150-200cc Motorcycle Sales October 2025: TVS Apache Leads Surge Amid Festive Demand, Pulsar and Unicorn Follow
As Diwali fireworks lit up Indian skies, the 150-200cc motorcycle segment roared back to life in October 2025, posting a 5.2% year-over-year (YoY) growth to 2,10,845 units, fueled by slashed GST rates and pent-up festive buying. Despite a broader two-wheeler market dip of 1.8% as per SIAM data, 150-200cc bikes like TVS Apache, Bajaj Pulsar, and Honda Unicorn emerged as top performers, capturing 28% of total domestic sales.
This rebound comes after a sluggish September, where monsoon woes and pre-festive caution held volumes at 2,00,512 units—a 4.1% month-on-month (MoM) uptick signals retailers clearing inventories faster amid 18% GST benefits on sub-350cc models, reducing ex-showroom prices by up to ₹15,000. The segment’s appeal lies in its blend of affordability, fuel efficiency (40-50 kmpl), and urban agility, resonating with India’s 150 million-plus two-wheeler households navigating congested cities and rural roads.
SIAM reports the overall two-wheeler dispatches hit 22.1 million units year-to-date, with 150-200cc contributing 12%—a vital cog in an industry employing 20 million and powering 70% of rural mobility. Verified by monthly wholesales data, TVS Apache series dominated with 61,619 units sold, a robust 23% YoY jump from 50,097 units in October 2024, securing 29.2% segment share. This marks Apache’s strongest festive outing since 2023, driven by the RTR 160 4V’s Bluetooth upgrades and adventure-ready stance.
Bajaj Pulsar, the perennial crowd-pleaser, clocked 56,585 units—a 55.73% YoY surge and 3% MoM gain—edging closer to Apache with its N160 and NS200 variants. Honda Unicorn followed at 32,825 units, up 3.33% YoY, buoyed by refined 162.71cc engine tweaks for smoother highway runs. Yamaha’s duo, MT15 and R15, faced headwinds: MT15 at 13,173 units (down 1.73% YoY but up 12.64% MoM) and R15 at 7,949 units (30.57% YoY dip), hit by delayed V4 updates amid rising input costs.
Hero’s Xpulse 200 shone in the adventure niche with 4,161 units—a stellar 111.86% YoY double, up 7.13% MoM—thanks to rally-inspired Pro variant and off-road cred. Honda Hornet 2.0 lagged at around 1,200 units (estimated from segment trends, down 10% YoY), struggling against pricier rivals despite ABS enhancements.
Analysts point to economic tailwinds: India’s 7.2% GDP growth and ₹2.5 lakh crore rural stimulus boosted disposable incomes, with 65% of sales from Tier-2/3 cities. “The GST cut was a game-changer, unlocking ₹10,000 crore in buyer savings and shifting demand from 125cc commuters,” says Amit Jain, SIAM Vice President. Public buzz on social platforms echoes this—X (formerly Twitter) threads on #ApacheDiwaliDeals trended with 50,000+ engagements, praising TVS’s zero-down EMI schemes.
For urban millennials (45% of buyers), these bikes mean more than transport: Pulsar’s projector LEDs and Unicorn’s mileage (55 kmpl claimed) align with lifestyle shifts toward weekend getaways. Rural users, comprising 55% volume, favor Xpulse for pothole-proofing monsoons. Environmentally, BS6 Phase 2 compliance across models cuts emissions by 20%, supporting India’s net-zero goals by 2070.
Yet challenges loom: Chip shortages delayed 5,000 units for Yamaha, per dealer feedback, while EV rivals like Ather’s 450X siphon 8% youth market share. Hero’s Xtreme 160R/200 added 2,670 units (up 15% YoY), but overall Hero premium sales dipped 2% amid Splendor’s commuter dominance.
| Model | October 2025 Sales | YoY Growth (%) | MoM Growth (%) | Segment Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVS Apache Series | 61,619 | +23.0 | +18.5 | 29.2 |
| Bajaj Pulsar Range | 56,585 | +55.73 | +3.0 | 26.8 |
| Honda Unicorn | 32,825 | +3.33 | +1.4 | 15.6 |
| Yamaha FZ | 16,250 | -9.09 | +19.2 | 7.7 |
| Yamaha MT15 | 13,173 | -1.73 | +12.64 | 6.2 |
| Yamaha R15 | 7,949 | -30.57 | -14.79 | 3.8 |
| Hero Xpulse 200 | 4,161 | +111.86 | +7.13 | 2.0 |
| Honda Hornet 2.0 | ~1,200 (est.) | -10.0 | +5.0 | 0.6 |
| Total Segment | 2,10,845 | +5.2 | +4.1 | 100 |
This festive flex underscores resilience: Exports rose 15% to 3.2 lakh units, with Pulsar leading Latin America shipments. As Q4 unfolds, experts forecast 2.5 million more in sales, propelled by hybrid tech teases from Bajaj.
In summary, October 2025’s 150-200cc boom—led by Apache, Pulsar, and Unicorn—highlights a market adapting to affordability and aspiration, with SIAM projecting 22.5 million annual two-wheelers. Future outlook? Steady 6-8% growth through 2026, as EVs and exports diversify, but premiumization will test incumbents like Yamaha to innovate faster.
Written by: Sam Michael
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