The year 2018 was packed with big launches. We saw the Jawa brand make a comeback under Classic Legends. Royal Enfield launched its 650 Twins at highly competitive prices – making the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 the most affordable 650cc parallel twin cylinder powered motorcycles in the Indian market. BMW’s first sub-500cc motorcycles, the G 310 R and the G 310 GS also arrived in India in 2018.
However, which motorcycle made the Indian audience the most curious? Google has published the list of top 10 searched two-wheelers in India and, surprisingly, some of the biggest names are missing.
Also read: How do you like our Jawa Forty Two cafe racer?
1. Jawa
Jawa motorcycles topped the list of the top 10 searched bikes in India. The motorcycle brand made a comeback in November 2018 with the Jawa Classic and Jawa Forty-Two that were launched at INR 1.64 lakh and INR 1.55 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Both motorcycles were recently updated with a rear disc and dual-channel ABS. The Jawa motorcycles are the real threat to Royal Enfield's dominance in the market
2. TVS Apache
The Apache range comprises bikes ranging from 160cc to 310cc. TVS launched its flagship product and the biggest Apache yet, the Apache RR310 in India in 2018. The motorcycle retails for INR 2.05 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The two-wheeler brand also launched updated variants under the Apache brand last year. While we do not have a detailed breakdown of which Apache motorcycle was most searched, the total brought it to the second spot on the list.
3. Suzuki Intruder
Suzuki added the tried, tested motor from the Gixxer 155 on a cruiser style motorcycle, and brought the Intruder brand name to the mass market. The Suzuki Intruder is available in both, carburettor and fuel injection variants. In September, Suzuki introduced the Intruder SP in India. The carburettor equipped variant is priced at INR 1,00,500 while the fuel injected version is available at INR 1,07,300 – both prices are ex-showroom Delhi.
4. TVS NTorq
TVS NTorq is aimed to attract the attention of the young buyers, and thus it features sporty styling, premium features and bright colour options. The TVS NTorq is the only scooter in its segment in the Indian market to feature a Bluetooth enabled instrument console. The smartphone app that connects with the scooter records top-speed, service reminder, and last parked location assist. The scooter is sold at an ex-showroom Delhi price tag of INR 64,850.
5. Suzuki Burgman Street
The Intruder wasn’t the only brand that was brought to the mass market by Suzuki. The Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer brought the Burgman maxi-scooter brand to the 125cc segment with the Burgman Street. The scooter shares its engine with the Access 125 but features premium styling to appeal to young buyers. The comprehensive feature list includes full-LED headlight, digital display and excellent storage solutions. The scooter arrived in the Indian market at INR 68,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).
6. Hero Xtreme 200R
While Hero MotoCorp continues to lead the two-wheeler market with its commuter range, the premium segment still lacks its participation. To make a comeback into the premium segment, Hero MotoCorp introduced the biggest Xtreme range motorcycle, the Xtreme 200R in India. Launched at an ex-showroom Delhi price tag of INR 89,900, the new model is the most affordable 200cc motorcycle in the Indian market.
7. TVS Radeon
One of the most unexpected motorcycles of the year was the TVS Radeon, which probably got the audience curious and put the commuter on the seventh spot on the list. The bike was launched in India at an ex-showroom tag of INR 48,400. The Radeon is pitched against the highest selling motorcycle in the country, the Hero MotoCorp Splendor and thus it uses a 109.7 cc 'Dura-Life' engine.
8. Hero Destini 125
The market leader of the commuter motorcycle segment has interests in grabbing a sizeable share of the scooter space. Hero MotoCorp aims to take on Honda 2Wheelers in the scooter segment by expanding its scooter portfolio to six models in 8-12 months. The Destini 125 is part of Hero MotoCorp’s strategy, and the scooter was launched in India at a competitive price tag of INR 54,650 for the Lx variant and INR 57,500 for the Vx variant.
9. Hero XPulse 200
The ninth spot also goes to Hero MotoCorp and the upcoming adventure tourer from the company, the XPulse 200, occupies it. Hero MotoCorp had unveiled the off-road spec XPulse 200 in 2017 while last year saw the arrival of a tourer version of the motorcycle, the Xpulse 200T. Both models are yet to arrive in India, and the audience is excited to welcome the most affordable adventure tourer motorcycles in the country.
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10. BMW G 310 Twins
The most affordable BMW motorcycles, the BMW G 310 R and G 310 GS made it on the 10th spot on the list of most searched bikes by Google. Despite local manufacturing and being the most affordable BMW Motorrad products, the G 310 duo carry a premium price tag. The G 310 R was launched in India at INR 2.99 lakh while the G 310 GS is sold at INR 3.49 lakh (both ex-showroom Delhi). Nonetheless, BMW Motorrad managed to sell 1,640 units of the G 310 R and G 310 GS in India in 2018 since their launch in July the same year.
