Top 5 Bikes in India – April 2025: Best-Selling Motorcycles This Month

India's Elite Rides: Deep Dive into the Top 5 Motorcycles of April 2025

New Delhi, India – May 27, 2025 – April 2025 has reaffirmed the dominance of a select few in India's bustling two-wheeler arena. As the nation embraces a new financial year, the sales charts for motorcycles highlight a clear preference for models that masterfully blend fuel efficiency, unwavering reliability, practical features, and value. While the complete, official sales figures from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) are collated with a slight delay, initial reports and dealer insights paint a vivid picture of the "Top 5" motorcycles leading the charge.

These five champions not only command immense sales volumes but also reflect the core priorities of the Indian rider. Let's take a closer look at these stalwarts and what made them the most sought-after motorcycles in April 2025.

1. Hero Splendor (Series): The Undisputed People's Champion

• Overview: The Hero Splendor isn't just a motorcycle; it's an Indian institution. For decades, it has consistently topped sales charts, and April 2025 was no different. Its success is built on a simple yet powerful formula: incredible fuel efficiency, a virtually unbreakable engine, low maintenance costs, and a service network that penetrates the deepest corners of India.
• Key Specifications (Typical for Splendor+):
  • Engine: ~97.2cc, Air-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder, OHC (now OBD-2B compliant)
  • Power: ~7.9 - 8.02 PS @ 8000 rpm
  • Torque: ~8.05 Nm @ 6000 rpm
  • Mileage: 65-70 kmpl (claimed/user-reported average)
  • Transmission: 4-speed constant mesh
• Popular Variants in April 2025: Splendor+, Splendor+ XTEC, Super Splendor, Super Splendor XTEC. The XTEC variants, with features like a digital console, Bluetooth connectivity, and LED DRLs, have seen increasing traction among buyers looking for modern touches on a trusted platform.
• Why it Sold:
  • Trust & Reliability: Decades of proven performance.
  • Fuel Efficiency: A primary concern for its target audience. The i3S technology (Idle Stop-Start System) further enhances mileage.
  • Affordability: Competitive pricing and low running costs.
  • Resale Value: Holds its value exceptionally well in the used market.
  • Reach: Hero MotoCorp's unparalleled sales and service network.
• Target Audience: Daily commuters in urban and rural India, small business owners, and anyone seeking a dependable, economical mode of transport.
• April 2025 Buzz: Continued demand for the recently updated OBD-2B compliant models and growing interest in the feature-rich XTEC versions. The core promise of "Fill it, Shut it, Forget it" still strongly resonates.

2. Honda Shine (Series): The Refined Commuter's Choice

• Overview: The Honda Shine series, particularly the Shine 125, has firmly established itself as India's preferred 125cc motorcycle. It offers a step up in refinement, comfort, and features compared to 100cc commuters, without a significant compromise in fuel efficiency.
• Key Specifications (Typical for Shine 125):
  • Engine: ~123.94cc - 124cc, Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SI engine (OBD-2B compliant)
  • Power: ~10.5 - 10.74 PS @ 7500 rpm
  • Torque: ~11 Nm @ 6000 rpm
  • Mileage: 55-65 kmpl (claimed/user-reported average)
  • Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
• Popular Variants in April 2025: Shine 125 (Drum & Disc), SP125 (often considered part of the Shine family's success, offering sportier styling and premium features like an LED headlamp and digital console).
• Why it Sold:
  • Smooth Engine: Honda’s refined engine technology (eSP - Enhanced Smart Power) ensures a smooth and quiet ride.
  • Build Quality: Perceived as a durable and well-built motorcycle.
  • Comfort: Good ride quality suitable for daily commutes.
  • Brand Trust: Honda's reputation for reliability and quality engineering.
  • Balanced Proposition: Offers a good mix of power, mileage, and features for its segment.
• Target Audience: Salaried individuals, executives, and commuters looking for a reliable and premium 125cc motorcycle with a touch of class.
• April 2025 Buzz: Strong demand for the OBD-2B compliant versions. The SP125 continued to attract buyers with its premium appeal, while the standard Shine 125 remained a volume driver due to its value proposition.

3. Bajaj Pulsar (Series): The Evergreen Sporting Icon

• Overview: The Bajaj Pulsar brand has been synonymous with sporty commuting in India for over two decades. Its aggressive styling, punchy performance, and constant evolution have kept it relevant and desirable, especially among younger audiences. The series spans from 125cc to 250cc, ensuring a wide appeal.
• Key Specifications (Example: Pulsar N160 - a popular recent model):
  • Engine: ~164.82cc, Oil-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, FI (OBD-2B compliant)
  • Power: ~16 PS @ 8750 rpm
  • Torque: ~14.65 Nm @ 6750 rpm
  • Mileage: 45-50 kmpl (claimed/user-reported average for N160)
  • Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
• Popular Variants in April 2025: Pulsar 125 (major volume driver), Pulsar 150 (classic appeal), the newer N-series (N150, N160, N250) with their updated design and technology, and the NS series (NS160, NS200).
• Why it Sold:
  • Sporty Appeal: Aggressive design and performance-oriented image.
  • Wide Range: Multiple engine options and price points catering to diverse needs.
  • Features: Often among the first in their segments to offer features like digital consoles, projector headlamps (in some models), and dual-channel ABS (N160).
  • Performance: Engines tuned for good throttle response and engaging ride.
  • Brand Legacy: Strong brand recall and aspirational value.
• Target Audience: College students, young professionals, and enthusiasts looking for a stylish and performance-oriented motorcycle for daily use and occasional spirited rides.
• April 2025 Buzz: The Pulsar 125 continued to bring in massive volumes. The newer N-series, especially the N160 with its segment-first dual-channel ABS, gained further traction. The updated OBD-2B range was well-received.

4. Hero HF Deluxe: The Economical Workhorse

• Overview: Following closely in the Splendor's footsteps, the Hero HF Deluxe is another high-volume commuter from Hero MotoCorp. It targets the budget-conscious buyer who prioritizes fuel economy and reliability above all else, serving as a dependable workhorse.
• Key Specifications:
  • Engine: ~97.2cc, Air-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder, OHC (OBD-2B compliant)
  • Power: ~7.9 - 8.02 PS @ 8000 rpm
  • Torque: ~8.05 Nm @ 6000 rpm
  • Mileage: 65-70+ kmpl (claimed/user-reported average)
  • Transmission: 4-speed constant mesh
• Popular Variants in April 2025: HF Deluxe (Kick and Self Start), HF Deluxe i3S. Often available in attractive graphics and colour schemes.
• Why it Sold:
  • Extreme Fuel Efficiency: One of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles in India.
  • Affordability: Very competitive pricing makes it accessible to a vast audience.
  • Low Maintenance: Simple mechanicals ensure minimal upkeep costs.
  • Durability: Built to withstand rough usage, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
  • Hero's Network: Extensive sales and service support.
• Target Audience: Rural consumers, individuals in towns and Tier-III cities, and those needing a basic, ultra-economical, and reliable mode of transport for daily chores and commuting.
• April 2025 Buzz: Consistent demand driven by its core strengths. The OBD-2B update ensured it met the latest emission norms, maintaining its appeal for budget-conscious buyers.

5. TVS Raider 125: The Modern Tech-Savvy Commuter

• Overview: The TVS Raider 125 has successfully disrupted the 125cc commuter segment with its modern, sporty design, host of features, and energetic performance. It has quickly become a top contender, appealing strongly to a younger demographic.
• Key Specifications:
  • Engine: 124.8cc, Air & Oil-cooled, 3-valve, SI engine (OBD-2B compliant)
  • Power: ~11.38 PS @ 7500 rpm
  • Torque: ~11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm
  • Mileage: 55-60 kmpl (claimed/user-reported average)
  • Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
• Popular Variants in April 2025: Raider 125 (Single Seat, Split Seat), Raider SmartXonnect (with TFT display and Bluetooth connectivity).
• Why it Sold:
  • Striking Design: Muscular tank, distinctive LED DRLs, and sporty stance.
  • Feature-Rich: Segment-first features like riding modes (Eco and Power), fully digital reverse LCD console, and optional SmartXonnect with voice assist and navigation.
  • Peppy Performance: Lively engine with good acceleration for city commuting.
  • Comfort: Good ergonomics and under-seat storage add to practicality.
  • Value Proposition: Offers a lot of modern features and performance for its price.
• Target Audience: Younger commuters, college students, and early jobbers looking for a stylish, feature-loaded, and fun-to-ride 125cc motorcycle.
• April 2025 Buzz: Continued strong momentum, especially for the SmartXonnect variant. The Raider's ability to offer a blend of style, tech, and performance at a competitive price point kept its demand high. The OBD-2B update further refreshed its appeal.

Market Pulse: April 2025 Insights

The dominance of these five motorcycles in April 2025 highlights key trends:

• Value and Efficiency First: For the majority, fuel efficiency, reliability, and low ownership costs (as seen with Splendor and HF Deluxe) remain paramount.
• The Aspiring 125cc Segment: Models like the Honda Shine and TVS Raider demonstrate a growing appetite for 125cc bikes that offer more features and slightly better performance than basic 100cc commuters.
• Youth and Sportiness Drive Pulsar: The Bajaj Pulsar continues to leverage its sporty image and diverse portfolio to attract younger buyers.
• Technology as a Differentiator: Features like digital consoles, Bluetooth connectivity (seen in XTEC variants of Hero, TVS Raider SmartXonnect), and LED lighting are increasingly influencing purchase decisions, even in commuter segments.

Looking Forward:

As 2025 progresses, these top contenders are expected to maintain their strong performance. However, evolving emission norms, increasing input costs, growing competition from new entrants (including in the EV space, though less so for motorcycles currently), and changing consumer preferences will continue to shape this dynamic market. For now, these five motorcycles represent the pinnacle of what Indian riders sought in April 2025 – a reliable, efficient, and value-driven ride.