“On a motorcycle, you can’t really think about more than where you are. There’s a freedom that comes with that – from stress, worry, sweating the small stuff.”
We 100% relate to this quote by Laurence Fishbourne. A bike is a man’s best friend and we know that your first bike as a college student will always be special. Not because of its design or features but the memories you’ll create with it.
From bunking classes to riding to the borders of the city to having long deep conversations with your college buddies and taking pictures. It’ll be a silent spectator and a friend in every adventure you take on.
And that is why deciding which bike you should buy is so important. But don’t worry, we have dived deep into the motorcycle world to list out the best bikes for college students like yourself.
If you want a bike that resonates with your personality, helps to speed away from the chaotic world, brings out the rider in you, and is within your budget) then read on!
We have divided the list into 3 parts so you can choose a bike that falls under your budget.
Best bikes for college students under 3 lacs
1. KTM RC 390
Remember the bikes you saw in the Dhoom series and obsessed over? KTM RC gives the same vibe in its current avatar. It’s an eye-catching supersport machine with a 373cc engine that produces a hard-hitting 43.5 bhp which is all the power you will need to leave everyone on the street behind. The RC 390 is a great combination of funky and frantic. A bike that brings the race track DNA to the street.
Highlights
- Mileage: 26km/l
- Impressive Technology Package.
- Available in 2 colors: metallic silver and white & black.
2. KTM Duke 390
The KTM Duke 390 is an absolute stunner and powerful beast that you can ride to college with a smile inside your helmet. It will put a big smile on your face with its sheer power. With swanky features like full-colour TFT, ride by wire, Bluetooth connectivity, and quick-shifter plus, this bike is loaded with the best tech which you can get at this budget.
Highlights:
- Mileage: 25km/l
- Engine capacity: 373cc
- Full LED lighting
- Supermoto ABS (Switchable on the rear wheel)
3. Apache 310RR
The new model of the Apache 310 RR has already won our hearts with its aggressive design and impressive features. Revised aerodynamics give the bike a sporty and racier look, all the while maintaining comfort for its rider. It gets an advanced full-color TFT display which is totally unique and gets features like an over-speeding indicator, engine rev limiter, storage of digital documents, and a day trip meter.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 312cc
- Mileage: 30km/l
- Optional additions: Dynamic Kit & Race Kit
- Built to order models available.
4. Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
If you’re a bike enthusiast, you’d know that Suzuki bikes are known for their reliability and refinement. You can never go wrong with a Suzuki! SF 250 upholds that reputation and values you a great value for money. Despite being a sporty machine, there is no compromise with the comfort of this bike. The Gixxer 250 hasn’t been updated in a long time, but its design is still fresh and will still turn heads when you ride it to your college.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 249cc
- Mileage: 35km/l
- Premium looks
- Highly tractable motor
4. Suzuki Gixxer 250 (Naked)
Gixxer 250 and SF 250 are the “Karan Arjun” of the motorcycle world. They share the same features with only a difference in weight and styling. However, the naked Gixxer 250 is more enjoyable and comfortable to ride in the city thanks to the wider handlebar and a relaxed riding posture.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 249cc
- Mileage: 35km/l
- Highly tractable motor.
5. Yamaha R15M V4
R15 V4 was already an incredible bike but you will love the upgrades in the R15M variant! Its premium looks and features are sure to make you go, “Whoaa!” Fantastic upgrades like quick-shifter, riding modes, Bluetooth connectivity, and superb performance will have your friends begging you for a ride.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 155cc
- Mileage: 45km/l
- Optional charging point
Best bikes for college students under 2 lacs
7. Suzuki Gixxer SF 150.
If your bank account says, “Nope” for Gixxer 250 then SF 150 will fit right in your budget. Who wouldn’t want a stunning sports bike with brilliant riding dynamics, good mileage, and a pleasing motor?
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 155cc
- Mileage: 45km/l
- Good fuel efficiency
- Sporty yet comfortable riding position
8. Yamaha FZ25.
Yamaha has slashed 20k more from the bike’s price, making it the cheapest 250cc bike on the market! It’s city-oriented and allows no puddles to disrupt your comfort. If you ever plan to bunk college & visit the city outskirts then FZ25 will not let you realize just how uneven the roads are.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 249cc
- Mileage: 37km/l
- Sporty appearance yet comfortable stance
9. Yamaha FZx
Yamaha FZ X may be a new bike on the road but gives a major retro vibe, yet its features are anything but old! Get a Digital console with Bluetooth connectivity that shows incoming calls, emails, and texts The Yamaha App even shows you where you last parked so that you’re not left wandering the parking lot.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 150cc
- Mileage: 45km/l
- Charging point
- Good for rough roads.
10. Bajaj Pulsar NS 200
If you’re a college student who’s not into sports bikes but wants a stylish street bike, then the Pulsar 200 is the one for you! At average maintenance cost, Pulsar’s engine churns out an amazing performance, making it a great value for money.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 200cc
- Mileage: 35km/l
- Average maintenance cost
- Great value for money
11. TVS Apache 200 4v
An absolute beast of a bike that offers 3 riding modes. Rain, road, and sport. Along with trendy features like Bluetooth connectivity and GTT technology for smooth low-speed riding. Having a bike that has such rare features packed all in one is like hitting a jackpot!
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 197cc
- Mileage: 37km/l
- Note: with each riding mode, the top speed, ABS, power delivery shall differ.
12. Yamaha R15 4V.
R15 V4 will make you stand out as it demands attention and rightfully so! V4 not only serves looks but awesome features like quick-shifter, Bluetooth connectivity, and traction control system. All these attributes, just so you can slip through traffic and reach college on time!
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 155cc
- Mileage: 40km/l
- Has 2 modes: Street mode & Race mode
13. Hero Xtreme 160R.
If Xtreme 160R were to be a DC Hero, it would be Flash since it sprints from 0-60 kmph in just 4.5 secs! And not just that, it’s lightweight allows you the satisfaction of smoothly filtering through traffic as you make neat cuts and over-takes.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 163cc
- Mileage: 48km/l
- Full digital instrument console
- Best for city roads and traffic
14. Yamaha MT-15
We all know a Mr. Cool-Guy, a guy who owns the hottest bike with the trendiest features and jaw-dropping performance. Good news for you, MT-15 lets you be that guy! Compact design, incredible performance, and features make it one of the coolest street bikes in the market. Not just that…MT-15 has VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) A rare feature only found in Yamaha bikes like R15 V4, 15M V4, and Aerox 155 scooter.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 155cc
- Mileage: 45km/l
- Good fuel efficiency
15. Yamaha MT-15
We all know a Mr. Cool-Guy, a guy who owns the hottest bike with the trendiest features and jaw-dropping performance. Good news for you, MT-15 lets you be that guy! Compact design, incredible performance, and features make it one of the coolest street bikes in the market. Not just that…MT-15 has VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) A rare feature only found in Yamaha bikes like R15 V4, 15M V4, and Aerox 155 scooter.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 155cc
- Mileage: 45km/l
- Good fuel efficiency
16. Honda Hornet 2.0
With such sharp design and quick speed transition, the name “Hornet” suits it best! But you certainly won’t feel a sting while riding this lightweight yet stylish bike. Premium design and sporty structure are bound to capture anyone’s attention.
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 184cc
- Mileage: 45km/l
- Digital cluster
- Hazard light switch
17. TVS Raider 125.
A city-oriented bike for City lovers! Raider 125 is one of the most affordable 125cc bikes in the motorcycle market. New features paired with a powerful engine make Raider your perfect ride to college!
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 125cc
- Mileage: 67km/l
- Bluetooth connectivity
18. Bajaj Pulsar NS 125.
NS125 is a bike that has pros you can’t overlook! Low maintenance cost and lightweight makes it a favorite among college students plagued by the ever-increasing petrol prices & traffic. Doesn’t disappoint in style as well!
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 125cc
- Mileage: 45km/l
- Good for city
Scooters.
Are you struggling to decide whether you should buy a bike or a scooter? You’ve asked around and found different opinions of different people, leaving you confused. If you’re nodding yes, then let us help you. Listed below are the best and latest scooters that the market can offer. Read on, weigh the pros and cons of bikes and scooters and make your decision!
19. TVS NTorq 125 race XP.
Bollywood often associates scooters with nerds, maybe because they never came across Ntorq 125 yet. This scooter beats the stereotype with swanky design, fantastic performance, and not to forget, its amazing features. It’s not a brainer why Ntorq is the most sold scooter!
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 125cc
- Mileage: 42km/l
- USB charging point
- Powerful motor.
20. Yamaha Aerox 155.
Aerox is by far the most powerful and advanced on the road today! Has an engine so powerful, it can’t go unnoticed. If that sounds like your dream scooter, then Aerox is your soulmate!
Highlights:
- Engine capacity: 155cc
- Mileage: 45km/l
- Bluetooth enabled cluster
- Powerful motor
- VVA
Bonus Bike ????
OLA Electric Scooter (S1 & S1 Pro)
If Batman were to own a scooter, it would surely be OLA’s electric scooter. Matte black, sleek & minimalist design, and environment-friendly. Yup, It ticks all the boxes for Batman! And for people worried about ridiculous petrol prices as well. Electric scooters are god-sent for college students and environment-conscious people. OLA proved that electric scooters don’t have to be ugly. Or slow! The scooter reaches a top speed of 115km/hr and has features like smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, wifi, and GPS connectivity.
Highlights:
- Get home mode, geo-fencing, reverse mode, take me home light, and limp home mode.
- Hill-hold function, voice assistant, and cruise control.
- The sound system imitates petrol-powered scooters.
- Charged at home in 4hrs
- 18 min of charging offers a 75km range.
After exploring these fantastic options, it’s clear that there are plenty of bikes available in India that are perfect for college students. Whether you prioritize style, affordability, or performance, there’s something for everyone. Remember to consider your specific needs, budget, and preferences before making a final decision.
