150-200cc Motorcycle Sales Oct 2025: Pulsar and Apache Dominate Amid Segment Surge
India’s 150-200cc motorcycle segment bucked broader market trends in October 2025, posting a robust 17.13% year-over-year (YoY) growth to 210,831 units from 180,003 units in October 2024. This uptick, fueled by GST rate cuts from 28% to 18% on sub-350cc engines that slashed on-road prices by up to ₹15,000, came despite a marginal dip in overall motorcycle dispatches per SIAM data. Month-over-month (MoM), sales rose 10.52% from 190,252 units in September, signaling strong festive demand in premium commuters and sporty offerings. Bajaj Pulsar and TVS Apache led the charge, capturing over 56% market share combined, while adventure and naked bikes like Hero Xpulse and Honda Hornet showed explosive gains.
Segment Snapshot: GST Boost and Festive Tailwinds
The 150-200cc category, prized for its blend of performance, mileage, and affordability, thrived amid rural revival and urban upgrades. SIAM reported total two-wheeler dispatches at 2.21 million units (up 2% YoY), but FADA retail figures painted a brighter picture with 3.15 million two-wheelers sold (52% YoY surge), underscoring pent-up demand post-GST reforms. In this sub-segment, price-sensitive buyers flocked to updated models, with exports and inventory drawdowns adding momentum. However, Yamaha’s lineup faced headwinds, reflecting shifting tastes toward more feature-rich rivals.
Key drivers:
- Policy Impact: Price drops made bikes like Pulsar N160 and Apache RTR 160 more accessible, boosting first-time premium buyers.
- Rural-Urban Split: FADA noted rural two-wheeler sales doubled urban growth, aiding volume leaders like Pulsar.
- Challenges: Overall motorcycle dispatches fell 4% YoY to 1.34 million, hinting at supply constraints in non-festive channels.
Model-Wise Breakdown: Pulsar Edges Apache in Volumes
Bajaj Pulsar reclaimed the top spot with a stellar performance across its N, NS, and RS variants, while TVS Apache’s RTR series held firm as the value king. Honda Unicorn maintained steady commuter appeal, but Yamaha’s MT15 and R15 grappled with YoY declines amid competition from updated Bajaj and TVS options. Hero Xpulse’s adventure prowess and Honda Hornet’s naked agility delivered standout growth, appealing to younger riders.
| Model | Oct 2025 Sales | YoY Change | MoM Change | Market Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Pulsar (All 150-200cc Variants) | 56,585 | +55.73% | +2.99% | 26.84% | N160/NS200 led; GST cuts sparked 20%+ inquiry surge |
| TVS Apache (RTR 160/165/180/200) | 56,000 (est.) | +25% (est.) | +5% (est.) | 26.57% (est.) | RTR 160 4V bestseller; 18% FY25 growth to 364k units |
| Honda Unicorn 160 | 32,825 | +3.33% | +1.43% | 15.57% | Refined commuter; SP160 added 5,756 units (+121% MoM) |
| Yamaha MT15 | 13,173 | -1.72% | Stable | 6.25% | V2.0 strong in cities; 50% FY25 YoY growth to 200k combined with R15 |
| Yamaha R15 (V3/V4) | 7,949 | -30.57% | -14.79% | 3.77% | Racing appeal wanes; price hikes post-GST hurt volumes |
| Hero Xpulse 200 | 4,161 | +111.86% | +7.13% | 1.97% | ADV star; Rally Edition drives off-road demand |
| Honda Hornet 2.0 | 1,949 | +54.81% | +130.65% | 0.92% | BS6 Phase 2 update boosts naked segment; NX200 follow-up expected |
Apache sales estimated based on 39% FY25 share and segment trends; exact Oct figure aligns with prior RushLane patterns.
Standout Performers: Growth Stories and Decliners
- Bajaj Pulsar: A festive juggernaut, with NS200 and N160 variants stealing the show. The lineup’s 18% FY25 decline reversed in Oct, thanks to aggressive pricing (now ₹1.1-1.57 lakh ex-showroom). Analysts credit its 500k+ FY24 base for scalability.
- TVS Apache: Unseated briefly but reclaimed parity; RTR 200 4V’s 17kW punch and Bluetooth features resonated. TVS’s 18% YoY FY25 gain to 364k units cements its 39% dominance.
- Hero Xpulse & Honda Hornet: Xpulse’s 111% surge reflects ADV craze post-₹14k cut; Hornet’s 130% MoM leap signals rebound from 36% FY25 drop (134k Honda units total).
- Yamaha Struggles: MT15/R15’s combined 21k units lag; 6% FY25 growth masks Oct dips, as buyers pivot to Bajaj’s feature parity at lower prices.
SIAM notes 1.34 million motorcycle dispatches (down 4% YoY), but FADA’s 3.15 million retail two-wheelers (up 52%) highlight robust end-consumer pull.
Market Dynamics: Rural Revival and Premium Shifts
Rural demand, up 2x urban per FADA, propelled commuters like Unicorn and Pulsar, while urban millennials fueled Xpulse/Hornet. GST 2.0’s “One Nation, One Tax” unlocked ₹10-15k savings, per SIAM, but inventory at 53-55 days signals caution. Exports rose 5%, aiding Bajaj/TVS. Broader two-wheeler retails hit 3.15 million (52% YoY), with Hero at 995k units (72% growth).
Challenges include 8% FY25 sub-segment decline to 932k units (Apr-Jan), per SIAM, as buyers migrate to 125cc (up 2%) or EVs. Suzuki Gixxer (1,616 units, -36% FY25) and Kawasaki W175 (0 units) underscore niche woes.
October 2025’s 17% segment surge underscores GST’s transformative edge, with Pulsar and Apache as resilient anchors. As weddings and harvests loom, expect sustained momentum into Q4, potentially pushing FY26 volumes past 1 million if pricing holds. For enthusiasts, it’s a buyer’s market—Apache for agility, Pulsar for value.
For detailed dispatches, visit SIAM’s October Report. Track buzz on X via Bajaj Auto’s account.