When it comes to two-wheelers in India, Hero bikes and Honda bikes are among the most trusted and popular choices. Both brands have been catering to Indian riders for decades, offering motorcycles that balance mileage, affordability, performance, and durability. As we step into 2025, one of the most common questions among buyers is: Are Hero bikes more budget-friendly than Honda bikes?
To answer this, we will compare the pricing, mileage, features, and overall ownership costs of both brands to see which offers better value for money in 2025.
Why Hero and Honda Bikes Dominate the Indian Market
Before comparing the budget-friendliness of these two brands, let’s understand why they dominate the Indian two-wheeler industry:
- Hero Bikes: Known for fuel efficiency, durability, and affordability, Hero caters to middle-class families and commuters who want low-cost bikes with excellent mileage. Popular models include Splendor Plus, Passion Pro, and HF Deluxe.
- Honda Bikes: Famous for their refined engines, smooth ride quality, and reliable technology, Honda bikes target both budget-conscious riders and those looking for premium commuter motorcycles. Popular models include Honda Shine, SP 125, and Unicorn.
Both brands hold strong reputations, but the real difference comes down to cost of ownership and budget-friendliness.
Price Comparison of Hero Bikes vs Honda Bikes in 2025
Price is the most important factor when judging whether Hero bikes are more budget-friendly than Honda bikes.
Average Price of Hero Bikes (2025):
- Hero Splendor Plus: ₹ 79,426 (ex-showroom)
- Hero HF Deluxe: ₹ 60,118
- Hero Passion XTEC: ₹ 97,537
- Hero Glamour: ₹ 87,198
- Hero Xtreme 160R: ₹ 1,13,211
Average Price of Honda Bikes (2025):
- Honda Shine 125: ₹ 85,590 (ex-showroom)
- Honda SP 125: ₹ 93,247
- Honda Unicorn 160: ₹ 1,20,727
- Honda Hornet 2.0: ₹ 1,58,049
- Honda CB350 series: ₹ 2,14,800
Observation: Entry-level Hero bikes like HF Deluxe and Splendor Plus are significantly cheaper than Honda’s base models. Honda bikes tend to start at a slightly higher price range, especially in the 125cc and 150cc categories.
Mileage Comparison: Hero vs Honda Bikes
Mileage plays a major role in overall affordability since fuel costs are rising in 2025.
Average Mileage of Hero Bikes:
- Hero Splendor Plus: 65–70 km/l
- Hero HF Deluxe: 65–68 km/l
- Hero Passion XTEC: 60–65 km/l
- Hero Glamour: 60–64 km/l
- Hero Xtreme 160R: 50–55 km/l
Average Mileage of Honda Bikes:
- Honda Shine 125: 60–65 km/l
- Honda SP 125: 62–65 km/l
- Honda Unicorn 160: 55–60 km/l
- Honda Hornet 2.0: 45–50 km/l
- Honda CB350 series: 35–40 km/l
Observation: Hero bikes generally offer slightly higher mileage compared to Honda bikes in the same category. For riders prioritising fuel efficiency, Hero clearly has an edge.
Features and Technology: Hero Bikes vs Honda Bikes
While Hero bikes are budget-friendly, Honda focuses on premium features and refined performance.
Features in Hero Bikes:
- i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) for better mileage
- XTEC technology with digital consoles and Bluetooth
- LED headlamps in premium models
- Focus on cost-effective commuting
Features in Honda Bikes:
- Honda Eco Technology (HET) for better efficiency
- Silent start ACG motor
- Digital instrument clusters with Bluetooth (in some models)
- Better suspension and handling for smooth city & highway rides
Observation: Honda bikes often offer more advanced features and superior ride quality, while Hero bikes focus more on fuel efficiency and affordability.
Maintenance and Servicing Costs
A bike’s affordability is not just about the initial price—it also includes maintenance and service costs.
- Hero Bikes: Known for low-cost maintenance and widely available spare parts. Service centres are available even in rural areas, making them very convenient and cheap to maintain.
- Honda Bikes: Slightly higher maintenance costs due to more advanced technology and premium parts. However, Honda bikes are very reliable and require fewer repairs.
Observation: For riders in rural or semi-urban areas, Hero bikes are more budget-friendly in terms of servicing and maintenance.
Resale Value of Hero Bikes vs Honda Bikes
Another factor affecting affordability is resale value.
- Hero Splendor Plus continues to have one of the highest resale values among Indian bikes, thanks to its reliability and demand.
- Honda Shine and Unicorn also enjoy strong resale value, but slightly lower compared to Hero’s mass commuter bikes.
Observation: Hero’s entry-level commuter bikes offer higher resale value, making them more budget-friendly in the long run.
Which Is More Budget-Friendly in 2025?
To determine which brand is more budget-friendly, let’s compare Hero and Honda across categories:
| Factor | Hero Bikes | Honda Bikes | Winner |
| Starting Price | Lower (₹62,000 onwards) | Higher (₹79,000 onwards) | Hero |
| Mileage | Higher (65–70 km/l average) | Moderate (55–65 km/l average) | Hero |
| Features | Basic but improving (XTEC, i3S) | More advanced & premium | Honda |
| Maintenance Costs | Very low | Slightly higher | Hero |
| Resale Value | Very high (Splendor, HF Deluxe) | High (Shine, Unicorn) | Hero |
| Ride Quality | Good for commuting | Better refinement & comfort | Honda |
Final Verdict: Hero bikes are more budget-friendly than Honda bikes in 2025, especially for entry-level commuters and riders focused on fuel efficiency and lower ownership costs. However, if you prioritise refinement, advanced features, and smoother performance, Honda bikes justify their slightly higher cost.
Who Should Buy Hero Bikes in 2025?
- Students and college-goers looking for affordable commuting
- Daily office commuters with long travel routes
- Rural and semi-urban riders who need easy maintenance
- Budget-conscious families
Who Should Buy Honda Bikes in 2025?
- Professionals looking for a balance of style, comfort, and features
- Riders who prefer premium performance and smoother engines
- Long-distance commuters who value refined handling
- Buyers willing to spend slightly more for advanced technology
Conclusion
In 2025, Hero bikes continue to remain the top choice for budget-conscious Indian riders due to their lower prices, higher mileage, cheaper maintenance, and excellent resale value. On the other hand, Honda bikes appeal to riders seeking refinement, advanced features, and premium ride quality, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
So, if your primary goal is budget-friendliness, Hero bikes are the clear winner. But if you want a motorcycle that offers long-term comfort, modern features, and smoother performance, Honda bikes are worth the extra investment.
Ultimately, the decision between Hero bikes and Honda bikes depends on your budget, usage, and riding style in 2025.