Which is the best budget commuter bike for a long touring in Himalayas and plains?

When I bought my first bicycle, my whole life changed. I was perplexed when I entered the local bike shop and saw the variety (and prices) of the best bikes. I left with a cheap hybrid bike, which I quickly regretted after just a month. I have always preferred to commute by two-wheeler rather than a 4-wheeler. 

Someone has rightly said: 

“Four Wheels Move The Body, Two Wheels Move The Soul.” 

And I truly abide by that, being an adventure enthusiast, over the years, I have seen and wished to own some of the best bikes out there in the world. 

While no single bike is ideal for every type of riding, there is something for everyone. To make your quest easier, I’ve listed a few bikes you could choose from if you prefer to commute to the hills. 

1. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 

The fact that the first bike on this list is a Royal Enfield is perhaps not surprising. The Royal Enfield Thunderbird is the quintessential cruiser, with a relaxed seating stance, upright handlebars, forward footpegs, cushioned seats, and a slew of other features. 

This bike comfortably wins the top spot on the most famous touring bikes list thanks to its huge fuel tank. 

The engine which produces 19.8bhp and 28Nm torque and is paired with a five-speed gearbox is also noteworthy. 

Mileage: 30kmpl 

Engine Displacement: 346cc 

Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 1.56 lakh

2. Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 

The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 is the second-best touring bike in India in 2019 and 2020, thanks to its stylish design and affordable price. 

This bike is built to provide maximum comfort to riders on long journeys, with features such as a tall windshield, large handlebars, forward-set footpegs, and a low seat height. 

This bike can produce up to 19bhp and 17.5Nm of torque and is available with both air and liquid-cooled single-cylinder engines. A 5-speed transmission is also included with the engine. The bike is available in two color options: Auburn Black and Moon White, and it weighs 163kg. 

● Mileage: 40kmpl 

● Engine Displacement: 220cc 

● Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starts from Rs. 1,15,456 

3. Harley Davidson SuperLow 

The SuperLow from Harley Davidson is a cruiser-style motorcycle that is part of the iconic Sportster line, which has been in production since 1957. It’s the ideal companion for long journeys, with perfect ergonomics, a 17-liter fuel tank, and a weight of 260kg. 

A low-slung, easy-riding chopper that makes you feel one with the road. Offers upright riding position, mid-mount controls, low foot-pegs. Making this the right bike for: ● Riders seeking confidence-inspiring balance and comfort 

● Commuting and maneuvering through city traffic 

● Mileage: 20kmpl 

● Engine Displacement: 883cc 

● Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Rs. 5.60 lakh

4. KTM 390 Duke 

The KTM 390 Duke is one of India’s best commuting bikes, and it also makes for a great long-distance trip. The bike’s up-right handlebars, digital TFT panel, LED headlamps, and superior engine is among its most notable features. 

A single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that produces 42.9bhp and 37Nm torque powered the motorcycle. For added protection, they equip the bike with dual-channel ABS. 

At the Bloomberg TV-Autocar Awards in 2018, the KTM 390 Duke was named Indian Motorcycle of the Year. 

● Mileage: 34kmpl 

● Engine Displacement: 373cc 

● Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Rs. 2,53,000 for BS-VI variant 

5. Honda CBR 250R 

The CBR 250R is one of India’s best sports bikes, and it comes in two models. This bike, which has a single-cylinder engine, comes with industry-first features. This bike, which is known for its excellent handling and comfort, is the one to choose if you want to go on a hill station adventure. 

It has a power output of 25.7 bhp and a torque output of 22.9 Nm, as well as anti-lock brakes. This is one of India’s most dependable bikes, and it comes in four color options. 

● Mileage: 29kmpl 

● Engine Displacement: 249.6cc 

● Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Rs. 1,60,000 

6. Royal Enfield Himalayan 

The RE Himalayan is perhaps India’s best off-road vehicle, and its reputation precedes it in terms of success. 

This bike is ideal for rugged terrains, with features such as switchable ABS, a redesigned side stand, a 21-inch front wheel, and a 17-inch rear wheel.

Furthermore, the bike’s lighter weight of 199kg works to its benefit when it comes to long journeys. 

A powerful single-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission that produces 24.3bhp and 32Nm torque powers the Himalayan. This bike will easily compete with a BMW G310 GS in a race! 

The Himalayan has received several awards for its outstanding results, including the NDTV Car and Bike of the Year Award in 2017. 

● Mileage: 36.26kmpl 

● Engine Displacement: 411cc, 

● Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Starting from Rs. 1,68,000 

7. Mahindra Mojo XT300 

The Mahindra Mojo XT300 is one of India’s most high-end commuting bikes, and it’s ideal for riders who want a touring bike but don’t want to stick with traditional formats like cruisers. The XT300 has a dual-muffler exhaust system and fuel injection. 

The bike’s kerb weight is 160 kilograms, making it suitable for long-distance riding. A single-cylinder engine that generates 26.45bhp and 30Nm of torque powers the XT300. You can avail of this bike in 2 color variants. 

● Mileage: 25kmpl 

● Engine Displacement: 295cc 

● Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Rs. 1,80,000 

8. Jawa Perak 

Even though it is not as well known as its rivals, the Jawa Perak is a good long-distance bike in India. 

This is a bobber-style motorcycle with features such as upright handlebars, a comfortable riding stance, and standard set footpegs. These features combine to make the bike one of the most comfortable touring bikes available.

A powerful single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine produces 30bhp and 31Nm torque in the Jawa Perak. The dual-channel ABS standard on this bike also sets it apart. 

If you need another excuse to purchase this bicycle? Jawa has been called “Bike of the Year 2020″ by Autoportal! 

● Mileage: 32-35kmpl 

● Engine Displacement: 334cc 

● Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Rs. 1,89,00 

9. Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 

One of the best commuter bikes in India is the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT. It has a 6-speed manual transmission and a powerful double-cylinder engine. This bike, which is classified as a mid-weight adventure tourer, has a beak-shaped front end with an adjustable windscreen and stacked headlights. 

One of the bike’s most appealing features, however, is its instrument panel, which includes an analog tachometer and an illumination-adjustable monitor. The engine has a power output of 71 horsepower and torque of 62 Newton meters. 

● Mileage: 26.46kmpl 

● Engine Displacement: 645cc 

● Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Rs. 7,46,000 

10. Kawasaki Versys 650 

This bike features big rider and pillion seats, adjustable suspensions, and an adjustable windscreen, making it ideal for long journeys. 

The bike’s specifications include dual-channel ABS, a 21-liter fuel tank, and a 6-speed gearbox, besides optimum riding comfort. It’s the ideal combination of an explorer and a tourer! 

This motorcycle also features a liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 68.3bhp and 64Nm of torque. 

● Mileage: Between 21kmpl and 28.17kmpl 

● Engine Displacement: 649cc 

● Ex-showroom Price in Delhi: Rs. 6,69,000

These are my top picks for the best bike to use for commuting for touring in the Himalayas. 

It’s important to note, however, that this isn’t a thorough post, and there are plenty of other touring bikes on the market that can meet your needs. So be on the lookout for more!