth cruising. Hero gives you that quick throttle, Honda gives you the silky-smooth experience.

2. Fuel Efficiency

Both brands excel, but Hero HF Deluxe and Honda Shine 125 stand out with 50–60 km/l. In city traffic, that’s a big plus.

3. Comfort

wins here. The Unicorn’s long seat and plush suspension make it the ultimate daily commuter for office and college rides.

4. Technology & Features

Hero Glamour XTEC steals the show with Bluetooth, nav assist, and USB charging. Honda SP 125 offers digital tech, but not as extensive.

5. Design & Appeal

Hero’s newer designs (Xtreme 160R, Glamour XTEC) look youthful and sporty. Honda bikes, while elegant, are more conservative.

6. Service & Maintenance

Hero has a wider rural network and cheaper spares. Honda offers better finish quality and consistent reliability, especially in urban centres.

7. Resale Value

Honda tends to retain resale better in metros, but Hero has a slight edge in Tier-2 cities due to its mass presence.

Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, both brands cater to different segments. Here’s the breakdown:

Choose Hero if you want:

Aggressive styling
Better features for less
Lower maintenance costs
Widespread rural support

Choose Honda if you prefer:

Ultra-smooth engine refinement
More comfort and riding ease
Higher resale value
Solid build quality

Both brands offer solid choices under ₹1.5 lakh. Head to your local dealership and take a test ride. For more reviews and comparisons like this, check out BikeCarHub.

Conclusion

In the battle of Hero vs Honda under ₹1.5 lakh, there's no single winner — it all depends on your priorities. Hero wins on features and affordability, while Honda leads in comfort and long-term quality. Whichever you pick, you’re riding home with a machine that’s trusted by millions of Indians.