The two-wheeler industry in India is expected to sustain a steady volume growth rate of around seven to nine percent in FY2024-25 as far as the domestic market as well as the export markets are concerned. 

The growth in FY2024-25 is expected to be driven by higher electric vehicle (EV) penetration in the market, according to a report released by CareEdge Ratings. A big catalyst in higher EV penetration in the market is going to be the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (though only till July 2024 and likely to get an extension), expectation of interest rate cuts in second half of FY2024-25, strong demand for new model launches, recovery in exports from its low base of FY2023-24 and favourable monsoon which would improve rural consumer sentiment and income levels. 

Pointing out at a combination of factors behind the growth of two-wheelers in such as traction in EV volumes, wider range of models and new launches, the report highlights a robust double-digit growth pace in each of the two quarters that ended on March 2024 on a year-on-year basis in FY2023-24, the report states the restriction in the automotive segment growth in the first half of FY2023-24 was on account of the increase in vehicle prices post the implementation of the phase-II of the BS VI emission norms, higher interest rates and stressed rural incomes. Sales revived in the second half of the respective fiscal on the back of festive season demand and uptick in rural sentiments.

“Post-covid, sales volume of two-wheelers had consistently declined during FY20, FY21 and FY22 before starting to recover from FY23, with sales momentum continuing in FY24 as well. CareEdge Ratings anticipates two-wheeler sales volume growth to continue in FY25 and it would be more driven by improved domestic sales, higher EV sales, launch of CNG powered two-wheelers and good traction in executive and premium segment motorcycles.” said Hardik Shah, Director, CareEdge Ratings.

In FY2022-23, the Indian two-wheeler industry recorded sales of 19.51 million units, an eight percent growth compared to the previous fiscal year’s 18.01 million units. In FY2023-24, the industry continued its upward trajectory, achieving 9.8 percent growth with a total sales volume of 21.43 million units. However, this was still short of the peak sales volume recorded in FY19 when annual sales volume had reached 24.46 million units, as per the report.

In FY2023-24, the domestic two-wheeler industry witnessed total sales volume of 17.97 million units, reflecting a growth rate of 13 percent. Exports volume experienced a decline of five percent even though it recovered from the low of FY2022-23. The decline in exports was attributed to challenges in the African markets, which traditionally accounted for a significant portion of India’s two-wheeler exports. 

EVs propel two-wheeler growth 

The overall volume growth in FY2022-23 and FY2023-24 was supported by the increasing demand for electric two-wheelers, according to the CareEdge Ratings report. In FY2022-23, electric two-wheeler sales reached approximately 0.73 million units, accounting for 4.54 percent of total two-wheeler sales (compared to 1.87 percent in the previous year), reflecting a remarkable year-on-year growth of 188 percent albeit on a low base. 

Continuing the positive trend, electric two-wheeler sales grew by around 30 percent in FY2023-24 surpassing volume of 0.94 million units. The demand for electric two-wheelers is driven by a shift in consumer preferences towards options that offer lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and lower servicing requirements compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) models. The government’s FAME II programme – till FY2023-24 – has made EV ownership more affordable, thereby contributing to volume growth.

The Indian Government’s newly introduced Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024) has continued to bolster electric two-wheeler sales in FY2024-25 – that is until July 2024. Despite the higher initial cost of electric two-wheelers, consumers are increasingly making the switch to EVs, the report pin points.

Segment wise, motorcycles have consistently dominated the market, contributing to majority of the two-wheeler sales. Sales volumes of motorcycles grew by eight percent in FY2023-24 and that of scooters grew by 13 percent during the respective period. This segment-wise growth trend is expected to continue in FY2024-25. 

With motorcycles continuing to be popular due to their superior fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, scooters have also gained traction among urban commuters. 

Image for representative purpose only.

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Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, one of the leading manufacturers of mid-sized premium motorcycles in India, has launched the 2025 Yezdi Roadster at prices starting INR 209,969 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The mid-sized motorcycle is being made available in six factory-backed custom combinations with more than 50 combination options.

The motorcycle comes with iconic twin-barrel exhausts, chopped rear fender and bold ‘69’ decals, with customers having an option to choose from over six factory custom combinations and over 20 plug-and-play accessories including – modular seating options, customisable handlebars, visors and crash guards among others.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, said, “The Yezdi Roadster is a wolf in wolf’s clothing. The memories of a Yezdi rumbling through Indian roads and hearts never really went away. The cool dads and lads rode on real roads, on a real bike and created real stories. Their first job, first fall, first love was all on a Yezdi. Yezdi has been a way of life, an attitude, a thought, since inception, born as a challenger in a monopolistic market. Renegades who dared to carve their own path made Yezdi their cultural emblem. The new Roadster is ‘Born Out of Line’ to become the call of the wolf to all the new-age wildcards. With a bold design, cutting-edge performance, and touring-ready engineering, the Yezdi Roadster is a war cry for those who chart their own course, your tribe is calling.”

The Roadster is powered by the in-house developed all-new 350 Alpha2 Liquid-Cooled engine, which produces 29PS and 30Nm of power. It gets first-in-segment 6-speed gearbox and assist and slipper clutch, 12.5 litre fuel tank with a claimed range of over 350 km.

In terms of safety, it is powered by dual-channel ABS from Continental, 320mm front disc brakes and 240mm rear disc brakes. A telescopic front suspension and dual rear shocks are calibrated for stability and comfort, while its 795mm seat height and optimised ground clearance.

Interestingly, it comes with Jawa Yezdi BSA Ownership Assurance Programme, an industry-first standard 4-year/50,000km warranty, optional coverage for up to six years, one year of roadside assistance across its 450 service stations across India.

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Triumph Motorcycles celebrated its rich heritage with the Pune edition of World of Triumph, an immersive event that brought together riders and enthusiasts for a weekend of high-energy experiences. Following a successful run in Bengaluru, the Pune chapter amplified the excitement with dynamic test rides, interactive displays and an inside look into Triumph’s distinctive riding culture.

The event catered to all kinds of motorcycling fans – whether seasoned riders or those just starting their journey. Attendees had the chance to experience Triumph’s latest models firsthand, including the Street Triple 765, Daytona 660, Thruxton 400 and Scrambler XC, across different terrains. With an unmatched lineup spanning from 400 cc entry-level bikes to the mighty 2,458 cc Rocket 3, Triumph remains the only brand in India offering such a diverse range, appealing to riders at every level.

The Pune edition drew massive interest, with over 1,700 registrations, 400+ test rides and more than 1,000 attendees, making it one of the most talked-about motorcycling events in the region.

Sumeet Narang, President, Marketing, Bajaj Auto Ltd, said, “World of Triumph is more than just an event – it’s a gathering of people who see motorcycling as a way of life. After Bengaluru, we were excited to bring this experience to Pune, a city with a strong and growing rider community. This was about connecting over performance, personality and a shared passion for doing things differently.”

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched special 25-year Anniversary Editions of the Activa 110, Activa 125 and SP125. The new models celebrate Honda's 25 years in India and are now available for booking, with availability at all authorised dealerships by the end of August.

The Honda Activa has been a leader in the scooter market since its 2001 debut and the SP125 has become one of Honda's successful motorcycles. The launch of these special editions commemorates Honda's production of 70 million two-wheelers in India.

The anniversary editions feature a look with several touches. The Activa 110 and 125 models include anniversary graphics, a black chrome finish and a 25-year anniversary logo on the front panel. They also feature pyrite brown metallic alloy wheels. The seats and inner panels have a cafe-brown/black finish on the Activa 110 and a black finish on the Activa 125. All three models are available in the DLX variant in Pearl Siren Blue and Mat Steel Black Metallic.

The SP125 also gets anniversary graphics, the 25-year anniversary logo on the fuel tank and pyrite brown metallic alloy wheels. All anniversary editions are equipped with a LED headlamp, a 4.2-inch TFT display and a USB Type-C charging port.

The Activa 110 and Activa 125 continue to be powered by 109.51cc and 123.92cc single-cylinder, PGM-Fi OBD2B compliant engines, respectively. The SP125 has a 123.94cc single-cylinder PGM-Fi OBD2B compliant engine. All models have a side-stand engine cut-off feature, Honda's Combined Braking System (CBS) and tubeless tyres.

Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “For 25 years, the Activa has been more than just a scooter – it has been a trusted companion, a symbol of reliability, and an inseparable part of India’s mobility story. This year, as Honda celebrates 25 years in India and the remarkable milestone of 70 million two-wheelers produced in the country achieved early this year, we are proud to introduce the 25-year Anniversary Editions of Activa 110, Activa 125 and SP125. These special editions are a tribute to our customers’ unwavering trust and a reaffirmation of Honda’s commitment to delivering exceptional value for decades to come.”

Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The Activa is more than just a scooter, it is a trusted companion for crores of families across India and proudly stays true to its tagline ‘Scooter bole toh Activa’. Over the last 25 years, it has shaped India’s two-wheeler landscape and truly won the hearts of people from all walks of life. The SP125, on the other hand, has become one of the most admired motorcycles in the 125cc segment, striking the perfect balance between style, comfort, and performance. With the newly launched 25-year Anniversary Editions, we are not just offering products – we are inviting our customers to celebrate a legacy of trust and leadership with unmatched dominance.”

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Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has expanded its product portfolio in India with the launch of the new KTM 160 Duke.

The move is part of the company’s focus on expanding its product offering to attract a newer set of customers, especially in the premium affordable motorcycle segment.

The KTM 160 Duke is powered by a 164.2 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which produces 19 Ps of power and 15.5 Nm of torque.

It features KTM’s split trellis frame for stability and agility, optimised WP Apex fork with hollow axle for improved rigidity, bionic light wheels & lighter hugger tube to reduce unsprung mass, casted pillion step holder and sleek, functional grab rail for enhanced aesthetics and ergonomics. The braking is handled by a 320mm front disc and 230mm rear disc. Lastly, it is equipped with a 5-inch LCD display for instrumentation.

Manik Nangia, President – Probiking, said, "Inside every one of us is a racer. We all have that instinct to compete and push limits. For over a decade, KTM has given that instinct expression – defining India’s premium sport motorcycle category with an uncompromising ‘Ready to Race’ mindset and thrilling generations of young riders. With the new KTM 160 Duke, we’ve distilled KTM’s legendary DNA into performance motorcycles that are more accessible than ever – without sacrificing the performance, precision, and attitude that define every KTM."

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