For new riders in India, choosing the right first motorcycle is all about confidence, comfort, and fun. The ideal learner bike should be easy to handle, versatile enough for city commutes, and capable of light trail riding. From sporty thrills to sharp urban performance, off-road adventures, smart features, and budget-friendly exploration, today's options ensure beginners can find a machine that matches their style while building skills for the road ahead.
Yamaha R15
The Yamaha R15 is built for young riders seeking sporty design, sharp performance, and everyday practicality, blending track-inspired thrills with urban commuting ease. The Yamaha R15 utilises a 155 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine producing 18 hp of power at 10,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. This unit is paired with a six-speed transmission. The bike also gets a quick-shifter and a traction control system.
Yamaha R15
Kawasaki KLX 230
The beginners looking for frequent off-road trails for the thrill can get themselves the Kawasaki KLX 230. The dual-sport motorcycle is tagged at a price of Rs 1.84 lakh (ex-showroom).
Also Read: KTM To Royal Enfield: Rahul Gandhi's Motorcycle Moments Revisited
Powering the Kawasaki KLX230 is a 233 cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, which is tuned to put out 18.1 hp of power at 8,000 rpm and 18.3 Nm of peak torque while revving at 6,400 rpm. This power is transferred to the wheel using a 6-speed gearbox. All of this power, combined with the relatively light curb weight of 139 kg, contributes to the bike's off-roading capabilities.
Kawasaki KLX 230
KTM Duke 200
Available for Rs 1.91 lakh (ex-showroom), the KTM Duke 200 is suitable for riders looking for a bike that provides sharp handling and a lightweight frame, making it easy to manoeuvre through city traffic.
The KTM Duke 200 gets a 199.5 cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that churns out a peak power and torque output of 25 PS at 10,000 rpm and 19.3 Nm at 8,000 rpm.
Also Read: Feeling Claustrophobic In Helmets? Here's How You Can Fix It
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
The TVS Apache RTR 200 4V continues to get a 197.5 cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine, which makes 20.5 hp at 9,000 rpm along with 17.25 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. In terms of features, the motorcycle gets dual-channel ABS, three ride modes (Urban, Sport, and Rain), adjustable clutch and brake levers, TVS SmartXonnect with Bluetooth and Voice-Assist, and a fully digital cluster with LED headlamps and DRLs.
It is available at a starting price of Rs 1.42 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hero Xpulse 210
The Hero Xpulse 210 is known for being India's most affordable adventure motorcycle, offering rugged off-road capability, modern features, and everyday practicality.
Hero Xpulse 210
Powering the bike is a 210 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. This unit is tuned to produce 24 hp of power and 20.7 Nm of torque at the peak of its performance. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox.