5 Best Bikes Under ₹1 Lakh That No One Talks About Anymore

In India’s vast and fast-evolving two-wheeler market, some motorcycles silently fade into the background—not because they're flawed, but simply because they’re overlooked. These bikes are reliable, efficient, and affordable, yet most buyers forget about them when it's time to bring home a new machine. Why? Is it poor mileage? Weak performance? Or just brand perception?

In this blog post, we uncover five incredibly underrated motorcycles that don’t get the love they truly deserve. 

1. Honda Livo 110 – The Forgotten Commuter

Most riders tend to overlook the Honda Livo 110, despite it being an excellent option post-OBD-2B update. With a sharp, premium design reminiscent of a mini-Honda XBlade, it now even comes with a digital meter, offering a stylish and contemporary look.

So, what went wrong?
Well, the problem isn’t with the Livo—it’s the pricing strategy. With just a ₹3,000–₹4,000 price gap between the Livo and the feature-rich Honda Shine 125, buyers naturally lean towards the latter. After all, for a little extra money, they get more power and better pickup. If Honda had created a clearer price distinction, the Livo might have gained more traction.

Still, the Livo delivers a solid 60 km/l mileage, has a decent road presence, and is a great buy if you’re looking for something different in the commuter segment.

2. TVS Star City Plus – The Workhorse That Never Quits

The TVS Star City Plus is built for the hard riders—the delivery guys, the rural heroes, the everyday warriors who demand durability over design. And it delivers. With LED headlamps, a hybrid digital-analog console, tubeless tyres, and practical features like a service reminder, it’s a no-nonsense commuter.

So why do people forget it?
Because the spotlight has shifted to flashier models like the TVS Raider. The Star City Plus may look a bit dated now, but underneath that modest shell lies a powertrain that runs for lakhs of kilometers when maintained properly.

TVS just needs to revamp its design and features to reintroduce this machine as the rugged beast it actually is. If you're someone who values performance over aesthetics, don’t overlook this one.

3. Hero Super Splendor XTEC – Loaded, Yet Ignored

The Hero Super Splendor XTEC offers a compelling package—digital meter, LED lighting, mobile charging port, a 125cc refined engine, and 60+ km/l mileage. With a top speed of around 110 km/h, it checks every box for a daily commuter.

But here's the twist: despite having everything, many buyers still prefer the regular Splendor or HF Deluxe. Why? Perhaps it’s brand fatigue, or the fact that people associate Splendor with its older, horizontally mounted engine. The modern vertical engine (also used in the Xtreme and Glamour) performs excellently, but the older perception lingers.

Truth be told, the Super Splendor XTEC is not lacking in design, performance, or efficiency. It's just overshadowed by its own siblings and deserves a second look.

4. Bajaj CT 110X – Built for the Real World

Think of the Bajaj CT 110X as a workhorse made for India’s roughest roads and toughest users—delivery riders, field workers, and anyone who needs strength over style.

It features a rugged frame, metal grab rails, long-travel suspension, and an under-square engine borrowed from the latest Platina 110. It’s tailor-made for utility—with no modifications required, and it handles load like a beast without compromising fuel economy.

With a mileage close to 70 km/l and a price under ₹1 lakh, it’s an ideal choice for practical users. Unfortunately, most buyers flock to the Splendor or Platina without realizing this hidden gem exists.

5. Hero Passion Plus – The Comeback That Deserves Attention

Yes, the Hero Passion Plus is back—and better than ever. In the same price band as the Splendor and HF Deluxe, the Passion Plus now offers H-shaped LED lights, a refreshed tail lamp, a stylish fuel tank, and even the real-time mileage meter seen in the Super Splendor XTEC.

So why don’t people buy it anymore?
Production was halted for a while, and with time, the Passion’s recall faded. Buyers got used to seeing only Splendor and HF models in showrooms. Even though Passion was once the heartthrob of small-town India, today it’s mostly ignored.

But if you take it for a spin, you’ll realize it still holds up well—and maybe even better than what people give it credit for.

All these motorcycles—Honda Livo 110, TVS Star City Plus, Hero Super Splendor XTEC, Bajaj CT 110X, and Hero Passion Plus—are capable, affordable, and reliable. The issue isn’t the bikes. The issue is our fading memory, the brand bias, and the marketing spotlight that blinds us to value-driven options.

---

Disclaimer: This blog is not a sponsored piece. We’re not endorsing any bike—just sharing genuine information from experience. You’re free to explore, compare, and decide for yourself.

---

For more updates, insights, and untold stories from the world of motorcycles and automobiles, follow Storyantra regularly. Stay tuned, stay curious.