In a year of economic headwinds and shifting consumer preferences, two-wheelers emerged as the undisputed kings of India’s mobility landscape in 2025. Sales in Q3 FY2025-26 (July-September 2025) skyrocketed by 16.9% year-on-year, reaching 5.70 million units, according to fresh data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). This surge outpaced passenger vehicles and commercial segments, underscoring two-wheelers’ resilience amid rising fuel costs, urban congestion, and the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.
For Indian riders—from bustling Mumbai commuters to rural Bihar highways—this boom signals affordability, innovation, and a return to pre-pandemic volumes. But what fueled this 16.9% leap? Let’s break it down with hard facts, standout models, and market insights.
Q3 Sales Breakdown: Motorcycles Dominate, Scooters Gain Ground
Two-wheeler sales hit 5.70 million units in Q3 FY2025-26, reversing a sluggish H1 FY26. SIAM data reveals:
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Motorcycles: 4.42 million units (+18.2% YoY), led by 100-125cc commuters.
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Scooters: 1.18 million units (+12.5% YoY), boosted by premium and electric variants.
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Electric two-wheelers: 0.45 million units (+45% YoY), now 7.9% of total sales.
This growth capped a stellar 2025, with full-year two-wheeler dispatches projected at 20.5 million units—up 12% from 2024’s 18.3 million. Hero MotoCorp alone dispatched 2.1 million units in Q3, while Bajaj Auto hit 1.0 million, per company filings.
Example: In Bihar’s Rohtas district (home to Bikramganj), local dealers reported 25% higher footfall for Hero Splendor and Honda Shine, driven by harvest season bonuses and rural credit schemes.
Key Drivers Behind the 16.9% Surge
Several factors propelled this Q3 boom, blending macroeconomic tailwinds with OEM strategies.
1. Rural Revival and Festive Demand
Monsoon recovery and early festive buying supercharged volumes. Rural demand, accounting for 60% of two-wheeler sales, rebounded as MSP hikes for kharif crops injected ₹2.5 lakh crore into farmer pockets. SIAM notes rural penetration rose to 55% in Q3, up from 48% in Q3 FY24-25.
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Fact: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar together contributed 1.8 million units (32% share), with Hero’s Splendor series selling 4.5 lakh units nationwide—unchanged pricing at ₹75,000 kept it accessible.
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Example: Royal Enfield’s Classic 350 saw 28% YoY growth to 1.2 lakh units, popular among semi-urban youth for its retro appeal and ₹1.93 lakh ex-showroom tag.
2. Electric Two-Wheeler Explosion
E2W sales doubled in 2025, hitting 1.8 million units annually, thanks to FAME-III subsidies (₹10,000/kWh battery aid) and state incentives like Bihar’s ₹5,000 EV rebate.
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Ola Electric led with 3.2 lakh units in FY26 H1, launching the S1 Pro Gen 3 at ₹1.3 lakh with 200km range.
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Ather Energy’s 450X gained traction in metros, while TVS iQube captured family buyers.
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Fact: Maharashtra and Delhi-NCR drove 40% of E2W volumes, but Bihar’s EV policy aims for 10% penetration by 2027.
Challenges persist—battery prices fell 20% to $100/kWh, yet charging infra lags, with only 15,000 public stations nationwide.
3. Premiumization and Exports
Mid-size bikes (150-350cc) grew 22% to 8.5 lakh units, as aspirational buyers traded up. Exports hit 3.2 million units (+15% YoY), with Bajaj exporting Pulsar NS200 to Latin America.
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Example: Yamaha’s MT-15 V2 sold 85,000 units, blending sporty looks with 18.4 PS power for ₹1.69 lakh.
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Suzuki Access 125 topped scooters at 2.1 lakh units, thanks to fuel efficiency of 50 kmpl.
4. Government Boosts and Financing
EMI schemes from banks like SBI (9.5% interest) made ownership easier, with penetration at 70%. PLI scheme disbursed ₹5,000 crore to OEMs, spurring local manufacturing.
Standout Performers: Models That Defined Q3
These bikes and scooters stole the show, blending value, tech, and reliability:
| Model | Q3 Sales (Lakhs) | YoY Growth | Key USP |
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| Hero Splendor | 4.5 | +10% | ₹75k, 80 kmpl mileage |
| Honda Shine | 2.8 | +15% | BS6 Phase 2, silent engine |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 1.9 | +20% | Sporty, ₹80k starter |
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | 0.9 | +35% | Urban cruiser, ₹1.5 lakh |
| Ola S1 Air | 1.1 (E2W) | +60% | 125km range, ₹85k post-subsidy |
| TVS Jupiter 125 | 1.5 | +18% | Family scooter, 57 kmpl |
Hero dominated with 37% market share, but E2W upstarts like Ola (15%) challenged incumbents.
Challenges Amid the Boom
Not all smooth rides: Input costs rose 8% due to steel prices, squeezing margins. Chip shortages eased, but competition intensified with 50+ new launches. Women riders grew to 18% (from 12% in 2024), demanding safer scooters.
Regional Insight: In Bihar, sales jumped 22% to 4.5 lakh units, fueled by Patna’s metro expansion and rural roads under PMGSY-3.
2026 Outlook: EVs and Exports to Lead
FY2025-26 full-year sales could hit 21 million units (+10% YoY), per ICRA estimates. Trends to watch:
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E2W share to 15% with Gigafactory ramps (Ola’s Tamil Nadu plant at 10 GWh).
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Premium bikes to grow 25%, led by Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (40 PS, ₹2.85 lakh).
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Exports to Africa/LATAM targeting 4 million units.
Government push: Upcoming EV policy 2.0 eyes 30% penetration by 2030, with Bihar investing ₹1,000 crore in charging networks.
In Bihar’s context, expect Hero and Bajaj to dominate rural Q4, while E2Ws like Vida V1 (Hero’s EV) target urban Bikramganj riders.
Two-wheelers didn’t just survive 2025—they redefined it. This 16.9% Q3 surge proves India’s 200-million-strong bike army is evolving, blending tradition with tech.
Data sourced from SIAM, VAHAN dashboard, and OEM reports as of Jan 2026. For updates, check sachlivenews.com.