Top 5 Bikes to Buy in July 2026
Roundup · Published 19 July 2026 · Updated 19 July 2026
Written by Vivaan Kapoor, Bikes Editor
Every 'best bikes' list ends up being a spec-sheet ranking that ignores what actually matters to a buyer: running cost, ownership experience, and whether the bike still makes sense a year in. Here are the 5 we'd actually recommend right now, and exactly who each one is for.
Quick Answer
The best bike to buy in India in July 2026 depends on your riding pattern: the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG wins on running cost for high-mileage riders, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 wins on character and road presence, and the Hero Splendor Plus remains the cheapest to own and maintain long-term.
- Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG — Best for high-mileage riders
- Royal Enfield Classic 350 — Best for character over commuting
- TVS Raider 125 — Best for young first-time buyers
- Bajaj Pulsar N250 — Best for mid-capacity performance value
- Hero Splendor Plus — Best for lowest running cost
#1
Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG
Best for high-mileage riders
The world's first mass-production CNG motorcycle, with a frame designed around the CNG tank rather than a retrofit. If you clock serious daily distance, its dual-fuel running-cost math is hard to beat, and a small petrol reserve tank means you're never stranded without CNG access.
Full review →
#2
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Best for character over commuting
Not the most efficient or the lightest bike here, but no other motorcycle on this list inspires the same waiting-list patience from buyers year after year. Its low-revving J-series thump and planted 195kg weight give it a road presence that pure spec sheets can't capture.
Full review →
#3
TVS Raider 125
Best for young first-time buyers
Commuter-level running costs with genuinely sportier styling and useful Bluetooth-connected features — a rare combination in a segment that historically ignored design entirely. SmartXonnect surfaces call, message and navigation alerts right on the digital cluster.
Full review →
#4
Bajaj Pulsar N250
Best for mid-capacity performance value
Strong mid-range torque and naked streetfighter styling without stepping into premium-brand pricing, carrying forward the same usable-performance philosophy that built the Pulsar nameplate's reputation.
Full review →
#5
Hero Splendor Plus
Best for lowest running cost
No frills, no flash — just one of the highest cumulative sales figures of any motor vehicle in history, built on best-in-class mileage and a service network that reaches even small towns.
Full review →Quick Comparison
| Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG | Royal Enfield Classic 350 | TVS Raider 125 | Bajaj Pulsar N250 | Hero Splendor Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 125cc bi-fuel | 349cc | 124.8cc | 249cc | 97.2cc |
| Best for | Running cost | Character | Style + features | Performance value | Lowest cost |
| ABS | Depends on variant | Dual-channel | Depends on variant | Single-channel | Optional front disc |
Our Take
There's no single 'best' bike here — the right pick depends entirely on your daily riding distance and what you actually want from ownership. High-mileage riders should look hardest at the Freedom 125's running-cost math; everyone drawn to riding for its own sake should test-ride the Classic 350 before deciding on numbers alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bike on this list has the lowest running cost?
The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG and Hero Splendor Plus are the strongest on running cost — the Freedom 125 for high-mileage riders with CNG access, the Splendor Plus for pure fuel efficiency everywhere else.
Is this list India-specific?
Yes, all pricing, availability and running-cost comparisons are specific to the Indian market.