Five bikes that help stretch every litre further
As fuel prices surge and queues stretch across petrol pumps, the idea of squeezing more kilometres out of every litre stops being a preference and starts becoming a necessity
The shift has been hard to miss. Over the past few weeks, fuel stations across the country have seen long, slow-moving lines of motorcycles and cars, engines idling under the heat as riders wait for their turn.
The ongoing global fuel disruption tied to the Iran conflict has pushed local prices upward, with octane rising from Tk120 to Tk140 per litre. What used to be a quick refill has turned into a routine calculation — how far can this tank really take me?
In that context, fuel efficiency now directly shapes how often you queue, how much you spend, and how predictable your daily commute feels. For most riders, especially those navigating dense urban traffic, the answer still lies in small-displacement commuter bikes.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The 100–125cc segment continues to offer the best balance of affordability, usability, and most importantly, fuel economy. Thus, for this issue of Wheels, we picked five of the most fuel efficient bikes currently available in the market.
Bajaj Platina 100
The Platina 100 has built its identity around one simple idea: Go further on less. It runs a 102cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing around 8.4 bhp and 10 Nm of torque.
On paper, those numbers are modest, but the way the engine is tuned makes all the difference. Power delivery is gentle, the gearing is relaxed, and the overall setup is designed to minimise fuel consumption rather than maximise speed.
Real-world mileage figures tend to hover in the 65 to 75 km/l range depending on riding conditions. In heavy traffic, where constant acceleration and braking usually hurt efficiency, the Platina manages to stay consistent. It is not a bike that encourages urgency, but in return, it rewards patience with fewer trips to the pump.
Price starts at: Tk128,000
Hero Splendor Plus
Few motorcycles in this region carry the kind of reputation the Splendor does. Its 97cc engine produces roughly 8 bhp and around 8 Nm of torque, and while the output figures are similar to its rivals, the long-term consistency is what stands out.
The engine is understressed, the components are simple, and the overall design prioritises durability. Mileage typically sits between 60 and 70 km/l in real-world use, and more importantly, it tends to stay there even after years of ownership. In a market where maintenance quality can vary, that kind of predictability matters.
The Splendor does not try to stand out, but it quietly delivers exactly what most riders need — low running costs and dependable efficiency.
Price starts at: Tk117,000
Suzuki Hayate
The Hayate takes a slightly different approach by offering a bit more displacement without compromising too much on efficiency. Its 113cc engine produces around 8.8 bhp and 9.3 Nm of torque, giving it a slightly stronger mid-range compared to typical 100cc bikes.
That extra bit of power becomes noticeable when carrying a pillion or navigating faster stretches of road. Despite that, fuel economy remains competitive, usually falling within the 60 to 70 km/l range. The balance it strikes is important. It does not feel as strained under load, yet it avoids the sharp drop in efficiency that often comes with stepping up in engine size.
For riders who want a bit more flexibility without significantly increasing fuel costs, it fits neatly into that space.
Price starts at: Tk113,000
Honda Livo 110
Honda's approach with the Livo leans more toward refinement. The 109cc engine produces around 8.6 bhp and 9.3 Nm of torque, but the focus here is less on outright numbers and more on how the bike behaves over time.
Reduced internal friction, smoother combustion, and tighter engineering tolerances contribute to a more consistent riding experience. Mileage figures typically range between 60 and 65 km/l, but what stands out is how stable that efficiency feels across different riding conditions.
In stop-start city traffic, where rough engines can feel tiring, the Livo maintains a smoother, quieter character. That refinement does not necessarily show up on paper, but over long daily commutes, it becomes increasingly noticeable.
Price starts at: Tk125,000
Honda SP 125
At the upper end of this list sits the SP 125, a bike that shifts the conversation slightly. Its 124cc fuel-injected engine produces around 10.7 bhp and 10.9 Nm of torque, making it noticeably more responsive than the smaller commuters.
The inclusion of fuel injection plays a key role here, allowing more precise fuel delivery and better overall efficiency. Despite the increase in power, real-world mileage still falls in the 60 to 65 km/l range.
What changes is how the bike feels to ride. Acceleration is stronger, overtakes require less planning, and highway runs feel more relaxed. It manages to hold onto respectable efficiency while offering a more complete riding experience, which becomes relevant for riders who cover mixed routes rather than purely urban commutes.
Price starts at: Tk165,000
