The problems of the Indian two-wheeler industry may seem to have just begun. Right from questionable policymaking to the country sitting on the verge of a major slowdown. Every day, more and more people are not buying new vehicles. The slump is not just in the higher capacity models which cost significantly more, but across segments. However, there are a few bright spots in the motorcycle market. Here is the list of June 2019's top 10 best-selling motorcycles:
1. Hero Splendor: Commuter king
The month of June 2019 has Hero Splendor being on top of the market. In fact, it even outsold the golden boy Honda Activa by a little more than 6,000 units. The Hero Splendor family includes the old Honda powered 97.2 cc model, as well as the new indigenously developed 110 cc variant. The evergreen ‘Fill it, Shut it, Forget it’ brand image helped the Munjal-owned brand retail 2,42,743 new units of Hero Splendor motorcycle in June 2019.
Hero Splendor range starts at INR 51,790 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the entry-level variant. Besides that, another feature which has helped the brand stand out from the crowd has been the availability of i3S (start-stop) technology as an option. This technology helps customers to save fuel during traffic lights.
2. Hero HF Deluxe: Chupa Rustam of the Indian motorcycle market
The Hero HF Deluxe has achieved cult status in the small towns and rural markets. The bike uses the same Honda sourced, time-tested 97.2 cc mill. Also, the Hero HF Deluxe has a no-nonsense brand image in the mind of rural customers. This indestructible image has helped Hero sell 1,93,194 units of HF Deluxe in June 2019.
Priced at INR 38,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi), HF Deluxe is at the bottom of the entry-level motorcycle food chain. An i3S variant is also on offer. However, a muted monsoon may result in lower sales of HF Deluxe in the next few months.
3. Honda CB Shine: India’s largest selling 125 cc motorcycle
India is a very versatile motorcycle market. While we have products like the KTM Duke 125 and RC125 which take the top slot in terms of performance, the Honda CB Shine continues to be the best seller. The Honda CB Shine volumes in June 2019 stood at 84,871, making it the 3rd largest selling motorcycle in the month. Honda offers the CB Shine with a 4-speed gearbox and with a 5-speed unit as well (CB Shine SP). The former is focused towards middle-aged buyers, while the latter is aimed for a younger audience with stylish graphics lending the Honda CB Shine SP a sporty image.
Prices for the Honda CB Shine begin at INR 58,967 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Honda even introduced a Limited Edition variant of CB Shine recently to boost sales.
Also Read: 5 Honda motorcycles we wish to see in India
4. Bajaj Pulsar: The shining glory of Bajaj
The combined sales of the Bajaj Pulsar family stood at 83,008 units in June 2019. Of these, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 alone accounted for 62,248 units. The brand also includes the NS 160, NS 200, RS 200, and Pulsar 220F. Bajaj’s strong brand following, accessible price tags and features rich motorcycles have been greatly helpful in increasing the sales.
Prices for the most affordable Bajaj Pulsar (Pulsar 150 Neon) starts at INR 68,250 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Bajaj is also reportedly planning to launch a 125 cc motorcycle under the Pulsar brand name in the next few months. This will help the Pune-based manufacturer further increase their volumes.
5. Hero Glamour: CB Shine’s Indian cousin
Volumes of the Hero Glamour have grown in the present financial year thanks to strong demand. In the month of June 2019, Hero sold 69,878 units of the Glamour in India. Besides that, the slowdown has shifted the focus of several buyers from the more expensive 150 cc motorcycles to affordable 125 cc motorcycles. This shift has worked positively in the Hero Glamour’s favour.
The Hero Glamour is priced at INR 62,250 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the entry-level trim. It is offered with fuel injection as well. The only other products in this segment to get this feature are the KTM Duke 125 and RC125.
6. Bajaj Platina: The first of its kind
It has been 5 years since Bajaj introduced us to the 110 cc Bajaj Platina. The introduction of its segment-first 5th cog in the Bajaj Platina 110 H has helped the volumes grow in terms of volumes. In fact, Platina sales have grown by a whopping 76% in the first quarter of FY 2019-20. An accessible price tag and a gear position indicator are an added benefit. Also, Bajaj Platina offers a spring on spring (SnS) based rear suspension with gas-charged canisters.
Prices start at INR 40,896 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the barebones Bajaj Platina 100 with a 100 cc mill. Bajaj is also testing the BS-VI compliant version of Platina and will be launching it in India soon. Bajaj Platina volumes in June 2019 stood at 56,947 units.
7. Hero Passion Pro: For the love of the old
Things have not been very good for the Hero Passion. Volumes in June 2019 stood at 56,143 units. In comparison, last year in June volumes were near a lakh unit! Besides that, the motorcycle has undergone a 36% drop in volumes in the first quarter this year. The 4th Hero product in the list also gets the i3S technology to save fuel.
The prices of the Hero Passion start at INR 55,575 (ex-showroom Delhi). With such low volumes, Hero will have to pull a fast one to get the sales up.
8. Bajaj CT: Most affordable motorcycle available in India
With 38,720 units of Bajaj CT sold in June 2019, the motorcycle has experienced a drop. That’s even though it is the most affordable motorcycle. Available with 110 cc and 100 cc engines, the Bajaj CT gets several interesting features. This includes semi-knobby tyres, lightweight body and spring in spring suspension. The prices of Bajaj CT start at INR 33,402 for the entry-level CT 100.
Also Read: Fully-faired BMW G 310 R may be closer to reality than you think
9. TVS Apache: Ready to hit the track
Even with volumes shrinking, the TVS Apache has managed to maintain its 9th spot. The Chennai based brand sold 37,967 units of Apache motorcycles in June 2019. The range of this performance motorcycle includes various displacement models which have been developed by TVS Racing.
The prices of the TVS Apache range start at INR 85,573 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Apache RTR 160. Besides that, the company also launched the country’s first-ever ethanol-powered TVS Apache RTR 200 FI E100.
10. Royal Enfield Classic 350: Pushrods rule!
Just as the rest of the industry, this present downturn has not been very considerate on Royal Enfield’s fortunes. Their breadwinner Royal Enfield Classic 350 registered sales of 33,790 units in June 2019. The bike has a starting price of INR 1.53 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The company is working on the BS-VI complaint Classic 350 and an official announcement is expected this calendar year.
