2020 was a disappointing year for the Indian two-wheeler industry as factors like BS6 transition and COVID-19 outbreak impacted customers’ buying sentiment and took a toll on the sales. This lack in demand also prevented automakers from launching new products in the country. However, it seems like motorcycle brands pulled all stops to launch new bikes in India in an effort to stimulate the market. And it certainly seems to be working as the sales of motorcycles in India is picking up pace as compared to last year. Yes, things are still not at the pre-COVID level but they are certainly improving. Now, as we approach the end of 2021, let’s take a look at the top 5 motorcycles that were launched in India. This list includes mass-oriented products and the ones with a crazy following among bikers and enthusiasts. 
The new RE Classic 350 retains the rugged and engaging characteristics of the first generation model and combines them with an improved engine and suspension setup. The bike draws power from 349 cc, air-cooled engine that is capable of delivering around 20 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque 4,000 rpm. This powerplant is offered in combination with a five-speed gearbox. The classic tourer also has beefier forks and bigger brake discs for an improved riding experience. However, the highlight has to be the Tripper system, which is basically a coloured display to show turn-by-turn navigation signs and distance to turn. 
The fourth-generation Yamaha R15 went on sale in India this year and is a significant improvement over the predecessor. It gets sharper styling, traction control, Bluetooth connectivity, slipper clutch, and inverted forks with mono-shock as opposed to telescopic forks on the R15 V3. There’s also a higher-spec R15M version that gets sporty livery and a quickshifter for easier gearshifts. Yamaha however hasn’t changed R15’s engine; the bike continues to use its predecessor’s 155 cc, liquid-cooled engine that makes 18 bhp and 14 Nm. 
TVS Raider is the most interesting commuter bike launch of 2021 because of its sporty design and onboard features. It comes with a coloured LCD display as standard, LED pilot lamps, two riding modes (Eco and Power), side-stand engine cutoff, and an optional five-inch TFT instrument cluster with SmartXconnect app for smartphone connectivity and functionalities such as navigation, digital document display, call and message alerts, voice assistant, etc. It comes with 124.8 cc, air-cooled engine that makes 11 bhp and 11 Nm in combination with a five-speed gearbox. 
The Pulsar F250 and N250 range is the most important launch by Bajaj Auto in 2021. The bikes are based on an all-new frame and draw power from a new 250 cc oil-cooled engine putting out 24 bhp and 21.5 Nm of peak torque when paired to a five speed gearbox with slipper clutch. This means Pulsar 250 bikes are the most powerful Pulsar bikes launched so far. Both the Pulsar 250 bikes get bi-functional LED headlight with LED DRL, analogue tachometer, and an LCD for essential readouts such as speed, trip meter, fuel efficiency, service reminder, gear-position indicator, etc. 
There have been many superbike launches this year but the return of Hayabusa has to be the most exciting one for this year. The third-generation bike’s first two batches have sold like hotcakes and customers are already waiting for the third batch to arrive. This is because the new Hayabusa looks sharper than before and is loaded with electronic aids. It has a 1,304 cc, four-cylinder, engine that generates 187 bhp and 150 Nm of peak torque. This engine is coupled to a six-speed gearbox with bi-directional quickshifter for clutchless gearshifts and ride-by-wire for precise throttle response.
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