8 Best 150cc Motorcycles for Long Drives (Rider-Tested Picks for Comfort and Mileage)

I’ve spent plenty of weekends proving that you don’t need a 400cc tourer to enjoy the open road. Some of my best rides were on humble 150cc commuters that I loaded with a soft bag and pointed toward the horizon. They’re light, cheap to run and easy to fix almost anywhere.

But not every small bike is good at distance. Some buzz at 80 km/h, some have seats that turn into a plank after 100 km, and some have tiny tanks that keep you hunting for fuel stops.

So I’ve put together my shortlist of the bikes I’d actually trust for a long day in the saddle. Note that “150cc” here is a class, so a few bikes have engines a little larger (155 to 165cc) that compete directly with it.

What I Look For in a Long-Distance 150cc Bike

Before the list, here’s the checklist I use. It’s how I separate a bike that is fun for 20 km from one that’s fun for 400 km.

Seat and Ergonomics

An upright riding posture and a well-padded, reasonably long seat are non-negotiable for me. Sporty clip-on bikes look great but punish your wrists and back after a couple of hours.

Tank Range and Mileage

A 12 to 15 litre tank paired with 45+ km/l gives a theoretical range of well over 500 km. In practice I plan fuel stops at about 350 km, which keeps me away from reserve anxiety.

Engine Refinement and Reliability

Low vibration at 80 km/h matters more than peak power. I also want an engine with a proven track record, because a breakdown in the middle of nowhere ruins any trip.

1. Yamaha FZ-S Fi V4: Best Overall for Long Rides

The Yamaha FZ-S Fi V4 is the bike I recommend most often. Its 149cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine makes about 12.4 PS and 13.3 Nm. That isn’t startling, but the way it delivers that power is wonderfully smooth.

The riding position is upright and relaxed, and the 13-litre tank gives me excellent range. In my experience the FZ-S Fi V4 returns around 50 km/l when ridden calmly. It weighs roughly 135 kg, so it’s easy to handle when I’m tired and loaded with luggage.

The ride quality is also a step above most of its rivals. The suspension soaks up broken tarmac without feeling floaty, and the single-channel ABS adds welcome confidence in the rain. Expect a price of roughly ₹1.2 to 1.3 lakh ex-showroom in India, depending on the variant and city.

• Best for: riders who want comfort plus a modern feel
• Watch out for: modest top-end power on steep climbs with a pillion

2. Honda Unicorn: Best for Reliability and Low Vibration

If I could only trust one bike never to complain, it would be the Honda Unicorn. Its 162.7cc fuel-injected engine produces around 13 PS and 14 Nm. It also feels more relaxed at cruising speed than almost anything in this price bracket.

The Unicorn has a plush, wide seat and a very neutral stance. Vibrations stay low even at 80 km/h, which means my hands don’t tingle after an hour. The 13-litre tank and fuel efficiency in the high 50s km/l on gentle runs make it a truly economical tourer.

It isn’t exciting, and I won’t pretend otherwise. But for a first-time long-distance rider, the Unicorn’s predictability and Honda’s service network are priceless. Pricing sits around ₹1.1 lakh ex-showroom.

3. Bajaj Pulsar P150: Best for Big Tank and Stability

The Bajaj Pulsar P150 is the bike I point to when someone says they want something sturdy and familiar. Its 149.68cc engine makes around 14 PS and 13.25 Nm, and it pulls cleanly through the mid-range, which is exactly where you spend most highway time.

What I love is the 15-litre tank, one of the largest in the segment. Combined with a mileage of around 45 to 50 km/l, you’re looking at serious range between fill-ups. The Pulsar P150’s long wheelbase and heft (about 140 kg) also make it feel planted in crosswinds and when overtaking trucks.

The split seat is firm but supportive, and the pillion section is decent for two-up touring. Expect roughly ₹1.1 to 1.2 lakh ex-showroom.

4. Bajaj Pulsar N160: Best for Safety and Highway Power

When I want a bit more muscle, I reach for the Bajaj Pulsar N160. Its 164.82cc oil-cooled engine puts out around 16 PS and 14.65 Nm. It has noticeably more overtaking punch than the smaller-engined bikes here.

The headline feature for me is the availability of dual-channel ABS on higher variants. That’s a rare and valuable safety feature in this class when you’re braking hard on wet, unfamiliar roads. The 14-litre tank and upright posture are well suited to full days of riding.

The downside is weight, at about 152 kg, which is felt in slow traffic. On the highway, though, that weight translates to stability. Pricing is typically around ₹1.3 to 1.4 lakh ex-showroom.

5. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Best for Spirited Highway Riding

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is my choice for riders who enjoy a sportier edge but still want to cover distance. The 159.7cc oil-cooled engine delivers about 17.5 PS and 14.7 Nm, making it one of the punchiest bikes in this class.

Cruising at 90 km/h is effortless, and the engine stays eager even at high revs. The riding position is slightly forward-leaning, so I find it comfortable for about 3 to 4 hours before wanting a break. The 12-litre tank is on the smaller side, so I plan fuel stops a bit more carefully.

Handling is the star. In the twisties, the Apache RTR 160 4V feels sharp and confidence-inspiring. Expect roughly ₹1.2 to 1.4 lakh ex-showroom, depending on the variant.

6. Suzuki Gixxer SF 155: Best Fairing for Wind Protection

The Suzuki Gixxer SF 155 is the only full-faired bike on my list, and that fairing really helps. At highway speeds it takes a noticeable amount of wind blast off my chest and shoulders, which reduces fatigue on longer runs.

Its 155cc air-cooled engine makes about 13.4 PS and 13.8 Nm. It’s famously smooth, and the gearbox is one of the slickest in this class. Mileage around 45 to 50 km/l with a 12-litre tank gives a respectable range.

The riding position is sporty but not extreme, and the seat is decent. Ride quality is on the firm side, though. Pricing is roughly ₹1.4 to 1.5 lakh ex-showroom.

7. Honda SP160: Best for Smooth, Everyday Touring

The Honda SP160 is like a slightly sportier cousin of the Unicorn. Its 162.7cc engine makes about 13.2 PS and 14.6 Nm, with the same refined, low-fuss character that Honda is known for.

I like the SP160’s muscular looks and its comfortable, upright seating. The rear suspension is tuned fairly well for mixed road surfaces, and the bike feels secure at a steady 80 km/h. Fuel economy in the 50 km/l range is typical in my experience.

It’s an easy bike to live with, whether commuting during the week or heading out on weekend trips. Expect around ₹1.2 to 1.3 lakh ex-showroom.

8. Yamaha FZ-X: Best Retro Pick for Relaxed Trips

The Yamaha FZ-X is the stylish, neo-retro option. It shares the 149cc engine and roughly 12.4 PS output of the FZ-S Fi V4, so it has the same smooth, dependable character, wrapped in a more laid-back, classic design.

I enjoy its wide handlebar and relaxed seating. It also has Bluetooth connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation, which is genuinely useful on trips. The catch is the smaller 10-litre tank, so I plan fuel stops at around 300 km.

If you want a bike that turns heads at every tea stall, this is it. Pricing is around ₹1.4 to 1.5 lakh ex-showroom.

How I Prepare a 150cc Bike for a Long Trip

A small-capacity engine works hard on long rides, so preparation matters. Fresh engine oil is the single most important thing I do before a big journey.

If you’re unsure which to pick, I’d start by reading this guide on the best motor oil for 4 stroke motorcycle. It breaks down viscosity and grades in plain language.

For another perspective, here’s a roundup of the top engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle options. And if you’re riding in India, this piece on the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle in india covers climate-specific concerns.

Quick Oil Reading List

If you’re still comparing, I also like this explainer on what is the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle. For a broader overview, check the guide to the best engine oil for motorcycle models across categories.

My Pre-Trip Checklist

• Engine oil and filter: change if you’re close to the interval
• Chain: clean, lube and set the slack correctly
• Tyres: check pressure and tread depth, and add a bit of air if loaded
• Brakes: inspect pad thickness and fluid level
• Lights and battery: test everything the day before

Riding Tips That Make 150cc Touring Easier

Keep a Steady Cruising Speed

I stick to 70 to 85 km/h. It’s the sweet spot where vibrations stay low and mileage stays high, and the engine isn’t screaming for hours.

Take Breaks Every 90 Minutes

Even the comfiest seat gets tiring. I stop every hour and a half to stretch, hydrate and give my hands a rest.

Pack Light and Low

A heavy backpack ruins comfort quickly. I use a tail bag or saddle bags and keep the weight low and centered, which helps with stability on a light bike.

Final Thoughts: Which One Would I Pick?

If I had to choose just one, I’d take the Yamaha FZ-S Fi V4 for its blend of comfort, fuel efficiency and refinement. For someone who prizes safety and power, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 is hard to beat.

If bulletproof reliability is your priority, the Honda Unicorn is the quiet champion. Whichever you choose, take a proper test ride of at least 20 to 30 minutes and pay attention to how your back, wrists and backside feel.

The best long-distance bike is the one you want to keep riding when the day gets long. Pick the one that fits you, service it well, and enjoy the road.

Frequently Asked Questions