The Indian motorcycle market demonstrated resilience in May 2026, with the top 10 models collectively selling 927,855 units. This marked a modest 2% year-on-year growth compared to May 2026’s 905,452 units, reflecting stable demand across various segments despite mixed performances.
Hero MotoCorp continued its dominance, with the Splendor maintaining its position as the country’s favorite motorcycle. Meanwhile, other models like the Bajaj Pulsar and TVS Apache showed notable gains, while the Hero HF Deluxe experienced a significant decline.
The leaders of the pack: Top performers in May 2026
The Hero Splendor once again proved its popularity, selling 348,115 units in May 2026, a 12% increase from the previous year. This iconic model alone accounted for over one-third of the total sales among the top 10 motorcycles, solidifying its status as India’s most trusted two-wheeler.
The Honda Shine secured the second position with 155,441 units sold, although it experienced a slight 2% decline compared to May 2026. The Bajaj Pulsar followed closely in third place, with sales of 124,270 units, marking a 2% year-on-year growth.
The rise and fall of commuter favorites
The Hero HF Deluxe faced the steepest decline among the top 10, with sales dropping by 38% to 66,722 units. This significant fall suggests shifting preferences within the commuter segment. In contrast, the TVS Apache saw a 10% growth, selling 53,900 units, while the TVS XL posted an impressive 30% increase with 48,569 units sold.
The Honda CB Unicorn also performed strongly, with sales rising by 22% to 34,925 units. This growth highlights the continued demand for refined, comfortable, and reliable motorcycles in the 150cc commuter segment. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 delivered a robust performance as well, with sales increasing by 21% to 34,594 units.
Market trends and future outlook
May 2026’s motorcycle sales were characterized by the enduring popularity of established models like the Splendor and Pulsar as well as the growing appeal of motorcycles that offer more than basic commuting features. The performance of models like the TVS ApacheHonda CB Unicorn and Royal Enfield Classic 350 indicates a shift towards motorcycles that provide enhanced performance and style.
However, the decline in sales of the HF Deluxe and Bajaj Platina suggests some stress in the lower commuter segment. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how manufacturers adapt to changing consumer preferences.
With total top 10 motorcycle sales reaching 9.28 lakh units, the market remained positive, though only marginally. The coming months will reveal whether factors such as rural demand, festive season inventory planning, and new product updates can accelerate growth further in the motorcycle segment.
Bezzecchi suspended from Czech MotoGP after marshal incident
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2026 Czech MotoGP in Brno, Marco Bezzecchi was suspended from the grand prix following an incident during the Sprint race. The Aprilia rider, who had crashed, reportedly struck a marshal who had inadvertently accelerated his bike while attempting to recover it.
The steward panel, led by Simon Crafar, upheld the suspension despite a late-night appeal from Aprilia. The decision was based on Bezzecchi’s actions being deemed detrimental to the interests of the sport, as outlined in the MotoGP regulations.
The impact on the championship
Bezzecchi’s absence from the main race provided an opportunity for his rivals to close the gap in the championship standings. Marc Marquez capitalized on the situation, winning the race and reducing Bezzecchi’s lead to 40 points. Pecco Bagnaia who had won the Sprint, finished third in the main race.
The suspension also affected Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin who had a mathematical chance to take the championship lead but could only manage ninth place after serving a penalty. Martin is now eight points behind Bezzecchi in the standings.
The incident has sparked discussions about the role of marshals and the emotional state of riders post-crash. While Bezzecchi’s actions were widely condemned, some have argued for a more nuanced understanding of the pressures faced by riders in high-stakes situations.
As the MotoGP season continues, all eyes will be on how Bezzecchi and his team respond to this setback, as well as the ongoing battle for the championship lead.
