Ask ten Indian commuters what matters most in a motorcycle and at least eight will say mileage before they say anything about styling or performance. That’s not surprising given how much daily fuel cost adds up over a year of riding. This guide ranks the motorcycles that actually deliver the best kmpl figures right now, explains the technology behind why they’re efficient, and covers the riding habits that decide whether you get close to the claimed number or fall well short of it.
How These Figures Are Measured, and Why That Matters
Every mileage figure a manufacturer publishes comes from standardized testing conditions that don’t fully reflect Indian traffic, road quality, or riding style. Treat every number below as a claimed figure, a useful basis for comparison between models, not a guarantee of what you’ll personally see. The section further down on real-world mileage explains exactly how much of a gap to expect and what you can do to close it.
1. Hero Splendor Plus XTEC
Hero’s updated XTEC variant of the Splendor Plus currently tops most mileage comparisons, with claimed figures cited as high as 83.2 kmpl by some sources, though figures in the low-to-mid 70s kmpl are more commonly cited across independent listings. The gap between these numbers likely comes down to testing conditions and which specific variant is being measured, so treat the higher figure as a best-case ceiling rather than a typical expectation. Hero’s i3S idle stop-start system, which cuts the engine automatically during short traffic halts, is a meaningful part of what pushes this bike’s real-world efficiency higher than older, non-i3S commuters.
2. Hero Super Splendor XTEC
Slightly larger in displacement than the standard Splendor Plus, the Super Splendor XTEC still returns claimed mileage around 72 kmpl according to several independent comparisons, combining that efficiency with somewhat better ride comfort thanks to its ComforTec suspension tuning. For a rider who wants the Splendor family’s efficiency reputation but a bit more comfort over a longer daily commute, this variant is worth the small step up.
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3. Hero Passion Plus
Hero’s Passion Plus rounds out the brand’s strong mileage showing, with claimed figures around 71 kmpl in several comparisons. It shares much of the same efficiency-focused engineering as the Splendor line while carrying slightly different styling, appealing to riders who want the same fuel economy reputation with a marginally different look.
4. TVS Sport
The TVS Sport claims mileage figures commonly cited between 70 and 75 kmpl, putting it right at the top of the non-Hero field. Its lighter overall build is a genuine factor here, less mass for the engine to move generally means better efficiency, and that lightness pays off doubly by making the bike easier to filter through traffic. At an ex-showroom price around ₹58,000 to ₹60,000, it’s also one of the most affordable bikes on this entire list.
5. Bajaj Platina 100 and Platina 110
Both Platina variants claim mileage around 70 kmpl, and Bajaj backs that efficiency with a notably softer suspension tune than most rivals in this class. That combination, strong mileage plus genuine comfort over broken roads, makes the Platina line a strong pick for riders whose daily route includes rougher patches rather than smooth city arterials.
6. Hero HF Deluxe
Hero’s entry-level HF Deluxe claims mileage around 70 kmpl and consistently shows up near the top of budget mileage comparisons. Some owner reports describe it edging out even the Splendor Plus in real-world conditions, though this varies by individual riding style and maintenance habits rather than being a consistent, verified pattern. Its low purchase price alongside strong mileage makes it a favorite among delivery riders and cost-conscious commuters specifically because the combination of the two numbers, purchase price and running cost, is hard to beat.
7. Honda Shine 100
Honda’s Shine 100 claims mileage around 70 kmpl, matching the segment’s leaders while carrying Honda’s specific reputation for engine refinement and smoothness. It won’t out-mileage the segment’s absolute top performers, but the gap is small enough that many buyers reasonably prioritize Honda’s build quality reputation over squeezing out the last kmpl.
8. TVS Radeon
The Radeon claims mileage in the 65 to 69 kmpl range, slightly behind the segment’s leaders, but it makes up ground with noticeably better ergonomics and comfort for a longer daily commute. Higher trims add a front disc brake and a full LCD dashboard, useful if you want more than a bare mileage figure out of your purchase.
9. Honda SP125 and TVS Raider 125
Stepping up to 125cc brings a mileage trade-off, both the SP125 and Raider 125 sit somewhat below the best 100cc commuters on this list, generally cited in the mid-60s kmpl range, in exchange for meaningfully more mid-range power. If your commute involves highway stretches or regular pillion riding, the extra performance is worth that trade. If it doesn’t, a 100cc bike higher on this list will save you more at the pump without asking you to sacrifice anything you’d actually use.
The CNG Wildcard: Bajaj Freedom 125
Kmpl isn’t a fair comparison metric for the Freedom 125, since it runs on CNG rather than petrol for most of its range. What matters instead is cost per kilometer, and on that measure, the Freedom 125 can beat every petrol bike on this list for riders with reliable access to CNG refueling stations. It’s not a fit for every city, and CNG infrastructure specifically for two-wheelers remains patchy outside major urban centers, but where it’s available, it’s genuinely the cheapest bike to run on this entire page.
Technology Behind These Mileage Figures
Idle start-stop systems, like Hero’s i3S, automatically cut the engine during short halts in traffic and restart it the moment you touch the throttle, saving fuel that would otherwise burn while sitting stationary at a signal or in a jam. This technology alone can meaningfully improve real-world city mileage compared to an equivalent bike without it.
E20-compatible engines, now common across most modern commuter motorcycles, are tuned to run efficiently on India’s ethanol-blended petrol, which is gradually becoming the national standard. Bikes not properly tuned for higher ethanol blends can see reduced efficiency, so this compatibility matters increasingly as E20 fuel becomes more widespread.
Lightweight construction reduces the energy needed to accelerate and maintain speed, which is a big part of why lighter bikes like the TVS Sport consistently punch above their price point on mileage figures.
Ranked Mileage Comparison
| Rank | Motorcycle | Approx. Claimed Mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hero Splendor Plus XTEC | Up to ~83 kmpl (commonly cited low-to-mid 70s) |
| 2 | Hero Super Splendor XTEC | ~72 kmpl |
| 3 | Hero Passion Plus | ~71 kmpl |
| 4 | TVS Sport | 70–75 kmpl |
| 5 | Bajaj Platina 100/110 | ~70 kmpl |
| 6 | Hero HF Deluxe | ~70 kmpl |
| 7 | Honda Shine 100 | ~70 kmpl |
| 8 | TVS Radeon | 65–69 kmpl |
| 9 | Honda SP125 / TVS Raider 125 | Mid-60s kmpl |
Why Your Real-World Mileage Will Differ From These Numbers
Manufacturer-claimed figures come from standardized test conditions that rarely match daily Indian riding. Expect real-world mileage to land roughly 10 to 15 percent below the claimed figure once you account for stop-start traffic, frequent braking, and carrying a pillion or luggage. Riding style closes or widens this gap more than people expect, gentle throttle application and maintaining correct tyre pressure can genuinely push your actual mileage closer to the claimed number, while aggressive acceleration and underinflated tyres will pull it further away.
Habits That Actually Improve Your Mileage
Keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer-recommended level, underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance and measurably hurt fuel economy. Avoid unnecessary hard acceleration, smooth, gradual throttle application burns less fuel than repeated bursts of speed followed by braking. Stick to the manufacturer’s service schedule, a poorly maintained air filter or worn spark plug quietly drains mileage without any obvious warning sign. And where your bike has one, actually use the idle start-stop system rather than overriding it, since it’s specifically engineered to save fuel during the exact traffic conditions most Indian commuters deal with daily.
If maximum mileage is genuinely your top priority and nothing else matters as much, the Hero Splendor Plus XTEC and its close siblings in the Hero lineup currently lead the field, and Hero’s unmatched service network reach backs that efficiency with easy, affordable upkeep almost anywhere in the country. If you want similarly strong mileage at a lower purchase price, the TVS Sport or Hero HF Deluxe both deliver competitive kmpl figures for meaningfully less money upfront. And if you’re in a city with reliable CNG access and running cost matters more than the kmpl number on a spec sheet, the Bajaj Freedom 125 is worth a serious look ahead of every petrol option on this list. Whatever you choose, remember that your own riding habits will move your real-world number more than the difference between any two bikes on this ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which motorcycle currently has the highest claimed mileage in India?
The Hero Splendor Plus XTEC tops most current comparisons, with figures cited as high as 83 kmpl in some listings, though commonly cited figures across independent sources sit somewhat lower, in the low-to-mid 70s kmpl. Hero’s Super Splendor XTEC and Passion Plus follow closely behind.
Does a bike’s claimed mileage actually reflect what I’ll get in daily riding?
Not exactly. Expect real-world mileage to run roughly 10 to 15 percent below the claimed figure once city traffic, braking habits, and load are factored in. Two riders on the identical bike can see meaningfully different real-world kmpl purely based on riding style.
Is a CNG motorcycle a better mileage option than the best petrol bikes on this list?
Kmpl isn’t the right comparison metric for a CNG bike like the Bajaj Freedom 125, since it runs on a different fuel entirely. On a cost-per-kilometer basis, though, it can beat every petrol bike here for riders with reliable CNG refueling access.
