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.
- Nov 11, 2025,
- Updated Nov 11, 2025 1:03 PM IST

- 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.
