With nearly 16 million two-wheelers sold last year, India is the biggest motorcycle market in the world right now. And if you’re a bikemaker, these are some serious customers for you to lure in. That’s why all your favorite manufacturers–Harley-Davidson, BMW, Yamahai–make special efforts for the world’s most populous country.
As a result, Indians enjoy access to many motorcycles unheard of in this part of the world. From roadsters to sport bikes to cracking EVs, there’s a large assortment suited for all kinds of riders. Some you might not like, some you will. Here are a few that belong to the latter group.
BMW G 310 RR
If you’ve ever dreamt of an entry-level sport bike from the Bavarian giant BMW, you’ll be happy to know there exists one in India. It goes by the name G 310 RR and is produced by BMW’s Indian partner TVS Motors. You should know TVS also produces BMW’s existing entry-level lineup (the G 310 R and G 310 GS) which explains the ‘G 310’ in the bike’s name.
Accordingly, the baby RR borrows its 312cc, single-cylinder engine from the R and GS. It puts out 33.5 horsepower (at 9,700 RPM) and 20 pound-feet (at 7,700 RPM), sent to the rear wheel via a slipper-clutch-equipped six-speed transmission. In America, this would put the RR above the Suzuki GSX-250R and the Honda CBR300R, and below the Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390.
But that’s not all, as there’s quality componentry elsewhere. You get 41 mm upside-down forks and a monoshock, paired with 17-inch wheels and a race-derived trellis chassis. Topping this is a likable feature list that includes a TFT instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity, ride modes (with different engine tunes), and all-LED lights. Together, all of it creates a tempting package that’s unmatched by any 300cc sport bike on sale in America. Jealous yet?
Harley-Davidson X 440
Harley-Davidson has built brawny V-twin cruisers for over a century now. Sadly, these cost a bomb in India, well outside the usual customer’s ballpark. Enter the X 440–Harley-Davidson’s entry-level roadster exclusively for India. The motorcycle is built in partnership with Indian giant Hero MotoCorp, which handles all H-D sales and planning in the country.
Now, you might argue the motorcycle isn’t an authentic H-D. But the two companies have made sure that’s not the case. For instance, the X 440 has plenty of resemblance with bigger H-D cruisers. The tank is edgy like the iconic XR1200, the tail lights reminiscent of the Sportster S, and the diamond-cut wheels bring the now-discontinued Iron 883 to mind. Blacked-out mechanicals, retro all-LED lights, and chrome touches further elevate the aesthetics.
Under all this lies a 440cc, single-cylinder engine with 27 horsepower (at 6,000 RPM) and 28 pound-feet (at 4,000 RPM). These are class-leading torque figures–a key characteristic of American cruisers. Oh, and Harley India also insists the exhaust note has been fine-tuned to sound like bigger Harleys. We’ll only corroborate this after riding the X 440, though.
Yamaha R15 M
In America, Yamaha only has the YZF-R3 as its entry-level sport bike. Though popular, the motorcycle feels dated in 2023, thanks to a lack of updates and barely any modern-day features. In India, meanwhile, Yamaha has the YZF-R15 for young sport bike enthusiasts. It’s easily one of the most loaded 150cc bikes and records crazy sales numbers in India each month.
Our focus, though, is on the R15 M that looks like a mini-YZF-R6, infused with the swagger of the flagship YZF-R1 M. The sleek LED DRLs, front cowl, and aerodynamic tail all create a gorgeous aesthetic, brought to a close by the triple-tone (gray, black, blue) livery. This is topped by an unmatched feature list, not even 400-500cc motorcycles can match in America. We’re talking a TFT instrument cluster, quickshifter, traction control, and smartphone connectivity.
All this while, you also get 37 mm KaYaBa USD forks and monoshock, plus a deltabox chassis. So whether you want to attack canyons or hone your skills on the racetrack–the R15 M will do it happily. Just don’t expect any serious performance in a straight line, since its 155cc, single produces 18 horsepower (with a top speed of about 95mph).
Ultraviolette F77
What’s good-looking, environment-friendly, from India, and excitingly fast? The Ultraviolette F77. It is India’s flagship electric motorcycle, and you might remember it from this story earlier in the year. What’s good about it, you ask? Well, plenty. The EV hides boasts a 27kW mid-mounted electric motor, good enough for a 0 to 60mph sprint in eight seconds and a top speed of ~90mph. This is immediately better than entry-level EVs in America, yet there’s more.
And by more, we mean excellent underpinnings and battery pack. The former comprises 41 mm USD forks and monoshock, complete with 17-inch wheels and a steel trellis chassis. Whereas, the latter has 7.1 kWh of capacity to offer over 120 miles of range. What makes matters sweeter is a plethora of tech, such as TFT instrumentation, ride modes, variable regen, ride-by-wire, Bluetooth, and LTE connectivity.
Which one of these would you want in your garage? Tell us in the comments.