Two-wheeler wholesales for September in the green, automakers gear up for festive demand  

Two-wheeler sales

The two-wheeler industry in India is gearing up for the festive season and in contrast to the four-wheeler segment, it continues to expect a healthy growth demand.

Taking a closer look at the company-wise sales performance for the month of September 2024, Hero MotoCorp the world’s largest two-wheeler maker reported 19 percent growth YoY in the domestic market. The company sold 616,706 two-wheelers, as against 519,789 units for the same period last year.

Hero MotoCorp states that there is a positive sentiment prevalent in the industry as it approaches the festive season on the back of a good monsoon. It has a strong pipeline of bookings and is experiencing increased customer footfall leading up to the festive season. The company expects healthy growth during the 32-day period starting from October 3.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) reported wholesales of 536,391 units, which was 9 percent higher than 491,802 units last year.

During the period the company attained a new sales milestone for its popular scooter the ‘Activa’, which went home to over 10 million customers in the South Indian states and union territories of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

TVS Motor Co, too reported a healthy growth of 23 percent YoY with 369,138 two-wheelers sold, compared to 300,493 units for the same period last year.

The company’s EV sales registered a growth of 42 percent increasing from 20,356 units in September 2023 to 28,901 units in September 2024.

For Pune-based Bajaj Auto, the monthly two-wheeler sales jumped by 28 percent, from 202,510 units in September 2023 to 259,333 units in September 2024.

Chennai-based Royal Enfield, a leading mid-sized motorcycle manufacturer, continued to drive sales with its product offensive strategy. The company reported 7 percent growth for September 2024, selling 79,326 units, as against 74,261 units for the same period last year.

Overall, the two-wheeler segment is expected to see a robust demand driven by both rural and urban India as the festivities approach.

TWO-WHEELER SALES IN INDIA
Company Sept '24 Sept '23 Change (in units) Change (in %)
Hero MotoCorp 616,706 519,789 96,917 19%
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India 536,391 491,802 44,589 9%
TVS Motor Co 369,138 300,493 68,645 23%
Bajaj Auto 259,333 202,510 56,823 28%
Royal Enfield 79,326 74,261 5,065 7%
Total 1,860,894 1,588,855 272,039 17%

BMW Motorrad India Launches M 1000 R Roadster Motorcycle At INR 3.35 Million

BMW M 1000 R

German luxury brand BMW Motorrad India has launched the M 1000 R roadster at prices starting INR 3.35 million. The motorcycle is available as a completely built-up unit (CBU), with pre-orders opening today at authorised dealerships with deliveries scheduled to commence in May 2026.

The M 1000 R is powered by a 999 cc water-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine, producing a peak output of 210 hp (154 kW) at 13,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 113 Nm at 11,100 rpm. The vehicle reaches 100 kmph in 3.2 seconds and has a maximum speed of 280 kmph.

The engine incorporates BMW ShiftCam technology to manage torque in the low and medium speed ranges. Mechanical components include titanium valves, camshafts and intake funnels for charge exchange at high speeds.

It features dual LED headlights and M Winglets that provide 11 kg of downforce at 220 kmph. The M Quick action throttle reduces the rotation angle required for acceleration. The rear frame and swingarm are finished in Platinum Grey metallic. Customers can also get an optional M Competition Package, which includes M Carbon wheels and GPS-Laptrigger, carbon covers for the rear wheel, chain & tank and adjustable footrest system.

The M 1000 R is equipped with a 6.5-inch TFT display and an OBD interface for data logging. Integrated riding modes include Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race and Race Pro 1-3. These modes adjust functions for the engine, traction control, wheelie control and ABS Pro using a 6-axis sensor box. The traction control system is derived from RR models.

It is available in two colour options Light White / M Motorsport and White Aluminium metallic matt.

BMW Motorrad India is providing a three-year warranty with no kilometre limit, with options for extensions to a fourth or fifth year. Roadside assistance is included as a 24-hour service.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW M 1000 R is a powerful expression of our M genetics, where a high-performance superbike meets a dynamic roadster. It is meticulously crafted for those who demand uncompromising performance both on the streets and the racetrack. With its unmistakable four-cylinder roar, the new M R is built for riders who relentlessly push their limits. This machine brings the uncompromising standards on M performance to the road, ensuring every ride is an authentic experience of power and precision.”

Zelio E-Mobility Launches 2026 X-Men+ Variant E-Scooter At INR 60,000

Zelio - X-Men+

Zelio E-Mobility, an electric vehicle start-up, has launched the 2026 variant of the X-Men+ low-speed electric scooter at INR 60,000.

The e-scooter comes with a claimed 120 km range, 25 kmph max speed, 12-inch rear wheel, hydraulic shock absorbers on both wheels and is available in Black, White, Blue & Gray colour options.

It is powered by a 60/72V BLDC motor, which consumes 1.5 units of electricity per charge. The X-Men+ supports both lithium and lead batteries, with charging times of four to five hours for lithium and eight to ten hours for lead.

As is the case with most e-scooters, the X-Men+ also comes with a reverse gear & parking switch, digital display, USB charging, anti-theft alarm and central locking. It comes with a two-year warranty, while the battery is covered by a one-year warranty.

Kunal Arya, Managing Director, Zelio E-Mobility, said, “Urban commuting demands reliability comfort and ease of use and the X-Men+ 2026 variant has been engineered to meet exactly those needs. With modern styling a larger rear wheel improved suspension and a host of rider-friendly features the X-Men+ 2026 variant provides a dependable and practical solution for city riders navigating daily traffic. This launch reinforces our commitment to practical purpose-built electric mobility for India.”

Established in 2021, Zelio E-Mobility has an annual manufacturing capacity of 72,000 units and operates a network of 350 outlets across 20 states and union territories in India.

Ducati India Launches Desmo450 MX Motocross Motorcycle At INR 1.72 Million

Ducati India - Desmo450 MX

Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati India has announced the launch of the Desmo450 MX, its first motocross motorcycle for the Indian market.

The model, developed through the MXGP World Championship, will be available at select dealerships starting at the end of March 2026 at a starting price of INR 1.72 million (ex-showroom).

The Desmo450 MX is powered by a 449.6 cc single-cylinder engine featuring Desmodromic distribution. It is the first production motocross motorcycle to include a traction control system designed to monitor and manage rear wheel slippage.

The motorcycle is constructed with an aluminium frame designed for rigidity and agility. Optional components from the Ducati Performance catalogue include:

  • Akrapovic titanium exhaust system
  • Brembo Racing brake calipers
  • Machined wheel hubs and triple clamps

The company has opened bookings now with the deliveries scheduled to commence in late March 2026. It is available for purchase through the company’s four dealerships – Ducati New Delhi, Ducati VFM Bengaluru, Ducati Chennai and Ducati Pune.

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, “The arrival of the Desmo450 MX is a landmark moment for Ducati in India. We have seen a growing passion for off-road and motocross motorcycling in the country, and we are thrilled to enter this exciting segment with a product that is pure, state-of-the-art Ducati performance. The Desmo450 MX is a testament to our racing heritage and our commitment to providing Indian riders with the most advanced and capable Ducati motorcycles in the world. We are confident that this bike will not only speak to a new generation of motorcyclists but will also expand the Ducatisti community in India into newer territories of motocross adventure.”

Royal Enfield Marks 3rd Anniversary Of Super Meteor 650 With Ride Across India

Royal Enfield - Super Meteor 650

Chennai-based mid-sized motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield organised a ride across India to celebrate the third year anniversary of the Super Meteor 650, which saw participation from around 4,000 riders from more than 100 cities.

The Super Meteor 650 uses a 648cc parallel-twin engine and the chassis is equipped with upside-down front forks to manage stability and handling on highways and in urban environments.

It features 1500 mm of wheelbase, 15.7-litre fuel tank and is available in low and wide seat configuration to meet diverse rider needs.

The Super Meteor 650 features a silhouette with twin exhausts and supports a range of accessories for customisation. The anniversary event served as a focal point for the rider community, emphasising the use of the motorcycle for distance travel and group tours.