Premium bikes may not be the volume driver for the motorcycle brands in India, but they certainly help the companies to boost sales and post greater revenues. After the Covid-shock in 2020, there are several upcoming premium bikes waiting in line for launch in 2020 in the Indian market.
The two-wheeler sales in November recorded a 13.43% growth in November 2020 to 1,600,379 units. In 2021 also, the momentum is expected to continue with a lot of new and updated models entering the market. Like the mass-market models, upcoming premium bikes in India too will play a key role in reviving the dampened sentiment in the world’s largest two-wheeler market.
After a challenging year of dreadful production and sales activities, the Indian two-wheeler industry is aiming for an accelerated pace in 2021. After witnessing zero sales for the first time in April 2020, the Indian two-wheeler industry has experienced a surge during the festive season in October and November, thanks to the gradual revival of economic activities, more focus on personalized mobility, and of course the festive season demand.
While the mass market models played important roles in this recovery path, the premium models also have registered demand revival, especially from the young buyers, who are the usual target base for these premium motorcycle brands present in the country.
Witnessing this trend, the key two-wheeler majors in the domestic market like Bajaj Auto, Royal Enfield, and Honda have already made plans to introduce an array of fresh models, including the premium ones as well.
Here is a list of top upcoming premium bikes in India in 2021.
New Generation Royal Enfield Classic 350
Royal Enfield is readying an all-new Classic 350. This is likely to be the first launch of the year 2021, from the Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer. The motorcycle has been spotted several times on the road in test mule form. Expect it to come with a subtle design update along with a host of new features onboard. Also, it would get an updated and more refined engine.
Updated Royal Enfield 650 Twins
Royal Enfield took its game one notch up with the 650 twins – Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. Now, both these two middle-weight category motorcycles are due to get an update. Expect the updated 2021 Royal Enfield 650 Twins to launch sometime in the middle of the year. Both the 650cc motorcycles would come with a host of updates, including new features onboard. Also, both of them would get a more refined BS-VI engine. Besides that, the new Tripper turn-by-turn navigation features are likely to be introduced to both these motorcycles.
Upcoming premium bikes in India in 2021:
| Brand | Motorcycle |
| Royal Enfield | New generation Classic 350 |
| Updated Interceptor 650 | |
| Updated Continental GT 650 | |
| 650 cc cruiser | |
| KTM | New generation RC390 |
| Honda | Updated CBR650R |
| Husqvarna | Svartpilen 390 |
| Vitpilen 390 | |
| Triumph | Tiger 850 Sport |
| Benelli | 302 S |
2021 KTM RC390
KTM has been one of the most successful motorcycle brands in India. Its premium offerings at affordable pricing have garnered pretty much attention from the young generation buyers. The RC390, faired sibling of the naked KTM Duke 390 is expected to receive a fresh updating touch soon, as the new generation model has been spotted on the production line recently. While the brand is yet to reveal any detail about the upcoming premium bike, expect it to receive a new design and styling along with an updated instrument cluster as well.
Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
Besides the new generation Classic 350 and updated versions of 650 twins, Royal Enfield is also working on a couple of very interesting products. One of the upcoming motorcycles from the brand is a 650cc cruiser that will use the same engine as the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The cruiser will also share the same platform as the already available 650 Twins. The upcoming cruiser has been already spotted in test mule form on public roads. Expect it to hit the showrooms sometime at the end of 2021.
Updated Honda CBR650R
The Honda CBR650R is all set to receive an update in the Indian market. Expect the updated Honda CBR650R to arrive in the country by the middle of 2021. It will carry a host of updates in terms of design, features, and technology as well. Honda has already showcased the updated CBR650R for the international markets.
Husqvarna 390 Twins
After introducing the Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250, Bajaj Auto is warming up to introduce the bigger Husqvarna motorcycles in 2021. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 390 and Vitpilen 390 are likely to hit showrooms in India sometime in the third quarter of 2021.
Others
Several other upcoming premium bikes are also in line to arrive Indian market in 2021. One of them is the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport, which will be a replacement for the entry-level Triumph Tiger 900. Apart from that, Benelli 302 S is also expected to be introduced as a replacement for the discontinued Benelli TNT 300. It is likely to go on sale in India by the end of 2021.
