India's Most Wanted: The Best-Selling Bikes of 2025
Featured Stories by Team Drivio | 25 Jun 2025
The Commuter King: Hero Splendor Series
It's impossible to talk about best-sellers without starting here. The Hero Splendor isn't just a motorcycle; it's a household name, a legacy, and for millions, their first and most trusted two-wheeler.
- Sales Rank: Consistently the #1 selling motorcycle in India.
- Models: Splendor+, Super Splendor, Splendor+ XTEC
- Engine: ~97.2cc, Air-cooled, 4-stroke (Splendor+)
- Power: ~8.02 PS @ 8000 rpm
- Mileage: 65-70 km/l (Claimed/User-reported)
- Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi): Starts at approx. ₹74,000
Why It Sells: The Unbreakable Trust
The Splendor's success is built on a simple, unbeatable formula:
- Fuel Efficiency: In a nation where "kitna deti hai?" is the first question, the Splendor's mileage is legendary.
- Reliability: The engine is virtually bulletproof, designed to run for years with minimal upkeep.
- Low Maintenance: Service costs are incredibly low, and spare parts are available in the remotest corners of the country.
- Resale Value: A Splendor holds its value exceptionally well, making it a wise financial decision.
Even with a slew of new competitors, the Splendor's core promise of a hassle-free, economical, and reliable ride keeps it firmly on its throne.
The 125cc Champions: The Perfect Balance
The 125cc segment is where the action is heating up, offering a perfect blend of commuter-like mileage and a bit more punch.
1. Honda Shine 125
The Honda Shine is the undisputed monarch of the 125cc segment. It embodies everything Honda is known for: refinement, quality, and a silent, smooth engine.
- Sales Rank: #1 selling 125cc bike and often the #2 motorcycle overall in India.
- Engine: 123.94cc, 4-stroke, SI Engine with eSP
- Power: 10.74 PS @ 7500 rpm
- Mileage: 55-65 km/l (Claimed/User-reported)
- Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi): Starts at approx. ₹92,700
Why It Sells: The Refined Choice
The Shine is the choice for the commuter who seeks a premium experience. Its incredibly smooth and silent engine (thanks to Honda's ACG starter) and superior build quality make it feel a class above its rivals. It’s the reliable, no-nonsense workhorse for the salaried professional.
2. Bajaj Pulsar 125 Series
The Pulsar brand democratized performance in India, and the Pulsar 125 series successfully packages that sporty DNA in a more accessible and efficient form.
- Sales Rank: Consistently in the top 5 overall and a top contender in the 125cc space.
- Models: Pulsar 125, Pulsar NS125
- Engine: 124.4cc, 4-Stroke, 2-Valve, DTS-i
- Power: 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm
- Mileage: 50-55 km/l (Claimed/User-reported)
- Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi): Starts at approx. ₹81,500
Why It Sells: The Aspirational Performer
The Pulsar sells on its sporty appeal and strong performance. For young buyers and those in smaller towns, owning a Pulsar is a statement. It offers more power and a more aggressive design than its commuter-focused rivals, making it a highly desirable brand.
The Lifestyle Leader: Royal Enfield Classic 350
Moving up the ladder, no motorcycle defines its segment quite like the Royal Enfield Classic 350. It’s not just a bike; it's a culture, a statement of identity.
- Sales Rank: The undisputed best-seller in the 300-500cc segment.
- Engine: 349cc, Air-oil cooled, 4-stroke
- Power: 20.2 PS @ 6100 rpm
- Mileage: 35-40 km/l (Claimed/User-reported)
- Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi): Starts at approx. ₹1.95 Lakh
Why It Sells: The Thump and The Presence
The Classic 350 sells an experience.
- Road Presence: Its iconic, retro design and substantial build give it unmatched street presence.
- The "Thump": The signature exhaust note is a key part of its appeal.
- Riding Posture: The comfortable, upright ergonomics make it great for city cruising and long highway rides.
- Brand Legacy: Owning a Royal Enfield is an aspirational goal for a vast number of Indian riders.
The Scooter Superstars: Ruling the Urban Jungle
Scooters are the lifeblood of urban commuting, and these models dominate the sales charts with authority.
1. Honda Activa
For the scooter segment, the Honda Activa is what the Splendor is for motorcycles. It is, by a massive margin, India's favourite scooter.
- Sales Rank: #1 selling scooter in India.
- Models: Activa 6G (110cc), Activa 125
- Engine: 109.51cc, Fan Cooled, 4-stroke (Activa 6G)
- Power: 7.84 PS @ 8000 rpm
- Mileage: 45-50 km/l (Claimed/User-reported)
- Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi): Starts at approx. ₹76,200
Why It Sells: The Default Choice
The Activa is the default scooter for the Indian family due to its gender-neutral appeal, legendary reliability, metal body panels, and ease of use. It's the most practical and trusted name in the business.
2. TVS Jupiter
TVS Jupiter has successfully carved out its space as the strongest challenger to the Activa, offering more features and practicality.
- Sales Rank: #2 selling scooter in India.
- Models: Jupiter 110, Jupiter 125
- Engine: 109.7cc, CVT, 4-stroke (Jupiter 110)
- Power: 7.88 PS @ 7500 rpm
- Mileage: 50-55 km/l (Claimed/User-reported)
- Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi): Starts at approx. ₹74,500
Why It Sells: More in Every Drop
The Jupiter's tagline "Zyada ka Fayda" (The Benefit of More) resonates perfectly. It won over customers by offering features like an external fuel filler cap, a larger under-seat storage (especially in the 125cc model), and better fuel efficiency, directly addressing the practical needs of daily users.