Top 3 Bikes to Buy this Diwali and After GST cut under Rs 3 lakh.

Why this Diwali is special for bike buyers

This Diwali, there’s a golden opportunity for bike enthusiasts in India. The newly revised GST 2.0 regime has slashed GST rates for motorcycles up to 350cc, reducing the previous 28% slab to 18% for this category.

What this means: many bikes that used to hover near the top of your budget might now come in with a more comfortable price tag. As a result, mid-segment bikes that were borderline “too expensive” could now fall comfortably under ₹3 lakh (on road / ex-showroom + accessories) in many cities.

In addition, manufacturers and dealerships are offering Diwali discounts, exchange bonuses, and finance schemes to melt stock and attract buyers. This confluence of tax cuts + festive offers makes now one of the best times in recent years to buy a bike in the sub-₹3 lakh bracket.

Let’s explore three standout bikes that are especially attractive this Diwali, with pros, cons, comparisons, and buying tips for bikes under 3 lakh 2025, Diwali bike offers, GST 2.0 bike price cuts, and best bikes in India under ₹3 lakh.

What to look for in a Diwali bike purchase

Before we dive into picks, here’s what you should prioritize:

Now, let’s jump into the top 3 picks.

🏍️ Top 3 Bikes to Buy This Diwali Under ₹3 Lakh (After GST Cut)

1. TVS Apache RTX 300 — Adventure / tourer choice

This is a bold pick. The Apache RTX 300 is TVS’s adventure-tourer entry, and it competes well under ₹3 lakh even with premium features.

Why it’s compelling:

• It gives you the look and versatility of an ADV bike without jumping into 400–500cc territory.
• You get good specs, usable performance, and exclusivity.

Key specs & features:

• Ex-showroom price starting at ₹1,99,000 (for the Base variant).
• Top variants go up to ~₹2,29,000 ex showroom.
• Features expected: liquid-cooled 299cc single, multiple ride modes, TFT display, modern electronics suite, LED lighting, disc brakes, ABS, etc.

Pros:

• Adventure styling + touring capability.
• Strong value under ₹3 lakh even after on-road costs.
• Brand support from TVS and modern features.

Cons / things to check:

• As a new model, long-term reliability and spares pricing are still being proven.
• Weight, ground clearance, and off-road capability need assessing (it may be more road-biased than hardcore ADV).
• Ensure the variant you pick includes the features you want (top trim may cost more with add-ons).

Who should pick it:
If you like the idea of touring, long rides, occasional dirt patches, and want a statement bike that’s not wildly expensive.

2. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 — Classic meets modern

The Hunter 350 is a strong pick if you want a motorcycle that combines heritage styling with modern usability, all within budget.

Why it’s compelling:

• It has the Royal Enfield aura and community.
• It’s practical for city and occasional highway use.
• After the GST cut and with festive discounts, its cost becomes more attractive.

Key details:

• On-road price (in many cities) is already listed in the ₹1.60 lakh range.
• The 350cc segment now benefits from the GST cut (since ≤350cc) — making the bike more affordable.
• Features include slipper clutch, refined J-platform engine, modern styling, retro cues, decent power and torque. (Wikipedia)

Pros:

• Strong brand & resale value.
• Good balance of comfort, performance and usability.
• Enjoyable rider experience and community support.

Cons / caveats:

• Being a 350cc bike, running costs (tires, servicing) will be higher than 125/160cc machines.
• Fuel efficiency will drop when ridden aggressively.
• Some compromise in tech; it’s not as loaded with ride modes / advanced electronics as pure sport bikes.

Who should pick it:
If you want a bike that’s classy, dependable, with character, but still practical for daily use and occasional fun rides.

3. Yamaha MT-15 V2 / similar 150–160cc performance commuter

These are more “balanced” picks — sporty commuters that blend everyday usability with a bit of performance. The MT-15 V2 is one of the standout names in this class.

Why it’s compelling:

• Ideal for city and highway mixed use.
• Lower running cost than big bikes, but more fun than plain commuters.
• With the GST cut, their ex-showroom price sees relief, improving value.

Key details:

• MT-15 V2’s ex-showroom figure is listed among “bikes under 3 lakh” on portals.
• It comes with aggressive styling, performance-oriented engine, nimble handling.

Pros:

• Good all-rounder: sporty when desired, manageable in traffic.
• Lower maintenance & fuel costs relative to big bikes.
• Strong brand, dealer network, reliability.

Cons / watchouts:

• Less character / presence compared to big bikes or retro bikes.
• Might lack premium features (ride modes, advanced electronics) in lower trims.
• Comfort for long rides might not match dedicated touring bikes.

Who should pick it:
If your riding is primarily commuting + occasional highway, and you want a fun bike that can do both without feeling overkill.

Watch Videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TURBOBEHIND

How the GST 2.0 Cut Shapes Your Choice

The recent GST revision (effective 22 September 2025) moved bikes up to 350cc into the 18% slab (down from 28%), while pushing bikes above 350cc to 40% GST.

Impacts:

• Bikes like the Hunter 350, RTX 300, and other ≤350cc models got immediate tax relief, improving affordability.
• Previously marginal bikes just above budget range might now slip under ₹3 lakh in many regions.
• Conversely, bikes over 350cc now attract steeper taxation — which makes selecting bikes within the ≤350cc band more appealing.

So when evaluating bikes, give preference to those ≤350cc unless you have a very high budget and purpose (where you accept higher GST).

Comparison & buyer decision framework

Here’s how the three picks stack up overall:

How to pick your best:

1. Usage pattern: If you do a lot of highway and open road, pick RTX 300 or Hunter 350. If most of your rides are city + occasional highway, go for MT-15 class.
2. Comfort preference: Big bikes might get tiring in traffic; a lighter 150–160cc can be more manageable.
3. Maintenance & service access: Always check how well supported the brand is in your city.
4. Resale & community: Bikes like RE have strong resale and community support; new entrants carry risk but also novelty.
5. Test rides: Especially for RTX 300 (being new), test it in mixed terrain before committing.

Tips to get the Best Deal this Diwali

• Lock offers early — dealerships may raise margins once demand picks up.
• Ensure full on-road quotes including RTO, insurance, handling.
• Ask for Diwali discounts, parts bundles, freebies (helmets, riding gear, extended warranty).
• Check variant features carefully — top trims often include the desirable electronics; mid trims may skip some.
• Use GST advantage — since the cut is active, verify the invoiced tax rates.
• Plan down payment & EMI — a lower GST means lower principal, hence lower EMI burden.

Conclusion

This Diwali, due to the GST cut and festive offers, bikes under ₹3 lakh are more attractive than ever. Among many contenders, TVS Apache RTX 300 stands out as an adventure-styled value pick, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 appeals to retro lovers, and MT-15 / 150–160cc sporty commuters are the practical fun choice.

If you like, I can build a comparison table for Delhi on-road prices, or a customized pick based on your monthly kilometres, riding style, and budget. Want me to do that next?