India’s 2025 motorcycle launch season is heating up, giving riders choices across categories: commuter-friendly sports, neo-retro, premium café racer, and full performance beasts.
Below are five bikes that have recently launched or are about to launch in India; they represent a good mix of commuter, neo-retro, sporty, and mid-range performance bikes.
| # | Bike | Price (Ex-showroom, approx) | Engine / Power / Torque | Mileage / Fuel Efficiency | Key Features / What Makes It Unique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (2025) | ₹ 1,96,000 | ~350 cc single-cylinder (cruiser-style), ~20.2 PS (as with Hunter 350 etc.) Navbharat Times+1 | ~20.2 PS, approx 27 Nm torque Navbharat Times+1 | Mileage likely ~30-35 kmpl in mixed riding; exact ARAI not confirmed yet Navbharat Times | Cruiser stance, more colour variants, new features (accessory kits, warranty etc.), appeals to those wanting comfort and style over outright sport performance. |
| 2. BMW S 1000 R | ₹ 19,90,000 | this is a hyper-naked / sport-naked bike with high performance engine; derived from S 1000 RR. Probably ~999 cc, ~165-170 PS (depending on version) The Economic Times | Likely to be in that performance range; torque maybe 112-120 Nm (estimate based on prior models) | Mileage will be low-20s (kmpl), because of high performance & large displacement; city riding even lower. | Advanced tech: riding modes, traction control, TFT display, etc. For enthusiasts who want naked style + superbike level performance. |
| 3. Triumph Thruxton 400 Café Racer | ₹ 2,74,000 | 400 cc platform (same as Speed 400 etc.), producing probably around 40 PS, ~38-40 Nm torque (estimate) The Economic Times | Mileage expected in the neighbourhood of 25-30 kmpl when ridden reasonably; highway might give more. | Cafe racer styling, premium build, good for those who want design + decent performance without going into big litre class. | |
| 4. TVS Apache RTR 160 2V (2025 update) | ₹ 1,34,000 | ~160 cc 2-valve engine; the new model updated for emission norms (OBD-2B); power ~15-16 PS, torque ~14-15 Nm (similar to prior RTR 160s) The Times of India | Likely 45-50 kmpl under good riding; city/hybrid might bring it down. | Key updates: dual-channel ABS, compliance with newer norms, safety features. Good value option in sporty-commuter segment. | |
| 5. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (2026 model) | ₹ 11,69,000 | ~636 cc inline-4 (this is the “ZX-6R” middleweight supersport class); power likely ~128-135 PS, torque ~67-70 Nm (typical spec for ZX-6R globally) The Times of India | Mileage is expected to be in low-20s kmpl (maybe 18-22 kmpl) in mixed riding; high performance = fuel guzzler compared to commuter bikes. | Supersport styling, track capability, high revving engine. For serious riders who want adrenaline and track potential. |
Comparison: Power, Mileage & Price
To help you see which bike gives what sort of trade-offs, here’s how they stack up:
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Power vs Price:
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The BMW S 1000 R gives premium power but demands a premium price (~₹20 lakh).
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The Ninja ZX-6R is also expensive but offers near-supersport power in comparison.
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Bikes like the Apache RTR 160 2V give modest power but great value.
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Mileage vs Engine Size:
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Smaller bikes / lower displacement (like RTR 160, Meteor 350 cruising, Thruxton 400) will give better kmpl.
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Large performance bikes (BMW, Ninja) will have lower mileage due to higher revs, aggressive tuning, and weight.
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Feature vs Comfort vs Handling:
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Cruisers (Meteor 350) are comfortable for long rides, relaxed seating.
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Sporty/hyper / café racers (Thruxton, Ninja) focus more on performance, stance, riding position.
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Safety features (ABS, dual ABS, updated emission compliance) are increasingly standard.
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Deep Dive for Each Bike
Here’s more detail on each, including pros, cons, expected target audience, and whether it’s worth considering.
1. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (2025)
Pros:
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Iconic cruiser feel, stylish looks, good for relaxed highway riding.
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New colors, warranties, accessories making it more premium.
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Likely easier to maintain; spares & service network is strong for Royal Enfield in India.
Cons:
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Power is modest; not meant for aggressive acceleration.
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Mileage might drop significantly if ridden hard.
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Handling in twisty roads less nimble compared to lighter bikes.
Who It’s For: Riders looking for style & comfort, weekend rides, desire for that ‘cruiser’ image without huge cost.
2. BMW S 1000 R
Pros:
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High performance, superb build quality, advanced electronics and riding features.
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Strong brand prestige.
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Likely excellent braking / handling / stability at high speeds.
Cons:
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Very expensive; maintenance, insurance, and running costs will be high.
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Fuel consumption high; comfort in city traffic may be challenging.
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Insurance, service, parts cost premium.
Who It’s For: Experienced riders, those wanting high thrills, superbike-level performance, and willing to pay for it.
3. Triumph Thruxton 400 Café Racer
Pros:
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Stylish, classic café racer aesthetics + modern reliability.
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Balanced performance for 400 cc class: decent torque, strong mid-range.
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Premium feel; better components than entry-level bikes.
Cons:
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Might still be heavy for some; fuel economy won’t match smaller commuters.
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Accessories & service premium.
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Not for aggressive off-roading or extreme speeds, but café style.
Who It’s For: Riders who want style and presence, those who value looks + reasonable performance.
4. TVS Apache RTR 160 2V (2025)
Pros:
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Affordable, good for daily use and city commuting.
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Improved safety (dual ABS), compliance with norms, which helps in resale etc.
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Light and easy to handle traffic.
Cons:
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Not much power for highway overtakes.
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Limited comfort for long rides; vibrations, ride quality vary.
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Design is sporty but parts / finish may not match premium brands.
Who It’s For: First-time performance commuters, students, city riders who want sporty look without breaking the bank.
5. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (2026)
Pros:
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Strong performance, excellent for track and spirited rides.
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Aggressive styling, aerodynamics, high revving engine.
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Brand prestige among sport bike lovers.
Cons:
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Expensive as hell; high cost of maintenance, insurance.
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Fuel and upkeep costs heavy.
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Riding comfort in city is challenging due to aggressive riding position.
Who It’s For: Enthusiasts with experience, who want speed, track hone their skills, and have budget to support ownership.
Which Bike Makes Most Sense? (Based on Rider Profile)
| Rider Type | Best Fit Among the 5 |
|---|---|
| Daily city commuting, budget conscious | TVS Apache RTR 160 2V |
| Style + cruiser experience but moderate price | Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (2025) |
| Looking for style + moderateish power (not full sport) | Triumph Thruxton 400 |
| Want thrill & performance, willing to spend | BMW S 1000 R or Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R |
Some More Bikes to Watch & Upcoming Models
Exploring the Latest Motorcycle Trends
There are several upcoming launches in 2025 (or teased) that might also deserve attention. For example:
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Yamaha R3 (new-gen) — around ₹4-4.5 lakh; ~321cc, parallel twin; good blend of sporty performance. autoprogyan.com
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KTM 390 Enduro R — off-road capable version of KTM’s 390 line; expect big torque, rugged build. Autonexa+1
These might shift the landscape for buyers who want performance + some off-road or adventure capability.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
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On-road price will include insurance, RTO, and sometimes high taxes (especially for bigger displacement bikes). Ex-showroom is often just the base.
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Fuel cost & maintenance can be huge for performance bikes. Check parts availability in Lucknow / your city.
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Resale value tends to be better for brands with good service network.
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Ride comfort & ergonomics: posture, seat height, suspension matter especially for daily usage or long rides.
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Legal compliance / emission norms: newer models usually comply, but check if any regional restrictions or added cost due to local taxes.
Summary
India’s 2025 motorcycle launch season is heating up, giving riders choices across categories: commuter-friendly sports, neo-retro, premium café racer, and full performance beasts. From the approachable TVS Apache RTR 160 2V to the high-powered BMW S 1000 R and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, there’s a match for every style and budget. Price ranges span from about ₹1.30-1.40 lakh (for commuter / mid-street) up to nearly ₹20 lakh for premium hyper bikes. Mileage drops significantly as displacement & power rise. Features like dual ABS, updated emission norms, ride modes, and connected instrument clusters are becoming standard even in mid-segment bikes.
