The year 2025 proved to be a dynamic period for India's two-wheeler industry, with the commuter motorcycle segment continuing to be its primary growth engine. This crucial market witnessed a blend of fresh launches and significant updates from major manufacturers, all aiming to capture the attention of value-conscious yet feature-seeking Indian riders. As the year draws to a close, we revisit the five most exciting commuter motorcycles that made their mark on Indian roads in 2025.
2025's Standout Commuter Motorcycle Launches
The competitive landscape saw brands infuse new technology and design into the 125cc and 150cc categories. The focus was clear: offering better fuel efficiency, enhanced connectivity, and sportier aesthetics without compromising on practicality. The table below summarizes the key contenders and their starting prices.
Model - Price (ex-showroom)
Hero Glamour X 125 - ₹82,967 onwards
Hero Xtreme 125R - ₹89,000 onwards
Honda CB125 Hornet - ₹103,582 onwards
Yamaha FZ - ₹108,466 onwards
Bajaj Pulsar 150 - ₹108,772 onwards
Hero's Dynamic Duo: Glamour X 125 and Xtreme 125R
Hero MotoCorp made a strong play in the 125cc space with two compelling offerings. The Hero Glamour X 125 brought a fresh, sporty-commuter design to the segment. It is powered by a 124.7 cc single-cylinder engine that delivers 11.34 bhp and 10.5 Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed gearbox. Its standout features include a 5.0-inch colour LCD instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, multiple ride modes, and a segment-first cruise control system. The motorcycle boasts an impressive fuel economy of around 65 kmpl.
Sharing the same powertrain, the Hero Xtreme 125R received substantial updates to solidify its position as a sporty commuter. It features an aggressive, sculpted design aimed at younger riders. The update packed in an all-LED lighting package, an LCD instrument console, connectivity options, cruise control, and the safety of dual-channel ABS.
Established Icons Get a Modern Touch
The Bajaj Pulsar 150, a perennial best-seller, received subtle but meaningful upgrades for 2025. These included the addition of LED headlamps and LED turn indicators, along with new colour schemes and refreshed body graphics. Priced between ₹108,772 and ₹115,481 (ex-showroom), it continues with its proven engine from the previous model, balancing performance and reliability.
Honda's popular CB125 Hornet continued to attract buyers with its sporty appeal. Key features for 2025 include LED lighting, a 2-inch TFT instrument cluster, and alloy wheels. A distinctive golden-coloured USD front fork – a first for a 125cc air-cooled motorcycle in India – adds to its visual drama. Its 123.94 cc engine, mated to a five-speed gearbox, offers a fuel economy of approximately 48 kmpl.
Yamaha opted for a tech-forward update for its FZ series. While avoiding a major redesign, the 2025 Yamaha FZ incorporated design tweaks and modern technologies like a mild-hybrid assist system and a TFT instrument cluster. It remains powered by the trusted 149 cc engine, ensuring a familiar riding experience with improved efficiency.
Driving the Future of Everyday Riding
The launches and updates of 2025 clearly indicate where the Indian commuter motorcycle segment is headed. Manufacturers are no longer just competing on price and mileage; they are aggressively integrating connected technology, advanced safety features like ABS, and premium design elements into affordable packages. This trend benefits the consumer, offering more value and a richer riding experience. As we move forward, this fusion of practicality, efficiency, and smart features will continue to define the evolution of commuter motorcycles in India.
