Top 6 highest selling premium bikes

Top 6 highest selling premium bikes

While the Indian motorcycle market space was full of basic and dull motorcycles till a few years ago, the last decade has seen an onslaught of premium motorcycles which promise to serve you well for your daily grind while offering a superior appeal on the side.With the recent surge in the disposable income and easy financing options, the youth doesn’t mind spending money on a premium motorcycle if it stands out from the generic crowd. Motorcycle manufacturers have accordingly responded to the demand, offering what the audience wants. But which ones have actually hit the right chord with the Indian public? Well, we bring you the list of the 6 highest selling premium motorcycles in the Indian market.

6. KTM Duke 200

KTM rewrote the rule books when it launched the Duke 200 in India, back in 2012. Featuring a 200cc single-cylinder high-compression engine packaged in a featherweight body, the price-performance ratio of this streetfighter was off the charts. Of course, this changed with the launch of its elder sibling, the Duke 390. Nevertheless the Duke 200 was a revolutionary motorcycle which changed the way we perceive performance in small capacity motorcycles. And well, KTM continues to reap the rewards for giving us such a delightful little bike. Besides registering good sales numbers in India, the Duke 200 has also turned out to be quite popular among beginners in other global markets.

5. Yamaha YZF-R15

Many would regard the YZF-R15 to be the true successor to the iconic Yamaha RX135 motorcycle. Offering sprightly performance, modern technology and sharp styling bundled in a sweet handling chassis, the YZF-R15 has hit the right note with the Indian audience. When the demand for the YZF-R15 Version 2.0 started to wane, Yamaha quickly identified the cause and launched the YZF-R15S, a facelift with the older version’s one-piece seat. Demand immediately picked up, helping the YZF-R15 regain its position in the Indian two-wheeler market.

4. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350

The Thunderbird 350 might not be a hit among Royal Enfield purists, but it certainly has its own cult following. The only cruiser in the company’s range, the first Thunderbird 350 rolled off the production lines in 2000, though the styling has remained more or less the sameover the past 16 years. Featuring front and rear disc brakes, twin spark technology, LED lights, projector headlamp and a digital display for the instrument console, the Thunderbird 350 is the most modern Royal Enfield motorcycle that you can buy. While the launch of Mahindra Mojo might have caused some apprehensions at the company headquarters, sales numbers have refused to waver as Thunderbird supporters continue to stay loyal to the brand.

3. Royal Enfield Bullet Electra Twinspark

Maintaining a hint of nostalgia of the Bullet in a relatively modern package, the Electra Twinspark is a good all-rounder for those who don’t care about the glamour of the ‘Classic’ or ‘Bullet’ brand. The slightly raised handlebar, comfortable seating, analogue instrument panel and the thump of the exhaust note together give the Electra a distinctive appeal, while the UCE engine makes it more reliable than the previous models.One of the most comfortable Royal Enfield motorcycles that you can buy, the Electra Twinspark might not have the pedigree that its stable mates has, but it does have its own loyal following.

2. Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Twinspark

Old-school. Two words that perfectly describe the Bullet 350. Oozing traditional Royal Enfield charm and simplicity, the Bullet 350 is the perfect gateway for someone who wishes to get an instant shot of nostalgia.Apart from the change in component quality, the only bit of updates that this motorcycle has received over the past five decades is the powertrain.The most affordable motorcycle in the company’s line-up, the Bullet 350 is quite a minimalistic motorcycle even by Royal Enfield standards. Heck, it doesn’t even get an electric start! But that hast stopped it from being the runner-up on this list.

1. Royal Enfield Classic 350

The motorcycle which turned around the company’s fortunes, the Classic 350 is by far the most popular Royal Enfield motorcycle. The minimalistic bodywork, hefty build, exposed engine and the muted thump of the exhaust exude a retro vibe which makes you feel like you have travelled back in time.The Classic 350’s styling speaks of the company’s rich heritage while offering a modern package, which has made it popular among the urban as well as the rural audience. Here’s a fun fact – in any given month, the sales number of the Classic 350 is more than the cumulative sales numbers of the other five motorcycles in this list. No wonder the Classic 350 commands a waiting period stretching up to six months in a few metro cities.