Best 100cc Bikes: Choose Your Daily Commuter Without Breaking the Bank

The best 100cc bikes are not made to win races, but they can win your heart and pamper your wallet.

They offer a perfect balance of affordability and good functionality, making them ideal for any rider prioritising usability over high performance. This segment is dedicated to those who want all the thrills of riding a motorcycle without burning a hole in their pocket, combining cost-effectiveness with reliability.

A bike is a daily commuting partner for many riders rather than just a source of transportation. A 100cc bike provides sufficient power to handle city traffic, allowing riders to overtake and navigate complicated urban traffic rules with ease.

Moreover, these bikes are designed for comfort, which is why they feature long seats, ensuring riders can travel with pillion. The lightweight design and easy manoeuvrability make them perfect for any rider's first bike, regardless of experience level.

Why choose a 100cc motorcycle?

The 100cc segment is the best-selling category in the Indian motorcycle industry. It attracts riders with its mileage, low maintenance and durability. These bikes are experiencing rapid growth on the sales charts because they fulfil all the practical demands of average commuters, which is why most Bike Cab riders prefer this category.

The 100cc bikes once looked dated but brands have now started creating stylish models with useful features in this category. Therefore, it is important to choose the best one based on your requirements.

Here are our best picks:

(Note: Not all ex-showroom prices are from New Delhi. You’ll need to burn out extra for insurance, RTO, and accessories.)

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Hero Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0

The most famous bike in India’s two-wheeler segment, which started its journey as the Hero Honda Splendor in 1994, continues to dominate even after the separation of Hero and Honda. The new Splendor is very different from the old one and comes in two models: the Hero Splendor Plus and the Hero Splendor Plus Xtec version.

The Xtec version comes with a digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity, enhancing the ownership experience while the Plus version comes with an analog instrument cluster. Both models are powered by a single-cylinder, four-stroke 97.2cc engine that produces 7.9 bhp at 8,000 RPM and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM. They also feature an Xsens sensor-based fuel injection system with i3S technology, which enhances mileage efficiency. The fuel tank capacity of the bike is 9.8 litres.

The bike features a 4-speed gearbox for a smoother riding experience. The top model of the motorcycle includes alloy wheels and drum brakes. With a seat height of 785 mm, it is accessible to a majority of riders. The expected mileage of Splendor Plus is around 72kmpl.

Ex-showroom price:

Splendor Plus: INR 76,306

Splendor Plus: Xtec INR 82,911

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Bajaj Platina

The Bajaj Platina 100 is famous as the "mileage king" of the Indian market. It is available in three variants: Bajaj Platina 100, Bajaj Platina 110 Drum, and Bajaj Platina 110 ABS. The Platina 100 comes with a 4-speed gearbox, while the 110 models are equipped with a 5-speed gearbox transmission.

The Bajaj Platina 100 is powered by a 102cc single-cylinder DTS-i engine that produces 7.9 PS of power at 7,500 RPM and 8.3 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM. The Platina 110 Drum and ABS models are powered by a 115.45cc single-cylinder engine that produces 8.6 PS of power at 9,000 RPM and 9.81 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM.

Bajaj has equipped the Platina with essential features like LED DRLs, alloy wheels and an anti-skid braking system with drum brakes at both ends. The bike is also known for its impressive range, with a fuel tank capacity of 11 litres and a claimed mileage of 80kmpl, allowing riders to achieve a range of up to 880 km. However, the 807 mm seat height could be a concern for average-height riders.

Ex-showroom Price:

Bajaj Platina 100: INR 68,685

Bajaj Platina 110 Drum: INR 71,354

Bajaj Platina 110 ABS: INR 80,774

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TVS Star City Plus

Your sports car may struggle with potholes on Indian roads, but this Star City will breeze through them.

The TVS Star City gained fame during the Dhoni era when TVS made the cricket legend its ambassador. This model stands out with a bigger and more stylish design compared to other bikes in its segment. Powered by a 109.7cc engine, it features ET-FI (Eco Thrust Fuel Injection) technology for improved fuel efficiency. It churns out 8.08 bhp at 7300 RPM and 8.7 Nm of torque at 4500 RPM. TVS claims riders can expect a mileage of 90kmpl, the highest in its category, with a smooth 4-speed transmission.

Typically, 100cc bikes are built for commuting, they're not meant for high speeds. Most bikes in this range come with drum brakes and the Star City is no exception. The bike has a 10-litre fuel tank, allowing you to cover up to 900 kilometres on a single tank.

For added comfort, TVS has equipped the Star City with a dual-tone seat design for both the rider and pillion. The bike comes in drum and disc brake variants, and for safety reasons, the disc brake model is recommended.

Ex-showroom Price:

Disc brake: INR 75,000

Drum brake: INR 75,000

HERO HF 100

What if I tell you that you can beat the heat of urban traffic with a motorcycle that costs as much as an iPhone?

This bike, priced at around INR 60,000, fulfils all the basic requirements of a rider. It is powered by a four-stroke, single-cylinder 97.2cc engine that delivers 8.02 Ps of power at 8000 RPM and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6000 RPM. The engine features (Fuel Injection) technology, ensuring better mileage.

The bike comes in a 4-speed gearbox variant, which makes the gearshift quite smooth. The saddle height of 805mm from TVS may appear a bit uncomfortable for the shorter riders. The fuel tank is 9.1 litres, and thus it can be a perfect case for daily commutes with minimal refueling stops. The lighting system comprises halogen bulbs for both the headlight and the taillight, which are good enough to see at night. However, it does not support the modernity of an LED light.

Overall, the Hero HF 100 is a practical choice for anyone looking for a no-frills, cost-effective bike that’s easy to maintain and reliable for everyday use.

Ex-showroom Price:

INR 59,018

TVS Radeon

This simple and compact commuter is slightly more expensive than its previous model but remains one of the most affordable motorcycles in the TVS family. In this price range, it offers both self-start and kick-start options.

The bike is powered by a 109.7cc four-stroke engine that produces 8.08 bhp at 7350 RPM and 8.7 Nm of torque at 4500 RPM. It comes with drum brakes with alloy wheels combination, providing basic functionality with a modern design. The ground clearance of the motorcycle is 180mm, which makes it suitable for Indian road conditions, while the 780mm seat height ensures comfort for most riders. The small engine capacity contributes to better overall fuel efficiency. With an 11-litre fuel tank and an impressive mileage of 70kmpl, this bike is perfect for riders who are looking for a long-range commuter.

The instrument cluster is available in both digital and analogue variants, catering to different preferences and adding variety to the lineup.

Ex-showroom Price:

Base Edition: INR 59,880

Digi Drum: INR  77,394

Digi Disc: INR 81,394

Most 100cc commuter bikes share a similar design, but brands often charge extra for additional features. It's crucial to choose the right one, as this is a bike you’ll likely be using for years. Take the time to analyse which features truly add value to your daily riding experience, whether it’s better mileage, comfort, or durability.

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