New Delhi: A chilling hit-and-run incident in Gurugram, where a woman motorist was reportedly chased, struck, and dragged by a vehicle, has sent shockwaves across the country, igniting a fierce debate over road safety and the rise of aggressive driving culture on Indian streets. As the harrowing incident gains traction online, it has prompted a broader conversation regarding the presence of high-performance vehicles in public spaces and the often-glamorous portrayal of aggressive riding on social media.
However, industry data reveals a stark contrast between these high-profile incidents and the reality of the Indian two-wheeler market. While high-performance bikes dominate digital discourse and weekend enthusiast groups, they occupy only a sliver of the actual market. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), motorcycles with engines above 350cc account for a mere 1.4 per cent of total sales in India.
The fiscal year 2025-26 saw a total of two crore two-wheelers sold, a segment dominated by the “humble commuter.” Of the 1.3 crore motorcycles sold, a massive 72.9 per cent were powered by engines below 125cc. When including the 125cc-200cc category (15.6 per cent) and the 200cc-350cc range (10.1 per cent), it becomes clear that 98.6 per cent of all motorcycles hitting the road are sub-350cc models.
This segment is heavily influenced by tax policies; motorcycles up to 350cc attract an 18 per cent GST, significantly lower than the 40 per cent levy imposed on their high-performance counterparts. This pricing advantage has forced even luxury-leaning brands like KTM and Triumph to pivot toward the sub-350cc category to capture a larger, price-sensitive consumer base.
Within the budget-friendly segment, Hero MotoCorp reigns supreme with a 42.5 per cent market share, followed by Honda at 20.1 per cent, Bajaj Auto at 15.3 per cent, and TVS at 11 per cent.
In contrast, the “Big Bike” segment—bicycles over 350cc—is a tightly controlled niche. Royal Enfield leads this exclusive space with a 46 per cent market share, while the partnership between Bajaj and KTM commands 42 per cent. Together, these two entities control nearly 88 per cent of the premium market, leaving only crumbs for other international brands.
The discrepancy between perception and statistics is profound. While the Gurugram incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement against reckless driving, experts point out that the country’s two-wheeler story remains written by the millions who rely on affordable, small-displacement motorcycles for daily commuting. The violent behavior seen in recent road rage cases stands in stark opposition to the utilitarian role that the vast majority of these vehicles play in the lives of ordinary citizens. As authorities weigh stricter safety regulations, the focus remains on balancing the aggressive culture fueled by online influence with the logistical reality of India’s transport sector.
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