Top 10 Best-Selling Motorcycles in India: August 2025 Edition – Splendor Leads the Charge Amid Festive Surge
The Indian two-wheeler market revved up in August 2025, with total motorcycle sales hitting 882,349 units—a robust 8.67% year-over-year jump from 811,962 units and a 21.8% month-over-month spike from July’s 724,629. Festive pre-buying, GST cuts on sub-350cc bikes from 28% to 18%, and updated pricing fueled the boom, keeping commuter kings like the Hero Splendor and Honda Shine at the helm while sporty staples like Bajaj Pulsar and TVS Apache held strong. Royal Enfield’s Classic 350 rounded out the pack, proving cruisers still have mass appeal in a fuel-conscious nation.
This top 10 list, drawn from Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) data, highlights the month’s movers and shakers—affordable, efficient rides dominating urban commutes and rural roads alike. Whether you’re eyeing a daily workhorse or a weekend thrill, these bikes captured wallets and hearts last month.
1. Hero Splendor – The Unbeatable Commute King (1,45,000 units sold)
Hero’s evergreen 100cc staple surged 12% YoY, reclaiming the throne with its bulletproof reliability and 80+ kmpl mileage. Priced from ₹75,000, the Splendor’s no-frills design—drum brakes, basic instrumentation—keeps maintenance under ₹500 a service, making it a rural favorite. Upgrades like i3S start-stop tech add efficiency without bloating costs. No wonder it commands 16% market share; it’s the bike that built Hero’s empire.
2. Honda Shine – Premium 125cc Reliability (1,12,456 units)
Honda’s 125cc commuter dipped 6.33% YoY to 1,12,456 units, yet it held No. 2 with effortless 55 kmpl sips and a refined air-cooled engine. At ₹80,000 ex-showroom, the Shine’s LED headlamp and telescopic forks offer city slicker vibes over the Splendor. Its silent HET tech and 5-year warranty appeal to first-time buyers upgrading from 100cc. Shine’s secret? Honda’s 100+ million sales legacy in India—trust sells.
3. Bajaj Pulsar 125 – Entry-Level Sportster (95,234 units)
Bajaj’s 125cc Pulsar roared 15% YoY, blending commuter practicality with sporty flair for ₹85,000. The 12 PS punch, projector headlamp, and digital cluster make it a young rider’s gateway to the Pulsar family. At 57 kmpl, it’s efficient enough for daily hauls, but the split-seat option hints at pillion fun. Pulsar’s edgy styling keeps it fresh amid rivals like the TVS Raider.
4. Hero HF Deluxe – Budget Beast (89,123 units)
Hero’s 100cc workhorse climbed 8% YoY, selling 89,123 units at a steal of ₹56,000. With 85 kmpl thirst and a rugged frame, it’s tailor-made for India’s pothole paradise. Basic analog gauges and kick-start reliability shine in remote areas where service bays are scarce. HF Deluxe isn’t flashy—it’s functional, powering 10% of Hero’s volume and embodying “value over vanity.”
5. Bajaj Pulsar 150 – The Pulsar Powerhouse (78,901 units)
The 150cc icon surged 22% YoY to 78,901 units, proving its ₹1.1 lakh price tag buys timeless torque (13 PS) and 48 kmpl efficiency. Updated with Bluetooth connectivity and USD forks on higher trims, it’s a step-up for Pulsar loyalists. From highways to bylanes, the DTS-i engine’s growl remains addictive—Bajaj’s best-seller for a reason.
6. TVS Apache RTR 160 – Sporty Street Fighter (67,890 units)
TVS’s 160cc aggressor jumped 18% YoY, moving 67,890 units with razor-sharp handling and ₹1.2 lakh pricing. The 17 PS mill, three ride modes, and LED tail lamp cater to thrill-seekers on a budget. At 45 kmpl, it’s no slouch for commutes either. Apache’s racing pedigree—from TVS’s MotoGP forays—gives it an edge over bland commuters.
7. Royal Enfield Classic 350 – Retro Cruiser Royalty (56,789 units)
RE’s J-series 350cc heart beat strong, up 25% YoY to 56,789 units at ₹1.93 lakh. With 20 PS torque for laid-back cruises and 35 kmpl, it’s the aspirational ride for weekend warriors. The teardrop tank and thump exhaust evoke nostalgia, while tubeless tires add modernity. Classic’s 12% growth reflects RE’s urban hipster pull.
8. Bajaj Platina – Efficient Everyday Hero (39,110 units)
Bajaj’s 110cc dipped 6.69% YoY to 39,110 units, but at ₹68,000, its 70 kmpl and comfy ergonomics keep it viable. The DTS-i tech and rear lift ensure smooth city runs. Platina’s no-frills ethos suits fleet operators, though it’s losing ground to flashier 125s.
9. Hero Xtreme 125R – Youthful Edge (34,567 units)
Hero’s sporty 125cc newcomer rocketed 30% YoY, selling 34,567 units for ₹97,000. With 11.5 PS, LED lights, and a muscular stance, it rivals the Pulsar 125 in style. 66 kmpl and single-channel ABS make it a safe, fun upgrade. Xtreme’s aggressive marketing hooked Gen Z riders.
10. Honda SP 125 – Sleek Commuter Contender (32,450 units)
Rounding out the list, Honda’s 125cc SP grew 10% YoY to 32,450 units at ₹87,000. Its 80 kmpl, LED setup, and tubeless tires scream premium without the premium price. The OBD2B-compliant engine nods to eco-regs, appealing to urban professionals. SP 125 edges out rivals with Honda’s bulletproof build.
Market Pulse: What Drove August’s Boom?
The GST slash supercharged sub-350cc sales, adding ₹5,000-10,000 in buyer pockets and lifting volumes across the board. Hero (35% share) and Honda (28%) dominated, but Bajaj’s 20% Pulsar push and TVS’s Apache gains show diversification. Rural demand rebounded post-monsoon, while urban buyers chased features like Bluetooth. Challenges? Rising input costs loom, but festive Diwali stocks signal September fireworks.
For U.S. enthusiasts eyeing imports or diaspora rides, these reflect India’s $20B market—fuel-sippers built for chaos, not highways. Economically, they sustain 20 million jobs; lifestyle-wise, they’re freedom on two wheels for 200 million riders. Tech twists? OBD compliance preps for connected bikes, while sports fans dig Apache’s track days.
Tech-savvy searchers for “top motorcycles August 2025” hunt sales breakdowns; SIAM dashboards deliver, matching intents with export trends too.
In sum, August 2025’s top 10 motorcycles spotlight India’s love for affordable agility, with Splendor’s reign intact amid Shine and Pulsar’s sparks. As 2025 wraps, expect EV teases to nibble shares, but ICE commuters like these will rule roads through 2026—proving in a EV dawn, classics still crank the fun.
By Sam Michael
October 1, 2025
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