Last Updated:July 18, 2025, 16:27 IST

With warranties, multiple checks, easy financing, and even doorstep delivery, the experience now rivals buying brand new.

If you’ve been out there on Indian roads recently, you’ve likely come across something different. In the mass of scooters and commuter bikes, you are starting to see a distinction in the aesthetics and noises coming from motorcycles.

By all indications, there is a real shift toward motorcycles, ones that are sharper, sound deeper, and ride smoother. These are the kinds of motorcycles that make you instinctively do a double take.

Perhaps it may instinctively be a shiny Royal Enfield or TVS Apache with the rider putting on a show about the polished tank and signature thump on display. Or possibly a Yamaha gliding effortlessly through rush hour traffic while simply being ridden. However, one thing is for sure – more and more Indians are choosing to go premium in two-wheelers.

This shift isn’t just in your head. It’s backed by numbers that show how strong the trend really is. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), during the April to August 2024 period, premium motorcycle sales meaning bikes above 150cc—jumped from 1.07 million units the previous year to 1.24 million units.

That’s a noticeable bump, and it tells a story about what people want these days. They’re not just looking for a vehicle to get from point A to B. They want something that feels good to ride, looks great, and says something about who they are.

Recently, we interacted with Arun Aggrawal, Business Head, DriveX. Here’s why he thinks more riders are choosing style, power, and smart buys.

The premium motorcycle market in India was worth about USD 2.15 billion in 2024. That number is expected to more than double by 2033, touching around USD 5.54 billion. That’s a solid 10 percent growth rate year after year, faster than most other segments in the two-wheeler world. It’s clear that what was once considered a luxury is now becoming more mainstream.

At the same time, the pre-owned two-wheeler market is picking up a serious pace. In fact, it’s expected to touch around 55.8 million units by 2027, possibly even overtaking the new bike market. It shows that more riders are now turning to smarter, more affordable ways to own the bikes they really want, including the premium ones.

So, what’s behind this growing love for premium bikes and scooters? A big part of it is changing lifestyles. As incomes rise and cities grow, people are not only able to afford better bikes, they want to. A two-wheeler, for many, isn’t just about convenience anymore. It’s about comfort, design, performance, and pride. That’s especially true for younger buyers. India’s youth, tech-savvy, style-conscious, and brand-aware—see their ride as a reflection of themselves. It’s more than just a bike. It’s personal.

Manufacturers have picked up on this. In fact, over 75 percent of new model launches recently have been in the premium category. That means buyers now have more choices than ever, whether they’re into cruisers, sporty commuters, or retro-style motorcycles. Brands like Royal Enfield, Bajaj, TVS, Yamaha, and Honda are all stepping up their game to meet this demand, with sleeker designs, better features, and more performance-focused models.

And while entry-level bikes still make up a big part of the market, their grip isn’t what it used to be. Ten years ago, over 80 percent of bikes sold in India were entry-level. Today, premium motorcycles account for about 24 percent of total motorcycle sales, and that number keeps climbing. More people are skipping the basic models and going straight for something that gives them more power, better ride quality, and more features.

But let’s be real—premium comes at a price. And for many, that price is just out of reach. A brand-new 200cc or 300cc motorcycle can easily cross one or two lakh rupees, and that’s before you even factor in insurance and maintenance. So, what do you do when your dream bike feels just a little too expensive?

That’s where pre-owned bikes are stepping in to change the game. Today’s second-hand market isn’t what it used to be. It’s not about asking your cousin’s friend if he knows someone selling a used bike. Buyers now want quality, transparency, and peace of mind. And increasingly, they’re getting it. Refurbished, inspected, and well-maintained

pre-owned premium two-wheelers are becoming a solid choice for people who want a great ride without breaking the bank.

Think about it—if you could get a bike that looks and rides like new, has gone through multiple checks, maybe even comes with a warranty or a few free services, with wide range of models and variants to choose from, no waiting time like you’d often face with new premium bikes, and a seamless, hassle-free buying experience—all at a lower cost than a showroom model—why wouldn’t you? It’s not about compromising. It’s about being smart with your money and still getting the experience you’re looking for.

And with trusted platforms now offering easy financing, instant availability, and doorstep delivery, the whole process is faster, simpler, and more seamless than ever.

More riders are now choosing this path. Whether they’re upgrading from a basic model or buying their first real bike, many are realising that pre-owned doesn’t mean second-best. It just means being practical while still chasing the joy of riding something premium.

India’s two-wheeler story is changing, and it’s changing fast. Premium bikes and scooters are no longer just for a select few. With more options, smarter ownership models, and growing demand, they’re becoming part of everyday life for many. It’s not just about getting there anymore. It’s about how you get there—and how good it feels along the way.

Samreen Pall

Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: ‘Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.’ This motto c…Read More

Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: ‘Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.’ This motto c… Read More

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