The lightest bike in India for public roads is the TVS XL100 moped at 88 kg; among motorcycles, the Honda Shine 100 is 99 kg kerb.
If you ride in city traffic, every kilo matters. A lighter machine feels quicker off the line, easier to paddle through jams, and simpler to park. This guide answers “which is the lightest bike in India?” with clear picks you can actually buy today, plus how kerb weight shapes real-world feel.
Which Is The Lightest Bike In India? — By Type And Budget
Two meanings of “bike” pop up in India: full motorcycles and mopeds/scooters. The all-time lightest road-legal two-wheeler you can register today is the TVS XL100 (kerb 88 kg). If you want the lightest geared motorcycle (not a moped), the current on-sale champ is the Honda Shine 100 (kerb 99 kg). Both are widely available and friendly to new riders.
Kerb Weight, Wet Weight, And Why It Matters
Kerb weight is the ready-to-ride number with fluids and a tank at a standard level. Lower kerb weight helps at low speed, in U-turns, and when pushing the bike into tight parking. Taller riders can shrug off a few kilos, but short or new riders feel the change right away.
Lightest Road-Legal Picks You Can Buy Now (Broad List)
This table puts popular lightweights in one quick view. Models are current, road-legal options you can buy in India, with kerb weights from manufacturer pages or long-running Indian spec databases.
| Model | Type | Kerb Weight |
|---|---|---|
| TVS XL100 Heavy Duty | Moped | 88 kg source |
| Honda Shine 100 | Motorcycle | 99 kg source |
| Honda Dio (110) | Scooter | 106 kg source |
| Honda Dio 125 | Scooter | 105–106 kg source |
| Hero HF 100 | Motorcycle | 109–110 kg source |
| Hero Splendor Plus | Motorcycle | 112 kg source |
| TVS Sport | Motorcycle | 112 kg source |
| Bajaj Platina 100 | Motorcycle | 117 kg source |
Quick Verdict: Who Should Pick What
If Low Speed Control Matters Most
Choose the TVS XL100. At 88 kg, it feels featherlight during tight turns, quick stops, and parking on a cramped lane. The step-through layout keeps feet close to the ground.
If You Want A Geared Motorcycle
Pick the Honda Shine 100. At 99 kg kerb, it’s the benchmark for a full motorcycle you can insure and register across India. The light clutch, simple 4-speed box, and compact body keep the learning curve short.
If You Prefer A Classic Commuter Feel
Go for Hero HF 100 or Hero Splendor Plus. They’re a touch heavier than Shine 100, yet still easy in traffic. The kerb figure sits near 109–112 kg, so balance is friendly for daily runs.
Method: What We Counted (And What We Didn’t)
We used kerb weight where makers and mature Indian spec sites publish a number. Minor swings (1–2 kg) happen across variants and updates. We excluded off-road-only dirt bikes that aren’t road-legal for registration. That’s why something like a tiny motocross machine doesn’t top this list, even if it’s lighter on paper.
How Kerb Weight Changes Daily Riding
Starts And Stops
From a traffic light, a light bike pops ahead with less throttle. The same trait helps during micro-braking when rickshaws or vans dart across your lane.
Feet-Down Moments
Short riders gain confidence when paddling at crawl speed. Parking over a speed breaker or backing into a narrow slot feels easier when the bike is under 105 kg.
Fuel Use And Tyre Wear
Light weight helps mileage in slow traffic where aero drag doesn’t dominate. Tyres and brake shoes tend to last longer when they aren’t hauling extra mass on every commute.
Buying Triggers: Use Case First, Weight Second
Weight should slot in after use case. A 90–112 kg commuter or moped suits 30–60 km/day city runs. Longer highway rides ask for more power, more wheelbase, and better wind control, which usually adds weight. Start with your route, then pick the lightest fit.
City-Only Errands
- TVS XL100 for sheer ease and step-through practicality.
- Honda Dio / Dio 125 if you want under-seat storage and a floorboard.
Mixed City And Ring-Road
- Honda Shine 100 for the lightest geared motorcycle you can buy new.
- Hero Splendor Plus / HF 100 for a familiar ride with loads of spares and service reach.
How We Verified The Weights
For each model, we looked for an official spec sheet first. When a maker page didn’t list kerb weight directly, we cross-checked long-standing Indian spec databases that track current OBD-2B models. The links in the tables point to those pages. You’ll also find maker sources inside the body copy where possible for extra confidence.
Rules, Paperwork, And Practical Notes
Registration And Insurance
Mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles follow the same broad registration routine at your RTO. The only real difference you’ll feel is the handling. A lighter frame will make your RTO test day less stressful for low-speed tasks.
Payload Caution
Light bikes still carry serious loads. The TVS XL100 quotes a 150 kg payload on its page. Don’t overload the rear rack; keep mass central and low, and check tyre pressures weekly.
Top Light Models: Pros, Cons, And Fit
TVS XL100 (88 Kg Kerb)
Why riders pick it: simple CVT, flat floor, and the easiest low-speed feel on sale. Spares are cheap and widely stocked.
Trade-offs: basic brakes and suspension. Keep speeds sensible and plan stops early.
Source: Official specs list the kerb at 88–89 kg based on variant: TVS page.
Honda Shine 100 (99 Kg Kerb)
Why riders pick it: lightest geared motorcycle you can purchase new; compact size; smooth, tractable power for stop-go streets.
Trade-offs: basic hardware; not built for sustained triple-digit cruising.
Source: Indian spec database listing 99 kg kerb: BikeWale page.
Hero HF 100 (109–110 Kg Kerb)
Why riders pick it: familiar Hero ergonomics, easy service reach, and pricing that keeps ownership light on the wallet.
Trade-offs: a few kilos more than Shine 100, so it won’t feel as flickable in dense traffic.
Source: Hero’s own write-up quotes 110 kg; variant lists and spec pages often show 109 kg: Hero page, spec database.
Hero Splendor Plus (112 Kg Kerb)
Why riders pick it: an all-India service footprint and time-tested parts. Many commuters already know the riding stance and switchgear by muscle memory.
Trade-offs: a bit heavier than the top two, with older-school hardware on lower trims.
Source: Official brochure lists 112 kg: Splendor+ brochure.
Bajaj Platina 100 (117 Kg Kerb)
Why riders pick it: plush ride and roomy seat, good for rough lanes and long office runs.
Trade-offs: the heaviest on this list; still easy to live with, just not the top pick if your goal is the absolute lightest bike.
Source: Bajaj’s specs show 117 kg kerb: Bajaj page.
Seat Height Matters As Much As Weight
Weight is half the comfort puzzle; seat height decides how firmly your feet plant at signals. A super-light bike can still feel awkward if the seat is too tall. Cross-check both values before you buy.
| Model | Seat Height | Kerb Weight |
|---|---|---|
| TVS XL100 Heavy Duty | — (step-through) | 88 kg specs |
| Honda Shine 100 | 786 mm | 99 kg specs |
| Honda Dio (110) | 765 mm | 106 kg specs |
| Hero HF 100 | 805 mm | 109–110 kg specs |
| Hero Splendor Plus | ~785–799 mm (variant) | 112 kg specs |
| Bajaj Platina 100 | 807 mm | 117 kg specs |
How To Test Ride A Light Bike The Smart Way
1) Start With U-Turns
Find a calm side street and make slow U-turns both ways. A light bike should lean easily and stand up without a fight.
2) Try A Parking Ramp
Roll up and down a short ramp with your feet grazing the ground. You’ll feel the difference between 88, 99, and 112 kg right away.
3) Simulate Commute Weight
Carry the bag you use daily, clip your helmet to the hook if it’s a scooter, and see how the balance feels.
Costs, Spares, And Resale
Light commuters rarely punish wallets. Tyres are narrow, brake parts are small, and service intervals run long. The Honda Shine 100, Hero HF 100, and Splendor Plus have parts on every corner. The TVS XL100 keeps parts cheap and easy to source at TVS outlets. If you ride mostly in town, these platforms keep running costs tame.
Common Myths About Light Bikes
“Light Means Flimsy”
Not true. These bikes use simple frames and modest power. You’re not trimming safety gear; you’re skipping heavy hardware meant for high-speed touring.
“Light Bikes Can’t Climb Flyovers”
They can. Stay within the engine’s comfort band and drop a gear early. What you lose in outright speed, you gain in ease during the other 95% of city life.
Answering The Exact Query
If a friend asks, “which is the lightest bike in india?” give two straight picks: TVS XL100 (lightest road-legal two-wheeler at 88 kg) and Honda Shine 100 (lightest geared motorcycle at 99 kg).
And if they push, “so, which is the lightest bike in india?” point them to the first table. The top row settles it for registration-ready mopeds; the second row settles it for geared motorcycles.
Final Picks
- Lightest Overall, Road-Legal: TVS XL100 Heavy Duty — 88 kg kerb, step-through practicality. Official page.
- Lightest Geared Motorcycle: Honda Shine 100 — 99 kg kerb, compact size for busy streets. Specs page.
- Easy Service Footprint: Hero Splendor Plus / HF 100 — 109–112 kg kerb with wide dealer reach. Brochure, HF 100 page.
- Soft-Ride Alternative: Bajaj Platina 100 — 117 kg kerb, plush seat and long suspension. Official specs.
What To Do Next
Shortlist two models that match your route. Book back-to-back test rides on the same day, load your daily bag, and ride the exact roads you face every morning. The lighter bike that still feels planted at 50–60 km/h is the right call.