The 150cc to 200cc motorcycle segment in India is a hot battleground, and the March 2025 sales figures give us a clear picture of what’s clicking with riders as of May 11, 2025. This category, known for balancing power and efficiency, saw a total of 1,47,205 units sold, down 1.73% year-on-year (YoY) from 1,49,800 units in March 2024, but up 9.19% month-on-month (MoM) from 1,34,819 units in February 2025. Let’s break down the top players, trends, and what’s driving the numbers in this popular segment.
TVS Apache Steals the Top Spot
The TVS Apache lineup ruled the charts with 44,214 units sold, grabbing a 30.04% market share. That’s a solid 29.14% YoY jump from 34,237 units in March 2024 and a 16.49% MoM rise from 37,954 units in February 2025. Apache’s sporty design, versatile models, and features like a digital cluster and good handling seem to be winning over riders. Its consistent growth shows TVS is nailing what young buyers want in this segment—style and performance without breaking the bank.
Bajaj Pulsar Holds Strong at Second
Bajaj Pulsar, a longtime favorite, took second place with 39,611 units sold, holding a 26.92% share. It saw a slight 1.03% YoY dip from 40,022 units in March 2024 but bounced back with a 32.53% MoM increase from 29,887 units in February 2025. Pulsar’s wide range—from the NS160 to the 200cc models—keeps it popular, offering something for everyone, whether you’re after a commuter or a sportier ride. But the small YoY drop hints that competition is heating up, and Bajaj might need to bring fresh updates to stay ahead.
Honda Unicorn Climbs to Third
Honda Unicorn secured third with 29,614 units, commanding a 20.12% share. It posted a 39.08% YoY growth from 21,293 units in March 2024, though it saw a 2.32% MoM dip from 28,932 units in February 2025. The Unicorn’s reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency—around 50-55 kmpl in real-world use—makes it a go-to for commuters. Its steady growth shows there’s still a big crowd that values dependability over flashy features, though the MoM dip might point to a post-festive slowdown.
Yamaha’s Mixed Performance
Yamaha had three bikes in the top 10, but they all took a hit YoY. The FZ sold 11,609 units, down 28.3% from 16,185 units in March 2024, though it gained 20.79% MoM from 9,589 units in February 2025. The MT-15 moved 9,073 units, dropping 5.17% YoY from 9,569 units but slipping 4.38% MoM from 9,490 units. The R15 saw the biggest decline, with 6,628 units sold—a 34.4% YoY fall from 10,111 units and a 7.48% MoM drop from 7,157 units. Yamaha’s sporty styling and features like VVA on the R15 and MT-15 still pull in young riders, but the sales dip suggests they might need a refresh to keep up with rivals like Apache.
Hero’s Adventure Bikes Show Mixed Results
Hero MotoCorp’s Xtreme 160R/200 sold 2,341 units, down 20.29% YoY from 2,937 units in March 2024 and 14.62% MoM from 2,742 units in February 2025. Meanwhile, the XPulse 200 moved 1,304 units, up 32.65% YoY from 983 units but down 23.2% MoM from 1,698 units. The XPulse’s growth shows adventure bikes are gaining traction, especially for riders who want a rugged ride for light off-roading. But the Xtreme’s decline might mean Hero needs to step up its game in the premium commuter space—maybe the upcoming XPulse 210 will help boost numbers.
Others in the Mix
KTM’s 200 lineup (Duke and RC200) sold 2,572 units, down 4.92% YoY but up 10.10% MoM, showing it still has a loyal fanbase for its performance-focused bikes. Honda SP160 sold 1,365 units, crashing 71.65% YoY from 4,815 units, though it gained 22.2% MoM from 1,117 units—maybe the recent 2025 model launch hurt its numbers earlier. Suzuki Gixxer (1,185 units) and Bajaj Avenger (1,113 units) both saw YoY declines, with Gixxer down 31.14% and Avenger down 24.76%, reflecting a tougher market for these models.
What’s Driving the Trends?
The 150cc to 200cc segment is a big deal in India because it offers a sweet spot—decent power for highway rides but still efficient for daily commutes. Apache’s lead comes from its sporty appeal and consistent updates, while Pulsar’s wide range keeps it in the game. Unicorn’s growth shows reliability still matters for many buyers. But Yamaha’s decline across the board might point to a need for fresh designs or features—riders in this segment are getting pickier, and competition is fierce. The overall YoY dip of 1.73% could be due to market saturation or buyers holding off for new launches, while the MoM growth of 9.19% suggests a recovery after a slow February.
Who’s This Segment For?
This segment is perfect for young riders, college students, and commuters who want a bike with 28-55 kmpl mileage, sporty looks, and enough power for occasional highway runs. Models like the Apache and Pulsar are great for those who want style and performance, while the Unicorn suits those prioritizing reliability. Adventure fans might lean toward the XPulse for its off-road capability.
Where to Find These Bikes
You can grab these bikes at dealerships across India—TVS, Bajaj, Honda, Yamaha, Hero, KTM, and Suzuki have wide networks in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Book online through their official websites. Delivery might take 10-15 days in metro cities, longer in smaller towns. Festive deals in May 2025 might include discounts or free accessories—check local dealers for offers.
150cc to 200cc Segment: A Competitive Space
The 150cc to 200cc segment in March 2025 saw TVS Apache lead with 44,214 units, followed by Bajaj Pulsar at 39,611 and Honda Unicorn at 29,614. Yamaha’s FZ, MT-15, and R15 took hits, while Hero’s XPulse 200 showed growth. The segment’s slight YoY decline but MoM growth reflects a mixed market—buyers want style, efficiency, and reliability, and brands like TVS are delivering. It’s a great space for riders who want a balance of power and practicality in 2025.
Disclaimer: Sales data and trends are based on recent reports as of May 2025. Check with dealers for the latest updates.
