Budget bikes: Our top picks around BDT 1 lac

Budget bikes are a different kind of fun. You do not expect them to do amazing things, but they sometimes surprise you with unique quirks and qualities. They are made for endurance, good fuel economy and, well, fun. So don't shy away from trying them, especially if you don't have a large budget or if you're looking for your first bike.

TVS Metro Plus

৳103,900 (Drum) - ৳108,900 (Disk)

Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled

Displacement: 109.7 CC

Maximum power: 8.4 PS at 7500 rpm

Fuel economy: 60 km/l

This entry-level city commuter is one of the highest selling bikes in Bangladesh. It has modern styling, a punchy engine and adequate safety features. There is a combination of digital and analogue infotainment systems. The gearbox is a good-old manual with four gears to explore. This 1105 mm tall and 109 kg heavy bike can go up to 90 km/h. It has a 10-litre fuel tank and a two-litre one as a reserve. It will return approximately 60 km per litre of fuel, which makes it all the more desirable.

The bike has a Synchronized Braking System that distributes power equally to both front and rear brakes simultaneously, resulting in safer and more effective braking. This minimalistic and honest bike is one to look at if on a short budget.

SUZUKI HAYATE

Suzuki Hayate

৳95,000

Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled

Displacement: 112.8 CC

Maximum power: 8.7 PS at 7500 rpm

Fuel economy: 55 km/l

This stylish and sporty looking daily driver is a bargain for the price. It has great Japanese build quality, modern design features and a smooth engine. The analogue infotainment system includes a speedometer, an odometer, and a fuel gauge. Its 10-litres fuel tank might seem impractical, but it makes up for that with great fuel economy, 55 km per litre.

The Hayate has a four-speed manual gearbox and a top speed of 90 km/h. It features tubeless tyres, alloy wheels and drum brakes both in the front and in the rear. This seemingly typical bike is a blend of modern looks and industry-standard specs, which is suitable for novice bikers.

BAJAJ DISCOVER

Bajaj Discover 110 Disk

৳1,20,500

Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled

Displacement: 115.5 CC

Maximum power: 8.46 bhp at 7000 rpm

Fuel economy: 65+ km/l

The Bajaj Discover series bikes are some of the most popular bikes in Bangladesh because of their affordable prices and good looks. The hugely successful 125 CC Discover is similar in styling to the even more affordable 110 CC Discover.

The curvy lines, the angry headlamp, and the two-tone colour combination has already proved their appeal. If you are okay with manual gauges, you will find very few flaws in this bike. It goes up to 90 km/h, and drum brakes on both wheels help it decelerate. Suspension travel on both wheels is satisfactory, which helps make city driving comfortable.

The bike has a low saddle, making it suitable for short people. The fuel economy is an impressive 65+ km per litre. On the whole, it is a bike to go for if you can spend the extra 11 thousand.

TVS RADEON

TVS Radeon

৳102,900

Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled

Displacement: 109.7 CC

Maximum power: 8.3 bhp at 7000 rpm

Fuel economy: 50 km/l

This compact and lightweight bike is a speedy machine. It has reached 110 km/h in BikeBd's testing. That doesn't mean it's got poor fuel efficiency. The Radeon will go 50 km per litre while carrying 10 litres of fuel. It comes with dual drum brakes and makes use of a Synchronised Braking System. The telescopic fork at the front and the telescopic spring-loaded 5-step adjustable suspension setup at the rear is good enough for city driving.

The bike has retro looks but hides modern technologies underneath. It features a simplistic instrument cluster but has unique features like a side-stand indicator and economy mode indicator. The TVS Radeon will attract people who love classic styling but want the bike to work properly.

HONDA LIVO

Honda Livo 110 Disc

৳108,900

Engine: 4-stroke, air-cooled, BS-IV

Displacement: 109.19 CC

Maximum power: 8.31 BHP at 7500 rpm

Fuel economy: 60 km/l

With angular corners, sharp lines and modern decals, the Honda Livo might arguably be the most handsome bike on this list. It showcases an angry headlamp and a muscular fuel tank, much like the Honda Hornet. Its blacked-out rims, engine cover and seat sandwiching the sweeping lines of the body gives it a premium look.

Being a Honda, the Livo has phenomenal build quality. It has a fully manual instrument console with two hexagonal pods fitted side by side. The bike is equipped with Telescopic forks at the front and five steps adjustable spring-loaded shocks with a hydraulic damper at the rear. One of the great things about this bike is that it features a 240 mm Nissin dual calliper disc brake on the front wheel and a drum brake on the rear wheel.

This all-rounder bike will go up to 90km/h while returning 60km per litre of fuel. Boasting a modern design, a much-appreciated disk brake and typical Honda ruggedness, this bike can be the best one for a new rider.

You can't expect magical things from bikes in this budget range. But that's one of the good things; you can push them harder than you'd dare to do to a more expensive bike. Try them, you might get surprised.