The Indian two-wheeler market continues to be a dynamic battlefield, with May 2025 sales figures revealing familiar champions maintaining their strongholds, while a fes models show impressive upward momentum. Overall, the two-wheeler segment witnessed a modest growth of 2.2% year-on-year, with a total of 16,55,927 units sold domestically. While scooters saw a healthy increase, motorcycle sales remained largely flat.
Here’s a look at the top 5 best-selling bikes that dominated Indian roads in May 2025:
1. Hero Splendor Series: The Unshakable King Continues its Reign
Once again, the Hero Splendor series firmly holds onto its crown as India’s best-selling two-wheeler. In May 2025, Hero MotoCorp despatched a remarkable 3,10,335 units of the Splendor, recording a modest 1.86% year-on-year growth. Its unwavering popularity is a testament to its reliability, fuel efficiency, and widespread service network, making it the preferred choice for millions of daily commuters across the country. Hero MotoCorp as a whole also regained its number one position in overall two-wheeler sales for May, showcasing its robust recovery from previous month’s dips.
2. Honda CB Shine: Consistent Performer in the Commuter Segment
Holding a strong third position in the overall top 10 two-wheeler sales (after Honda Activa, which is a scooter), the Honda CB Shine continues to be a powerhouse in the 125cc commuter segment. With 1,58,271 units sold in May 2025, the CB Shine registered a healthy 6.18% growth. Its smooth engine, comfortable ride, and Honda’s trusted reliability keep it a favourite among those seeking a practical and dependable motorcycle.
3. Bajaj Pulsar Series: The Sporty Contender Holds Its Ground (Mostly)
The iconic Bajaj Pulsar series, a long-standing symbol of sporty performance and youthful appeal, secured the fourth spot among the best-selling bikes. However, in May 2025, the Pulsar line saw sales of 1,22,151 units, marking a 4.93% decline compared to May 2024. While the Pulsar remains a significant volume driver for Bajaj, this dip might indicate increased competition in the performance-oriented commuter segment or a slight shift in buyer preferences. Bajaj Auto, however, reported a 9% year-on-year growth in overall two-wheeler sales, largely driven by strong exports.
4. Hero HF Deluxe: A Strong Recovery and Impressive Growth
The Hero HF Deluxe demonstrated a commendable performance in May 2025, surging ahead with 1,07,768 units sold. This represents a robust year-on-year growth rate of 23.67%. Often seen as a no-nonsense, highly fuel-efficient commuter, the HF Deluxe’s significant growth highlights its appeal to cost-conscious buyers seeking an affordable and reliable workhorse. Its strong recovery from production disruptions in April indicates renewed market demand.
5. TVS Raider: The Rising Star in the 125cc Category
Rounding out our top 5 list is the TVS Raider, which, despite a slight decline of 4.96% compared to last year, still managed sales of 35,401 units. The Raider has quickly carved a niche for itself in the highly competitive 125cc segment, thanks to its sporty design, feature-rich package, and peppy performance. Its consistent presence in the top sellers underscores its growing popularity, and with a waiting time of around 2 weeks across major cities, its demand remains strong. TVS overall showcased significant growth in May, driven by models like the Jupiter and Apache series.
Market Trends and Outlook:
May 2025 showcased the enduring dominance of commuter motorcycles in the Indian market, led by Hero MotoCorp’s flagship models. While some models experienced slight declines, the overall picture suggests a resilient two-wheeler market with sustained consumer demand. The strong growth in scooter sales indicates a shifting preference in urban areas, while the performance of bikes like the HF Deluxe and Raider highlights the constant evolution of buyer needs, balancing practicality with modern features and aesthetics. The coming months will be crucial to observe if the momentum continues and how manufacturers adapt their strategies to cater to these diverse demands.