The recent changes in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have had an indirect impact on two-wheeler market. And many popular bikes in the 150-165cc category that were previously out of budget for many are now comfortably sitting under ₹1.5 lakh (on-road, in most cities).

As a rider myself, I know that these bikes offer very good value for money with great features like comfort, fuel economy and power.

So here are five interesting options for you if you are planning to buy a new bike and are looking to stretch your fuel budget: Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160, Honda SP160, Hero Xtreme 160R and Yamaha FZ-S FI.

1. Bajaj Pulsar NS160 – Sportiest In The Segment

The Pulsar N160 is among the most desired models in the category, thanks to its 164.8cc oil-cooled engine, which has linear torque delivery on the mid-range. It makes the Pulsar N160 ideal for overtaking and cruising on the highway with ease.

While being a sportier version of the Pulsar N160, the BS6 motorcycle doesn’t compromise on practicality like some of its competitors. The N160 has a good-looking yet bulky fuel tank and aggressive LED lighting on the front for its sporty DNA on the road.

The Pulsar N160 gives a fuel economy figure of around 40-50kmpl for combined mileage, which is pretty decent for a motorcycle in this category. However, the most surprising thing about the N160 is its brilliant braking package, which on certain variants has dual-channel ABS for superior stopping power.

On-road price: ₹1.43 Lakh – ₹1.59 Lakh

Who it suits: Sporty commuters looking for a good balance between economy and power.

2. TVS Apache RTR 160 – The best value bike for using commute and sporty uses.

TVS Apache RTR 160 is one of the most popular bikes and justifiably so. The 159.7cc engine is perfectly balanced in its performance, response as well as being economical on fuel. It is an absolute steal when it comes to buying two wheeler that can serve double purposes – as both a cruiser and as a sporty machine.

The new Apache RTR 160 features dual-channel ABS as well as conforms to the new emission norms. It is a nimble machine which is always eager to pounce on the twisty turns.

But it is the mileage which makes the RTR 160 a cut above the rest – you can expect to get 45-50kmpl on an average.

On-road price: ₹1.40 lakh to ₹1.55 lakh

Suitable for: Sporty commuting and track days on the weekends

3. Honda SP160 – Best in terms of comfort and mileage

If saving fuel is your primary concern then the Honda SP160 is one of the best options on the list.

The company has worked on a 162.7cc engine which delivers great power but prioritizes the comfort of the rider over power. It offers a smooth power delivery with low vibrations which helps in achieving the fuel efficiency of up to 55kmpl as claimed by the company and also provides reliability which is the specialty of Honda.

The upright riding position along with the comfortable seat and good suspension makes this scooter a perfect option for commuting on a daily basis.

Expected price – Around ₹1.45 lakh

Worth buying for – Commuters who prioritize comfort and excellent fuel economy.

4. Hero Xtreme 160R – Light Weight, Cheap And Sporty Bike

If you are budget-conscious and want a sporty two-wheeler, then this bike is for you.

It has a light-weight engine which makes driving around in traffic easier.

It has a powerful 163cc engine that gives a fantastic punch and is good on the highway without burning a hole in your pocket. You can expect to get around 40-45kmpl on an average.

As it is a light-weight bike, you have better control on the road.

Hero Motorcycles has a wide dealer-service network, so you need not worry about service and maintenance, especially if you are buying this two-wheeler in a small town or city.

On-road price: Around ₹1.33 lakh

Who should buy it: This is a good bike if you are a first-time buyer or have a limited budget and have to travel long distances on a daily basis.

5. Yamaha FZ-S FI – Offers Premium Quality and Superior Refinement

Yamaha FZ-S FI always stood out from the rest in terms of its quality build. It features a modest 149cc four-stroke engine, but the power produced remains smooth and reliable.

Moreover, it delivers a comfortable riding experience along with a substantial amount of power and very good packaging. These aspects make it ideal for commuting purposes as well as for weekend adventures.

The fuel efficiency is also excellent and is estimated to be 45-50kmpl on average.

It possesses a muscular look that comes with quality finish and LED lights. Hence, it is among the most stylish bikes in this segment.

On-road price: Rs.1.43 Lakh – Rs.1.55 Lakh

Perfect for: FZ-S FI is suitable for those who prefer comfort, refinement, and reliability.

How GST Changes Impacted Buying Scenarios

With the recent changes in the GST structure, there has been a significant drop in prices of 150-165cc motorcycles. As a result, manufacturers have lowered their ex-showroom rates in order to benefit from the newly imposed tax regulations.

Therefore, we can say that it is a perfect time to buy a new two-wheeler as most of the models that cost over Rs. 1.5 lakh on-road are now available at a lower price range.

Quick Buyer’s Guide – Which Bike Should You Buy?

Most Mileage:

Honda Sp160 – most efficient and comfortable ride experience.

Most Sporty:

Bajaj Pulsar N160 – mid range performance flagship.

Best Handling & Safety features:

TVS Apache RTR 160 – best in segment braking and stability.

Most Budget Friendly & Sporty:

Hero Xtreme 160R – compact and lightest in class.

Most Refinement & Premium Feel:

Yamaha Fz-S Fi – most refined engine in its class.

Which is the Best Bike Under 1.5 Lakh?

To address your concern, there is no specific answer for this as it entirely depends on what are you exactly looking for in a two-wheeler and how do you intend to use it.

So, if you are a value-conscious buyer and have an average need for commuting then Honda SP160 would be our top recommendation.

On the flip side, if you are an adventure lover then looking for a high-performance motorcycle would make more sense to you and in that case, you could go with Bajaj Pulsar N160 or TVS Apache RTR 160.

For the people who are easy-going but also want to own a nice-looking machine that delivers an average level of performance then Hero Xtreme 160R can be a decent option.

And at last, if you are a connoisseur of luxury and comfort then Yamaha FZ-S FI would be our recommendation.

Final Word

Thanks to the recent changes in the GST, buyers can now get their hands on some of the best 150-165cc motorcycles in the country at subsidized prices. These bikes are perfect for commuting as well as hitting the highway thanks to their great fuel economy, sporty performance, and updated features.

So whether your priority is fuel efficiency, sportiness, or just overall value for money, there has never been a better time to buy a new bike in India under ₹1.5 lakh.