Top 5 Most Affordable Bikes in India with Upside Down Forks in 2025 – Complete Price, Specs, and Features Comparison

Oct 28, 2025

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The year 2025 has brought an exciting evolution in India’s two-wheeler market. Motorcycles that once featured basic telescopic forks are now adopting upside down (USD) front forks, a suspension technology previously reserved for premium and performance bikes. USD forks not only enhance the handling, rigidity, and stability of a motorcycle but also give it a sporty and aggressive stance.

For Indian riders, the best part is that USD fork technology is no longer limited to high-end bikes. Several popular brands like Bajaj, TVS, and Honda now offer this feature in models priced around ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh, making it affordable for the average commuter or enthusiast.

In this detailed article, we explore the Top 5 Most Affordable Bikes in India with Upside Down Forks in 2025, with complete information on their price, specifications, performance, and key highlights.

What Are Upside Down (USD) Front Forks?

The upside down front fork design flips the conventional telescopic suspension upside down — placing the thicker, stronger tube at the top and the thinner tube at the bottom. This offers several advantages:

Feature	Benefit of USD Forks
Improved rigidity	Better stability and cornering precision
Reduced unsprung weight	Enhanced ride quality on uneven roads
Superior feedback	More control at higher speeds
Premium appearance	Sportier and aggressive design
Less flex during braking	Increases confidence during hard braking

In simple terms, USD forks improve both aesthetics and ride dynamics, providing better performance and feel for daily riders as well as enthusiasts.

1. Honda CB125 Hornet

Specification	Details
Engine	123.94 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder
Power	11 bhp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque	11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual
Front Suspension	37 mm Upside Down Forks
Rear Suspension	5-step preload adjustable monoshock
Brakes	Disc (Front and Rear)
Price (Ex-showroom, India)	₹1.02 Lakh (Approx.)
Mileage	Around 55 km/l (claimed)

The Honda CB125 Hornet is a stylish 125cc motorcycle that sets new benchmarks for its class. With its aggressive design, full-LED lighting, and digital TFT instrument cluster, it targets young riders seeking a premium yet efficient motorcycle. The presence of 37 mm USD forks gives the bike superior handling compared to traditional telescopic setups, making it ideal for both city and highway rides.

Highlights:

One of the first 125cc bikes in India to feature USD forks.
Premium build quality with Bluetooth-enabled TFT display.
Lightweight and fuel-efficient for daily commutes.

2. Bajaj Pulsar NS160

Specification	Details
Engine	160.3 cc, oil-cooled, 4-valve FI DTS-i
Power	17.03 bhp @ 9,000 rpm
Torque	14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm
Transmission	5-speed gearbox
Front Suspension	Upside Down Forks
Rear Suspension	Nitrox monoshock
Brakes	260 mm Front Disc / 230 mm Rear Disc
Price (Ex-showroom)	₹1.20 Lakh (Approx.)
Mileage	45 km/l (Approx.)

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is one of the most feature-packed motorcycles in its segment. Known for its powerful engine and strong street presence, the NS160 now comes equipped with USD forks, enhancing both aesthetics and stability. The perimeter frame and dual disc brakes further complement its performance-oriented nature.

Highlights:

USD forks borrowed from its elder sibling, NS200.
Excellent handling and stability during cornering.
Aggressive streetfighter design with strong mid-range torque.

3. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Specification	Details
Engine	159.7 cc, oil-cooled, 4-valve
Power	17.3 bhp @ 9,250 rpm
Torque	14.73 Nm @ 7,250 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual
Front Suspension	USD Forks (Top Variant)
Rear Suspension	Mono-shock with adjustable preload
Brakes	Petal Disc (Front and Rear)
Price (Ex-showroom)	₹1.39 Lakh (Approx.)
Mileage	Around 45 km/l

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is a benchmark in the 160cc category. The latest update introduced USD front forks on select variants, giving it sharper handling and improved braking response. The engine remains among the most refined in its segment, and the design is sporty and muscular.

Highlights:

Advanced oil-cooled 4-valve engine with race-derived DNA.
SmartXonnect Bluetooth technology with digital cluster.
Excellent stability and braking due to USD forks and petal discs.

4. Bajaj Pulsar N160

Specification	Details
Engine	164.82 cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled
Power	15.7 bhp @ 8,750 rpm
Torque	14.65 Nm @ 6,750 rpm
Transmission	5-speed gearbox
Front Suspension	Upside Down Forks (select variant)
Rear Suspension	Monoshock
Brakes	Dual Disc with Dual-Channel ABS
Price (Ex-showroom)	₹1.17 Lakh (Approx.)
Mileage	46 km/l (Approx.)

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 offers modern design and balanced performance. It shares its chassis with the N250, providing a robust and stable ride experience. The addition of USD forks in its premium trim has significantly improved the bike’s front-end feel. With dual-channel ABS, the N160 also offers one of the safest braking setups in its class.

Highlights:

Strong chassis borrowed from Pulsar N250.
Sporty LED projector headlamp design.
Refined engine and comfortable ergonomics for city and highway use.

5. Bajaj Pulsar NS200

Specification	Details
Engine	199 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder
Power	24.13 bhp @ 9,750 rpm
Torque	18.74 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed gearbox
Front Suspension	Upside Down Forks
Rear Suspension	Gas-charged Monoshock
Brakes	Dual Disc with Dual-Channel ABS
Price (Ex-showroom)	₹1.45 Lakh (Approx.)
Mileage	40 km/l (Approx.)

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 continues to dominate the sub-200cc performance bike market. The latest version introduces USD forks, making it even more stable and agile. It offers a liquid-cooled engine with class-leading power and a perimeter frame, ensuring precise handling and high-speed performance.

Highlights:

200cc engine with 24 bhp – most powerful in its price segment.
Excellent ride stability due to perimeter frame and USD forks.
Dual-channel ABS ensures superior braking control.

Comparative Table – Top 5 Bikes with USD Forks in 2025

Model	Engine (cc)	Power (bhp)	Torque (Nm)	Price (₹)	Mileage (km/l)	Suspension Type
Honda CB125 Hornet	123.94	11.0	11.2	1.02 L	55	USD Forks
Bajaj Pulsar NS160	160.3	17.03	14.6	1.20 L	45	USD Forks
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V	159.7	17.3	14.73	1.39 L	45	USD Forks
Bajaj Pulsar N160	164.82	15.7	14.65	1.17 L	46	USD Forks
Bajaj Pulsar NS200	199	24.13	18.74	1.45 L	40	USD Forks

Key Takeaways

Most Affordable Option: Honda CB125 Hornet (~₹1.02 Lakh).
Best Performance: Bajaj Pulsar NS200 (24.13 bhp).
Best for Commuting: TVS Apache RTR 160 4V (balance of mileage and power).
Best Value: Bajaj Pulsar N160 (modern design with dual-channel ABS and USD forks).
Best Handling: Pulsar NS160 and NS200 (perimeter frame + USD setup).

USD forks have now entered the affordable segment, offering Indian buyers an opportunity to experience better handling and premium looks without spending beyond ₹1.5 lakh.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, Indian motorcycle buyers have more advanced options than ever before. The integration of upside down forks in the affordable range has redefined the expectations from commuter and mid-level sport bikes. Riders now enjoy premium-level stability, style, and control within a budget-friendly price range.

Whether you’re a city commuter or a weekend rider, these five motorcycles deliver an excellent balance of performance, comfort, and technology.

Disclaimer

All prices, mileage figures, and specifications mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on region, variant, and dealership updates. Readers are advised to verify the latest on-road prices and variant features before making a purchase decision. This article is intended purely for informational and educational purposes.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.