In September 2023, the market for 500cc and larger motorcycles witnessed some significant shifts in sales. These motorcycles are known for their power and are preferred by enthusiasts. Let's take a closer look at how different models performed in this category.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Takes the Lead
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 emerged as the top-selling motorcycle in this segment, with 2,039 units sold. Following closely were the Royal Enfield 650 Twins, including the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650, which sold 1,280 units. It's worth noting that the 650 Twins saw a decrease in sales compared to the previous year, while the Super Meteor 650 showed a strong 55.27% market share.
Kawasaki Z900 Shows Impressive Growth
Kawasaki's Z900 secured the third position, with 151 units sold and a substantial 71.59% year-over-year growth, up from 88 units sold the previous year. This demonstrates a growing preference for this model among buyers.
Hayabusa Makes a Comeback
Suzuki's Hayabusa, a well-known and iconic motorcycle, managed to sell 58 units in September 2023. This is particularly impressive considering that it had no sales in August 2023. Hayabusa showed a remarkable 61.11% year-over-year growth, gaining 22 units in volume compared to the previous year.
Triumph Street Triple's Remarkable Performance
The Triumph Street Triple secured the fifth position in the sales ranking, with 51 units sold. This model recorded a remarkable 325% year-over-year growth, gaining 39 units in volume compared to the previous year, making it the highest-selling triple-cylinder motorcycle in India.
Positive Growth for Kawasaki Models
Other Kawasaki models, including the Z650, Versys 650, and Ninja 650, also saw positive growth in sales. They sold 19, 17, and 16 units, respectively, with growth percentages of 137%, 750%, and 60% year-over-year, indicating a growing preference for Kawasaki big bikes.
Mixed Performance for Other Models
Several other models, such as the Triumph Trident 660, Triumph Tiger 900, Speed Twin 900, and Harley-Davidson Nightster, sold only 5 units each, with varying levels of year-over-year growth. While Nightster showed strong growth at 150%, the Tiger 900's sales halved compared to the previous year.
Models with Limited Sales
Some models had limited sales, with only 4 units sold, such as the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 107. Unfortunately, Speed Twin 1200 experienced a 20% year-over-year decline.
Models with No Growth
Other models, including the Kawasaki Z650RS, Versys 1000, Triumph Bonneville T100, and Street Scrambler, each sold only 3 units in September 2023, and none of them showed any positive growth in sales.
Triumph Rocket III's Decrease in Sales
The Triumph Rocket III, known for having the world's largest production engine, sold just 2 units last month, marking a significant 77.78% year-over-year decline compared to the 9 units sold the previous year.
Models with No Sales
Some big bikes, including Honda Goldwing, CBR650R, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, Harley-Davidson Pan America, Fat Boy 114, 883 Iron, Standard, Street Bob, Triumph Tiger 660, Tiger 1200, Bonneville Bobber, and Suzuki V-Strom 650, did not have any buyers in September 2023.
Concerns for Honda in the Indian Market
A notable observation is that Honda hasn't sold any big bikes in India for a significant period. This could be concerning for Honda and its dealers. A price adjustment across Honda's big bike lineup may be necessary to attract more buyers and regain a foothold in the market, especially considering Honda's status as one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world.