Re: Which 125cc Bike for city commute?

Same here. I should have bought a new bike by April this year but due to COVID situation everything changed. Now that the things may slowly be back to normal thinking again. I like Avenger street 160 for the comfort as I need to ride 40 kms daily but I am 5 ft 9 just like you and so thought it is not a bike for me.

Re: Which 125cc Bike for city commute?

Service experience is a mixed ball game, in case of any company, it depends on the agency. Back in 2009, it was 2nd or 3rd free service. So I went with my friend to the ASC, and handed over my bike to them. In the evening, I came back from college at around 6:00 and payed the bills. So I gave the receipt to the service guys and they could not find my bike, they said it's not in the workshop and told me to check the parking area in front of their showroom. So me and friend went outside the showroom and couldn't find the bike anywhere.

Then, we looked ourselves and found it at the back of workshop, and when we reached home, we saw dried solidified mud under the mud guard. That was it for me. I never went back to the service center.

Luckily after some years, Shine sells well so mechanics are well trained on it and part availability is not a problem.

Re: Which 125cc Bike for city commute?

What is your opinion on second hand bikes? I see Honda Unicorn 2018 model offering for 70K from a person. Not sure how I can validate the price though.

Re: Which 125cc Bike for city commute?


70k for a 2018 unicorn is too high, the seller is being greedy. I can't even sell my 1.5 years old unicorn 160 for 70k. You should always assess the condition of a used vehicle (like paint, scratches, dents, engine opened or not) then calculate an estimate with the help of valuation websites. I use Orangebookvalue website, it's valuation is spot on, it even offers valuation for private jets and yachts!

Buying a used motorcycle is a risky proposal. You never know how caring (or uncaring) the first owner was. Almost all of the first time buyers rev the hell out a new engine and don't even know about engine running-in, or they blindly follow a speed limit (like 50, 60 kmph) while accelerating too high and lugging in lower gears.

You should only buy a used motorcycle from an educated guy who followed running-in religiously, never abused the motorcycle even in potholes, has got all service history from the authorized SVC. You will have to keep browsing sites like Olx everyday for a month to find such sellers. Also ask them the reason for selling. Most of the time, abusers sell it because they don't wish to spend money on it for rectifying problems and are looking to sell it to unsuspecting buyers, that too for an absurdly high price.

Re: Which 125cc Bike for city commute?

Thanks Arya809. Your response is very helpful. I was browsing site like Olx, droom.in etc. but like you said unless we assess the condition of used vehicle we can't say. A good mechanic's help will also be more helpful there. I saw Honda's best deal (pre-owned bike sale & exchange) site and registered there but no one called yet. Not sure about their reliability though. Price of new 150cc bikes are very costly now (all above 1 lakh), that's why thinking about a gently used bike within 1 or 2 years. If nothing is going to work out I should only settle with 125cc bikes that also cost almost 90k on road now.

Re: Which 125cc Bike for city commute?

I've seen people ask for very high prices. When you go for any used thing. They will offer a deduction over the current on-road price of the bike, even though they'd have paid much less many years ago. I see you have tried OLX and all for getting a good idea of the pricing.

I'd suggest not to buy anything too old though. My experience with my previous ride Honda Shine was good but you see the real honeymoon period is the first few years, then it's all about getting parts replaced and regular maintenance. This is good of you DIY, but not so fun when you're someone who'd like to ride and not get into repairs.

Also, if you can, try that a bike enthusiast friend or your mechanic sees the bike before you buy it.