From Kawasaki to RE: 5 affordable cruisers Indians are actually buying

From Kawasaki to RE: 5 affordable cruisers Indians are actually buying

Five cruisers under ₹5 lakh, five distinct vibes. From Bajaj’s value king to Royal Enfield’s icon, here’s how price, engines, comfort, and networks stack up before you sign.

Business Today Desk
  • Nov 11, 2025,
  • Updated Nov 11, 2025 1:03 PM IST
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  • 1/9

Bajaj Avenger 160 Street lands the “true cruiser” stance at commuter money—₹1.11 lakh (ex-showroom). A 160cc oil-cooled single and laid-back ergos make city slogs easy; the longer wheelbase demands respect in tight U-turns, but that chrome-for-rupees ratio is hard to beat.

 

  • 2/9

Kawasaki W175 keeps it simple—and charming. At ₹1.21 lakh, the air-cooled 177cc single, analog dials, and upright triangle deliver old-school vibes without the heft. Not the quickest, but few bikes nail that lightweight, everyday classic feel this cleanly.

 

  • 3/9

TVS Ronin isn’t your dad’s cruiser—it’s neo-retro with tech. For ₹1.25 lakh, the 225.9cc oil-cooled mill, assist-and-slipper clutch, and rider-friendly manners make it a city-to-weekend shapeshifter. Call it a cruiser-adjacent multitool that punches above segment.

 

  • 4/9

Jawa 42 brings liquid-cooled urgency to the retro party. The 294.7cc engine, 6-speed box, and taut chassis serve up eager mid-range and highway poise at ₹1.59 lakh. If you like classic lines with modern shove, this is your speed—literally.

 

  • 5/9

Royal Enfield Classic 350 remains the segment’s heartbeat. A 349cc single, 5-speed gearbox, and that thump meet improved refinement at ₹2.16 lakh. Retro lines, vast accessories, and a fanatical community explain why waitlists still happen.

 

  • 6/9

Cruisers live or die by ergonomics. From Avenger’s feet-forward to Classic’s neutral, these five skew toward relaxed geometry, plush seats, and broad bars—longer stints feel doable without raiding the pharmacy for pain gel afterward.

 

  • 7/9

Buying the badge also buys the network. RE’s nationwide reach eases highway anxiety; TVS and Bajaj match with dense dealer grids. Kawasaki’s footprint is smaller but growing—factor proximity for routine service and spares when you choose.

 

  • 8/9

Sticker price isn’t the whole bill. Add insurance, accessories (windscreen, luggage, crash protection), and first-year service. Simpler air/oil-cooled singles (Avenger, W175, Ronin) keep ownership costs pleasantly predictable.

 

  • 9/9

City shuffle? Avenger and W175 feel light and friendly. Mixed weeks with weekend blasts? Ronin’s versatility shines. Highway nostalgia with modern pep? Jawa 42. All-day charisma and community? Classic 350. Map your rides, then pick your pony.

 

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