Top 5 Best Bikes for College Students Under ₹1.5 Lakh in India (2025)

21 Jul 2025

Written by: BikeCarHub Editorial Team

Published on: 18th July 2025

Introduction

Choosing the perfect bike as a college student in India can feel like finding the ultimate combination of affordability, style, comfort, and performance — all without burning a hole in your pocket. In 2025, with a budget of ₹1.5 lakh, the Indian two-wheeler market offers some fantastic machines that tick all the right boxes.

BikeCarHub has put together a list of the top 5 best bikes under ₹1.5 lakh tailored especially for college students — blending style, fuel economy, and modern features that'll make heads turn on campus and handle daily commutes like a champ.

What College Students Should Look for in a Bike

Before jumping into the list, here are a few important factors students should keep in mind:

Fuel Efficiency: Your monthly pocket money will thank you.
Maintenance: A reliable, low-maintenance bike saves long-term expenses.
Ride Comfort: Smooth suspensions and upright seating are a must for city rides.
Style & Presence: A good-looking bike? Always a bonus on campus!
Resale Value & Brand Trust: Useful when you upgrade or move on.

With those essentials covered, let's dive into the bikes themselves.

Best 5 Bikes for College Students Under ₹1.5 Lakh in 2025

These are the five best bikes we've selected — all priced under ₹1.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and perfect for students.

1. Bajaj Pulsar 150

Ex-Showroom Price: ₹ 1,13,734 (Pulsar 150 SD), ₹ 1,20,819 (Pulsar 150 TD)
Engine: 149.5cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder
Power: 14 PS@8500 rpm
Torque: 13.25 Nm@6500 rpm
Mileage: 47.5 km/l
Kerb Weight: 148 kg
Fuel Tank: 15 litres

The Pulsar 150 is practically a college legend. Known for its macho looks and refined DTS-i engine, it blends everyday usability with sporty styling. Great for daily use and occasional highway runs, it's ideal for students who want something time-tested.

Pros:

Reliable and long-lasting engine
Good balance of power and fuel efficiency
Wide service network

Cons:

Outdated instrument cluster
Lacks modern electronics

2. TVS Apache RTR 160 2V

Ex-Showroom Price: ₹ 1,21,420 (RM Drum Black Edition), ₹ 1,22,220 (RM Drum), ₹ 1,25,720 (RM Disc), ₹ 1,29,020 (RM Disc BT), ₹ 1,30,520 (Racing Edition), ₹ 1,34,320 (Dual Channel ABS)
Engine: 159.7cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected
Power: 16.04 PS@8750 rpm
Torque: 13.85 Nm@7000 rpm
Mileage: 61 km/l
Kerb Weight: 137 kg
Fuel Tank: 12 litres

The Apache RTR 160 2V is a pure street machine. With its aggressive stance and first-in-class ride modes (Sport, Urban, Rain), this bike brings race DNA to college life. The LED headlamp, digital display, and connected tech make it a head-turner on campus.

Pros:

Segment-first riding modes
Bluetooth connectivity and race telemetry
Strong performance and sound

Cons:

Smaller fuel tank
Slightly stiff suspension for pillion comfort

3. Hero Xtreme 160R

Ex-Showroom Price: ₹ 1,13,211 (XTREME 160R SINGLE DISC OBD2B)
Engine: 163cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected
Power: 15.2 PS@8500 rpm
Torque: 14 Nm@6500 rpm
Mileage: 47 km/l
Kerb Weight: 139.5 kg
Fuel Tank: 12 litres

Modern, lightweight, and quick off the line — that's the Xtreme 160R. It's one of the most responsive bikes in the 160cc category and offers excellent low-end torque for city riding. It's also equipped with LED lighting and a fully digital console.

Pros:

Very lightweight — easy to handle for new riders
Best-in-class acceleration
Sporty and aggressive looks

Cons:

Basic instrumentation
Rear suspension could be more refined

4. Honda Unicorn CBF 160

Ex-Showroom Price: ₹ 1,19,000
Engine: 162.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder
Power: 13.8 hp@8000 rpm
Torque: 13.92 Nm@6000 rpm
Mileage: 60 km/l
Kerb Weight: 135 kg
Fuel Tank: 12 litres

Comfort is where the Unicorn CBF 160 shines. With a long seat, smooth engine, and premium Honda build quality, this bike is perfect for those looking for a no-nonsense commuter that glides through traffic effortlessly.

Pros:

Most comfortable ride in the segment
Excellent fuel economy
Honda's reliable after-sales service

Cons:

Very conservative design
Misses out on modern features

5. TVS Raider 125

Ex-Showroom Price: ₹ 87,010 (TVS Raider 125 Drum), ₹ 93,500 (TVS Raider 125 Single Seat), ₹ 97,850 (TVS Raider 125 Split Seat), ₹ 97,850 (TVS Raider 125 IGO), ₹ 99,100 (TVS Raider 125 SSE), ₹ 1,02,300 (TVS Raider 125 SX)
Engine: 124.8cc, air-cooled, 3-valve
Power: 11.38 PS@7500 rpm
Torque: 11.2 Nm@6000 rpm
Mileage: 56.7 km/l
Kerb Weight: 123 kg
Fuel Tank: 10 litres

Don't let the 125cc badge fool you. The TVS Raider 125 punches above its weight with aggressive styling, a digital display, riding modes, and Bluetooth-enabled cluster. It's aimed at Gen-Z and fits the modern student lifestyle perfectly.

Pros:

Fantastic fuel economy
Loaded with features and tech
Lightweight and nimble

Cons:

Limited power for highway use
Slightly smaller fuel tank

Specifications & Features Comparison Table

Bike	Engine	Power	Torque	Mileage (km/l)	Weight	Price (₹)	Key Features
Bajaj Pulsar 150	149.5cc	14 PS	13.25 Nm	47.5	148kg	₹1,13,734-₹1,20,819	DTS-i Engine, Wide Service Network
TVS Apache RTR 160 2V	159.7cc	16.04 PS	13.85 Nm	61	137kg	₹1,21,420-₹1,34,320	Ride Modes, LED Lights, SmartXonnect
Hero Xtreme 160R	163cc	15.2 PS	14 Nm	47	139kg	₹1,13,211	LED Headlamp, Fast Acceleration
Honda Unicorn CBF 160	162.7cc	13.8 hp	13.92 Nm	60	135kg	₹1,19,000	Long Seat, Smooth Engine
TVS Raider 125	124.8cc	11.38 PS	11.2 Nm	56.7	123kg	₹87,010-₹1,02,300	Digital Display, Sporty Design

Ownership & Maintenance Tips for College Riders

Stick to regular service intervals to maintain fuel efficiency.
Always keep tyre pressure optimal.
Check the chain tension monthly.
Invest in a good helmet and lock system.
Use engine kill switch properly — it's there for a reason.

Which One Should You Buy?

Still confused? Here's a quick breakdown:

For Style & Tech: TVS Raider 125 / Apache RTR 160 2V
For Comfort: Honda Unicorn CBF 160
For Balanced Performance: Bajaj Pulsar 150
For Lightweight Ride: TVS Raider 125
For Maximum Mileage: TVS Apache RTR 160 2V

Final Thoughts from BikeCarHub

All five bikes in this list deliver real value under ₹1.5 lakh. Whether you prioritize tech, style, mileage, or comfort, there's a perfect ride waiting for you. From the ever-reliable Pulsar to the futuristic Raider 125, college students are spoiled for choice in 2025.

Take a test ride, compare EMI options, and don't forget — always ride safe, with a helmet. You'll thank yourself later.