The Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 was recently launched in India, and the bike costs Rs 88,044 for the drum variant and Rs 90,000 for the disc brake variant, both prices ex-showroom. While it’s priced competitively, it’s still a fair amount of money to be paying for a bike so it’s only fair if you would want to explore your options. And to help you do exactly that, here are 5 two-wheelers you can buy instead of the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 for the same amount of money:
TVS Raider 125 – Rs 82,860 onwards (ex-showroom)
The most affordable bike on the list also turns out to be the most exciting and fun as well. TVS essentially changed a lot of mindsets with the Raider. Till then, 125s were viewed as simple commuters, but the Raider showed that a 125cc bike can be exciting while still being very fuel efficient.
The TVS Raider is smooth, fun to ride, handles well and will still return excellent mileage numbers. Its Bumblebee-like headlight is something that grabs more attention than even some bigger bikes, and the features list is pretty much endless (on the higher variants). And if all of that interests you, its low starting point just sweetens the deal, for its base variant actually costs almost Rs 4,000 less than the Super Splendor’s base variant. So if you’re looking for fun and excitement from your 125cc bike, there’s nothing quite like the Raider 125.
Honda SP125 – Rs 88,528 onwards (ex-showroom)
While Hero gave the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 a bit of an aesthetic makeover, it still looks skinny and quite basic. The SP125, on the other hand, looks very elegant. The more modern-looking headlight, the tank extensions and the sharper design language, all add up to give it a slightly more premium and modern look.
And if you’re ready to spend a bit more for the top variant, you also get a premium-looking TFT console. That also makes the SP125 the most affordable bike in India to get a TFT console. Under all that bodywork is still a Shine 125, meaning it’s easy to ride, has a smooth and frugal engine. So if you’d still want to retain the commuter roots but with a hint of elegant topping, the SP125 is a pretty nice option.
Yamaha Fascino Disc Variant – Rs 89,000 (ex-showroom)
The amount of money you would’ve paid for the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 could also get you a scooter. Case in point, the Yamaha Fascino 125 disc variant, a scooter that’s very fuel efficient, smooth and makes for a simple, no-nonsense commuter. So if that’s what you’re looking for, the Fascino will also make riding more accessible in the household, since scooters are also simpler to use than motorcycles, especially in our traffic-laden cities.
TVS NTorq 125 – Rs 91,050 onwards (ex-showroom)
We previously mentioned that if you’re looking for fun, get the Raider. But if you want fun on a scooter, there aren’t many scooters in India that can beat the NTorq 125. The NTorq is fast, fun and will make you giggle inside your helmet each time you twist the throttle.
Yes, it’s not the most fuel efficient, and the suspension can feel a bit firm for our roads, but it goes around corners and in straight lines like not many scooters in India can. In typical TVS fashion, it’s also a feature-loaded scooter, one of the best in its class. So if you feel like you can sacrifice on fuel efficiency and just a bit of comfort for the sheer fun factor, the NTorq 125 is hard to ignore.
Bajaj Freedom 125 – Rs 91,566 onwards (ex-showroom)
The premium feeling that we talked about with the SP125, is something that the Freedom 125 takes up a notch. Yes, it is a simple 125cc commuter, but its design language, the finish levels, the long ribbed seat and all of those things add up to make it feel quite premium. And then there’s the fact that it’s the only production CNG bike in the world, which does add to the exclusivity factor.
So if you want something that’s exclusive yet affordable, smooth and fuel efficient, the Freedom 125 can make for a lovely purchase.
