This article lists the 5 highly-anticipated bikes from the leading two-wheeler brands launching in the Indian market later this year
The Indian two-wheeler industry witnessed the launch of several iconic models in 2025. Now, with the arrival of 2026, we will see several renowned two-wheeler brands launching their new bikes and scooters in the Indian market. Not only ICE-powered commuter and sports motorcycles but also all-electric bikes will go on sale this year in the country. In this piece, we will discuss in detail about the 5 highly-anticipated bikes launching in 2026 in India by various leading homegrown and foreign-based companies.
1. BMW F 450 GS
It will not be an understatement to term the launch of the F 450 GS in India the biggest and most keenly-awaited one. The adventure bike with a twin-cylinder engine was unveiled at the EICMA 2025 in Milan, Italy. It was supposed to go on sale in Dec 2025 but the launch was deferred to early 2026 due to unknown reasons. It will be locally produced at the TVS factory in Hosur.
Some of the notable features onboard the F 450 GS include Ride Modes (Rain, Road, Enduro, and Enduro Pro), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Easy Ride Clutch (ERC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and ABS Pro. It is equipped with a 420cc twin-cylinder water-cooled petrol engine which pumps out 47 bhp and 43 Nm while paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
2. Kawasaki W230
Kawasaki is all set to add yet another neo-retro cruiser bike to its portfolio in India. Based on the W family traditional design, Kawasaki W230 will be positioned above the W175 in the brand’s line-up as it locks horns with the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Yamaha XSR155. It is likely to launch in the coming few weeks in India.
The W230 will boast of wire-spoke wheels, RSU front forks, twin-shock rear suspension, dual-pod semi-digital instrument cluster, front and rear disc brakes, and a single-channel ABS. At the heart, the W230 will house a 233cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine which generates max power of 17 bhp and peak torque of 19 Nm, linked to a 5-speed gearbox. This engine is already offered with the India-spec KLX230 adventure bike.
3. Ultraviolette Shockwave
In March 2025, Ultraviolette Automotive, the Bengaluru-based EV startup, unveiled its first mass-market electric motorcycle in the form of the Shockwave. The ex-showroom price was fixed at Rs 1.49 lakh for the first 1000 buyers. The deliveries of the electric bike are likely to start from mid 2026. Ultraviolette claims that Shockwave will deliver the same performance as a 2-stroke ICE motorcycle.
Powered by a 3.5 kWh battery pack, it has an IDC range of 165 km while returning top power and peak torque of 14.5 bhp and 505 Nm (rear wheel), respectively. Ultraviolette Shockwave rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels while available for booking in two colours namely Cosmic Black and Frost White.
4. Hero Karizma XMR 250
Hero Karizma XMR 250 debuted at the EICMA 2024 in Milan, Italy. However, it has been more than a year and the fully-faired sportsbike has not gone on sale yet in the Indian market. It will be positioned above the Karizma XMR 210 as it directly rivals Suzuki Gixxer 250 in the Indian market. The sportsbike is likely to launch later this year in India.
Some of the prominent styling features include split LED headlamp, side air curtains, integrated winglets, and height-adjustable clip-on handlebars. The Karizma XMR 250 shares the 250cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with the Xtreme 250R. The power output and torque delivery are also expected to be similar at 29.6 bhp and 25 Nm, respectively.
5. Royal Enfield Bullet 650
The Bullet 650 will hit the Indian roads in the coming couple of months. The bike had its world premiere at the EICMA 2025 while making its first public appearance in India at the Motoverse 2025. To be positioned below the Classic 650 in RE’s big bike portfolio, it is likely to come with a starting price of Rs 3.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Underpinned by a steel tubular spine frame, the Bullet 650 will borrow cycle parts and engine from the Classic 650 while the styling reflects the traditional Bullet lineage. Available in Canon Black and Battleship Blue colourways, it gets disc brakes at both the ends while packed with the 648cc parallel-twin petrol engine developing 46.4 bhp at 7250 rpm and peak torque of 52.3 Nm at 5650 rpm.
