Top 6 most popular bikes in India:
Two-wheelers are an integral part of life in India. The country is home to some of the most popular motorcycles and scooters in the world, from affordable commuters to powerful cruisers. With so many options to choose from, which bikes reign supreme in terms of desirability and sales figures? This article explores the Top 6 Most Popular Bikes in India.
Hero MotoCorp has led motorcycle sales in India for years, largely driven by the success of the Hero Splendor. With the tagline “The Ultimate Commuting Machine,” the Splendor remains a favourite for its reliability, fuel efficiency and low maintenance. Other commuter motorcycles like the Hero HF Deluxe also enjoy strong demand.
For those seeking more performance, brands like Bajaj and TVS have compelling offerings. Bajaj Pulsar motorcycles, described as “The Ultimate Streetfighter,” provide an affordable entry into the world of power and speed. The TVS Apache series also has a reputation as a “Lean and Nimble Racer” with its sporty design and handling.
India is the largest market for Royal Enfield, known for its Classic 350 cruiser – “The Timeless Cruiser.” With laidback riding position and retro styling along with lower maintenance costs, the Enfield Cruiser motorcycles have carved a niche. Joining them are contenders like the Bajaj Dominar 400, branded as “The Power Cruiser.”
The two-wheeler segment is also embracing electric vehicles. Ola Electric made news with the S1 electric scooter marketed as “The Future is Here.” Major manufacturers are slated to follow suit as e-bikes become more popular.
When considering the Top 6 Most Popular Bikes in India, models from Hero, Bajaj, TVS, Royal Enfield and the influx of e-bikes are top contenders. Affordability, fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs drive most purchases. But Indian consumers also seek performance and style. The Top 6 Most Popular Bikes in India aim to deliver the best combination across all factors.
Long-Reigning Commuter Bikes
Hero Splendor – The Ultimate Commuting Machine
Reigning supreme as India’s best-selling bike for over 2 decades, the Hero Splendor needs no introduction. Available in a wide range of engine options from 97cc to 125cc, the Splendor impresses with its fuss-free performance, rock-solid reliability and excellent fuel economy of up to 80kmpl.
The bike uses a time-tested 4-stroke single-cylinder engine optimized for usable torque and efficiency. Made of sturdy components, the Splendor’s engine can cope with high mileage usage and tough riding conditions. Its lightweight design and compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre through congested city roads and traffic.
The Splendor offers one of the most comfortable commuter riders’ experiences with its well-padded long and wide seat, rear set footpegs and upright sitting posture. The ride quality is tuned to absorb urban road undulations nicely. It packs handy features like an electric start, maintenance-free battery and abundant storage space for a no-frills commuter.
Overall, the Splendor justifies its popularity by being an affordable, practical and convenient commuting partner for daily rides.
Performance-Focused Bikes
Bajaj Pulsar – The Ultimate Streetfighter
Viveksinha in, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
When it launched the Pulsar, Bajaj took performance biking mainstream in India. Today, Pulsars are the definite choice for riders seeking an adrenaline rush on a budget. Available in engine capacities from 150cc to 220cc, Pulsars strikes a sweet spot between affordable thrills and everyday rideability.
The peppy twin-spark engines endowed with fuel injection technology make Pulsars extremely responsive and very happy. Be it the city or a highway, a twist of the throttle is enough to make a Pulsar surge ahead with a satisfying roar. Pulsars have a sporty riding position that gives the rider greater control while leaning into corners.
While quite aggressive, Pulsars are also packed with features for comfort and convenience like all-digital consoles, gas-charged shock absorbers and tubeless tyres. For young enthusiasts, the Pulsar is the definitive fast bike that’s also easy on the pocket.
TVS Apache – The Lean and Nimble Racer
Drawing from TVS’ long racing heritage, the Apache series comprises lightweight and nimble performance bikes like the Apache RTR 160, 180 and 200. Powering the Apache are high-revving, fuel-injected engines developed with racing inputs to achieve best-in-class power and torque-to-weight ratios.
Complementing this eager engine is a lightweight trellis frame chassis for razor-sharp handling and stability at high speeds. The rider triangle on the Apache is designed for an aggressive racy stance. Forward-set footpegs allow greater lean angle around winding corners. The Apaches feature the latest hardware like radial tubeless tyres, gas-filled rear shock absorbers and petal disc brakes for tremendous braking power.
For bike lovers who enjoy corner carving and track days, the TVS Apache series delivers an incredible power-to-weight advantage usually seen in much higher-capacity bikes. Overall, Apaches offer a pure and unadulterated racing experience.
Cruiser Bikes for Laidback Rides
Royal Enfield Classic 350 – The Timeless Cruiser
Jean-Paul Corlin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 beautifully blends retro charm with modern capability. Its iconic design harks back to Royal Enfield’s British heritage with styling cues like the rounded headlamp, tear-drop tank and chrome embellishments. The bike’s unique appeal stems from details like the gentle thump of its low-frequency exhaust note.
But beneath the old-world styling is a dependable, torquey 346cc air-cooled engine offering a steady build-up of power. A single downtube frame lends the Classic 350 its signature highway cruising capability and stability. The comfortable upright seating allows effortless long-distance rides.
For today’s riders, the Classic 350 comes equipped with conveniences like electric start, ABS brakes and tripper navigation. Blending nostalgia with reliability and practicality, the Classic 350 has an enduring desirability.
Bajaj Dominar 400 – The Power Cruiser
With the Dominar 400, Bajaj has brought performance cruising within easy reach of riders in India. Drawing power from a 373cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine, the Dominar can hit a top speed of 156kmph. The motor produces a healthy 40PS power and 35Nm torque output enabling rapid acceleration and a top speed of 156 kmph.
The Dominar has an imposing muscular design highlighted by its beefy exhaust, fat tyres and imposing tank. Yet, it handles nimbly enough for daily commuting thanks to its lightweight chassis and perimeter frame. The bike boasts premium components like USD forks, radially mounted callipers and dual-channel ABS for confident braking.
For riders upgrading from smaller bikes, the Dominar 400 offers an affordable route to owning a powerful cruiser. It balances performance and practicality in an exciting package.
India’s Most Coveted Electric Bike
Ola Electric S1 – The Future is Here
With its radical design and connectivity, the Ola Electric S1 has made electric two-wheelers exciting. The S1’s futuristic curves and design are matched by technology under the skin. The bike can sprint from 0-40kmph in an incredible 3 seconds thanks to its 8.5hp electric motor.
A sizeable 3kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows the S1 to achieve an industry-leading range of 181km on a single charge. And with fast charging support, the battery can be juiced up from 0 to 50% in just 18 minutes.
The S1 comes with ‘smart’ features via its digital console and smartphone app. These include remote keyless access, hill hold control, reverse mode, cruise control and other functionality. With over-the-air updates, the S1 promises to keep getting better over time.
For Indian customers looking to switch to sustainable electric mobility, the Ola S1 ticks all the right boxes in terms of performance, range and features. The S1 represents the exciting future of electric two-wheelers in the country.
So those are 6 of the most popular motorbikes in India currently, spanning bread-and-butter commuting to electrifying performance and retro-cool cruising. Models are catering to every need and budget on Indian roads today.
Top 6 most popular bikes in India: Conclusion
In the last decade or so, the Indian bike market has rapidly evolved from basic commuter-focused motorcycles to feature-rich performance bikes across segments and styles. The models discussed here reflect the maturity of homegrown manufacturers like Hero, Bajaj and TVS, who are now infusing global technology and design trends into bikes made for Indian riding conditions.
The popularity of these bikes also shows the diversifying tastes of Indian biking enthusiasts who now covet style, performance and hi-tech experiences, while keeping affordability in mind.
So which of these splendid bikes is going to be your new companion on two wheels? Take a test ride to sample that unique combination of technology, thrill and practicality offered by the top Indian bikes today!