India’s premium motorcycle market is booming. Royal Enfield climbs to 32% share, TVS gains momentum, and Bajaj slips as 125cc+ bikes reach their highest volume share in over five years.
Royal Enfield Strengthens Market Share As Premium Motorcycle Segment Expands
India’s mid-to-large motorcycle segment is witnessing a clear shift in buyer preference, and the numbers prove it. Market share movements over the past few years highlight how consumer demand is evolving toward higher-capacity motorcycles.
Royal Enfield Gains Ground
Royal Enfield has expanded its market share from around 27 per cent earlier in the decade to nearly 32 per cent in the first nine months of FY2025-26. This steady growth reflects the brand’s strong hold in the 350cc and above category.
TVS Motor Climbs, Bajaj Sees Decline
- TVS Motor improved its share from approximately 15 per cent to nearly 19 per cent during the same period.
- Bajaj Auto, on the other hand, experienced a noticeable decline, with its share falling from 32 per cent to nearly 22 per cent.
These shifts come at a time when competition in India’s premium motorcycle space has intensified significantly.
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Premium Motorcycles See Stronger Demand
During the first ten months of FY26:
- Motorcycles above 125cc accounted for 26 per cent of total industry volumes — the highest level recorded in more than five years.
- In FY25, the same category contributed about 24.4 per cent of total dispatches.
This steady rise indicates that buyers are increasingly prioritising:
- Better performance
- Stronger road presence
- Brand value
- Lifestyle appeal
Instead of focusing only on affordability.
Entry-Level Bikes Still Lead Volumes
Despite the rise of premium motorcycles:
- Entry-level bikes still account for roughly 73 per cent of the overall market.
- The 150cc to 350cc segment is expanding steadily, growing from about 23 per cent last fiscal to nearly 25 per cent now.
This shows that while commuter motorcycles remain dominant, the mid-weight segment is gradually strengthening its position.
What’s Driving This Structural Shift?
Several factors are contributing to this transformation:
1. Tax Revisions
Recent tax adjustments helped reduce pricing pressure in select categories.
2. Easier Financing
Improved loan accessibility has made higher-capacity motorcycles more attainable.
3. Rising Disposable Income
Increasing purchasing power is encouraging buyers to upgrade.
4. Lifestyle Aspirations
Consumers are increasingly choosing motorcycles as lifestyle statements rather than just basic transportation tools.
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Conclusion
India’s motorcycle market is undergoing a structural shift. While commuter motorcycles continue to anchor total volumes, the growing acceptance of higher-capacity models is reshaping the industry landscape.
With supportive government policies, improved affordability, and changing consumer aspirations, the premium motorcycle segment is set to play an even more influential role in future product strategies.