These are two-wheelers which are neither purely mileage oriented and neither are they considered premium. Motorcycles belonging to the 125cc segment cater to those who want to strike a balance between fuel economy, style and decent performance.
Also Read: The Best 125cc Scooters In India
While not as crowded as the 110cc segment, there are still plenty of models to choose from, each with their distinct advantages and shortcomings, which can make picking one difficult.
The following is a list of some of the best motorcycles belonging to the 125cc segment, one from each manufacturer.
Also Read: Honda Activa Prices Drop Post GST
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The fuel economy figures mentioned here are based on testing under standard conditions and can vary during actual usage.
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Honda CB Shine
While Honda has two good 125cc bikes in its portfolio, the other being the CBF Stunner, we choose the CB Shine for two reasons. The CBF Stunner leans more towards style and performance and is not for everyone. The CB Shine on the other hand, is a well-rounded package. It’s styling suits a wider range of people and there are no gripes with its smooth and refined engine.
Moreover, you cannot argue with the choice of 30 lakh owners. That’s right, the CB Shine is India’s best-selling 125cc motorcycle.
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Engine: 124.7cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, SI engine
Power: 10.12 bhp at 7500 rpm
Torque: 10.54 nm at 5500 rpm
Gearbox: 4-speed (N-1-2-3-4)
Fuel Economy: 65 kpl
Fuel Tank: 10.5-litres
Weight: 120 kg
Price: Rs 60,700 onward (on-road Delhi)
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Bajaj Discover 125
The new Discover 125 (Discover 125 M) could be considered just another Discover model, which is both good and bad. The bad being it offers very little differentiation from its other Discover siblings. But the 125 M is still one of the more stylish 125cc bikes you can find. This is also the least expensive 125cc motorcycle in this list and one of the most fuel efficient, offering great value for money. The Discover also one-ups the Shine with its gas-charged rear shocks.
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Engine: 124.6cc, single cyl, 4-valve, DTS-I with ExhausTEC
Power: 11.5 horsepower at 8000 rpm
Torque: 10.8 Nm at 6000 rpm
Gearbox: 4-speed (1-N-2-3-4)
Fuel Economy: 76 kpl
Fuel Tank: 9.5-litre
Weight: 118 kg
Price: Rs 56,400 onward (on-road Delhi)
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Hero Glamour FI
Yes, its the most expensive 125cc motorcycle, but it’s fuel injected engine also delivers the highest fuel efficiency. Dual-tone graphics adds a bit of zest to the otherwise dated styling of the motorcycle.
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Engine: Fuel injected, 124.8cc, air cooled, 4-stroke SOHC
Power: 9.1 horsepower at 7000 rpm
Torque: 10.35 Nm at 4000 rpm
Gearbox: 4-speed (N-1-2-3-4)
Fuel Economy: 81.1 kpl
Fuel Tank: 12-litres
Weight: 129 kg
Price: Rs 74,000 (on-road Delhi)
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TVS Phoenix 125
TVS calls the Phoenix a premium motorcycle. By ‘premium’ here TVS is referring to the Apache-inspired LED guide lamps and all-digital speedometer. Otherwise, the Phoenix is a conservatively styled 125cc motorcycle, with some eye-catching body graphics, and reliable and smooth engine, delivering good mileage.
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Engine: 124.5cc Eco Thrust engine
Power: 11 horsepower at 8000 rpm
Torque: 10.8 Nm at 6000 rpm
Gearbox: 4-speed (N-1-2-3-4)
Fuel Economy: 67 kpl
Fuel Tank: 12-litres
Weight: 116 kg
Price: Rs 61,000 (on-road Delhi)
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Yamaha Saluto
The Yamaha Saluto was launched in April 2015 in the Indian market. It uses a 125cc engine with Yamaha’s Blue Core technology that is found on the FZ series. The Blue Core technology promises better fuel economy, which is crucial for a commuter. The Saluto is available in two variants, with and without a front disc brake.
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Engine: 125cc, air cooled, 4-stroke
Power: 8.2 horsepower at 7500 rpm
Torque: 10.1 Nm at 4500 rpm
Gearbox: 4-speed
Fuel Economy: 78 kpl
Fuel Tank: 8.0-litres
Weight: 112 kg
Price: Rs. 52,600
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Suzuki Slingshot Plus 125
Suzuki has struggled to perform well in the 125cc segment despite a good product in the form of the Slingshot. The engine is refined and gear shifts smooth. It even comes with a gear position indicator, which is pretty useful. The design of Slingshot is stylish and sporty, with a recessed fuel tank, stepped seat and a separate instrument cluster unit. What it lacks, however, is power compared to competition.
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Engine: 124cc, air-cooled, 4-Stroke, SOHC
Power: 8.8 horsepower at 7,000rpm
Torque: 10 Nm
Gearbox: 5-speed (1-N-2-3-4-5)
Fuel Economy: 75 kpl
Fuel Tank: 12-litre
Weight: 129 kg
Price: Rs 60,000 onward (on-road Delhi)
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