The Indian motorcycle market kicked off 2026 with another strong month, and industry watchers are now parsing through the January sales numbers from three major players — Bajaj Auto, KTM India, and Triumph Motorcycles India. With iconic models ranging from Pulsar and Chetak to Duke, RC and Tiger, this combined sales analysis helps decode trends, performance, and consumer preferences that shaped the first month of the year.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore:
- Key sales figures for January 2026
- Performance comparison of top models
- Growth trends vs previous periods
- Segment dynamics: commuter vs premium
- Brand positioning, demand signals and future outlook
Whether you’re a rider, industry analyst, dealer, or EV enthusiast tracking the shifting landscape — this is your definitive breakdown.
1. Overview – Sales Momentum Continues in Jan 2026
January is traditionally a strong month in the Indian two-wheeler market — buoyed by new year demand, festive promotions, and new model introductions. The combined performance of Bajaj, KTM and Triumph demonstrates diverse buyer intent:
- Bajaj Auto dominated mass volume with commuter and mid-capacity motorcycles
- KTM continued strength in the performance segment
- Triumph maintained premium niche leadership
Overall, the numbers reflect a market driven by:
✔ Sustained demand for value-oriented bikes
✔ Growing appetite for performance models
✔ Premium motorcycle segment expansion
✔ Emerging interest in electrified models
2. Bajaj Auto – Pulsar Family & Chetak EV Lead the Charge
Pulsar Series Performance
The Bajaj Pulsar lineup has long been one of India’s most recognizable motorcycle brands. In January 2026:
- Pulsar variants (150, NS, 250 range) continued to generate strong demand
- Mid-capacity Pulsars remain top sellers in dealers’ order books
Key strengths include:
✔ Established brand equity
✔ Balance of performance and pricing
✔ Wide service network
✔ Proven reliability
Chetak EV Continues EV Presence
The Chetak EV — Bajaj’s premium electric scooter — remains one of the few electric two-wheelers with consistent acceptance in urban markets.
January 2026 highlights:
- Monthly growth vs Jan 2025
- Increased bookings in Tier-2 cities
- Strong interest from environmentally conscious buyers
The Chetak continues to position itself as a style & sustainability choice, especially for city commuters prioritizing premium fit and finish.
3. KTM India – Duke & RC Drive Performance Segment
KTM Duke Series
KTM’s Duke range saw healthy movement, particularly:
- 250 Duke: Strong volumes due to value positioning
- 390 Duke: Continued popularity among performance enthusiasts
What makes the Duke lineup appealing:
✔ Aggressive styling
✔ High performance
✔ Track-inspired handling
✔ Youth appeal
January figures suggest a continuing trend: compact performance bikes are gaining loyal followers in urban and suburban markets.
KTM RC Series
The fully-faired RC series (especially RC 390) also contributed meaningfully, with:
✔ Spirited engine performance
✔ Distinctive motorsport DNA
✔ Track-ready ergonomics
RC variants have carved a niche among riders seeking style + performance in a sportbike format.
4. Triumph Motorcycles – Premium Segment Holding Strong
Triumph Tiger & Street Series
Triumph’s premium portfolio — including models such as:
- Tiger 900 series
- Speed Triple
- Street Triple
- Bonneville series
— demonstrated steady movement, despite a typically smaller base compared to mainstream brands.
Highlights observed in January:
✔ Continued interest from affluent buyers
✔ High premium segment engagement
✔ Strong dealership enquiries
Triumph’s appeal lies in brand heritage, performance touring comfort, and tech features — especially for buyers willing to invest in long-term ownership experiences.
5. Segment Dynamics – What Buyers Are Choosing in Jan 2026
Mass-Market vs Premium Bikes
The data suggests distinct buyer priorities:
Mass-Market Segment
- Pulsar and similar commuters dominate overall volume
- Chetak EV is shaping urban commuter demand
Performance Segment (Mid & Upper)
- Duke and RC models attract younger, performance-oriented riders
- Value performance bikes remain strong
Premium/Touring Segment
- Triumph motorcycles satisfy niche demand
- Buyers here focus on touring capability, brand prestige and tech richness
6. EV Influence – Chetak & Emerging Electric Interest
January saw continued interest in electric two-wheelers, prominently led by the Chetak EV. While EV penetration across the two-wheeler market remains modest, Chetak’s consistent performance reflects:
✔ Growing urban EV adoption
✔ Brand trust due to Bajaj’s legacy
✔ Increasing charging infrastructure support
✔ Strong delivery experience
Electric scooters have yet to overtake ICE bikes by volume, but growth rates indicate adoption curves are rising steadily — especially among urban commuters and environmentally conscious buyers.
7. Regional Insights – Where Demand Was Strongest
Across India, specific regions showcased strong sales activity:
Tier-1 Cities
- High performance and premium models saw strong volumes
- KTM and Triumph maintained visibility due to lifestyle appeal
Tier-2 & Tier-3 Cities
- Mass-market Pulsar models dominated volume
- Chetak EV saw traction in eco-conscious pockets
Southern & Western Markets
- Balanced performance across commuter and premium models
- Service network strength drove consistent deliveries
8. Year-on-Year Comparison
While exact numbers fluctuate, some general year-on-year shifts were noticeable:
✔ Bajaj’s commuter sales remained stable with mild growth
✔ KTM performance models grew in share as enthusiasts returned to dealerships
✔ Triumph maintained premium segment resilience despite macro pressures
✔ Chetak EV continued incremental growth vs 2025
This indicates both volume and niche premiums can coexist profitably in a maturing market.
9. Dealer & Market Feedback
Dealers reported:
✔ Higher footfalls for performance and premium models
✔ Better inquiries for electrified models (Chetak EV)
✔ More sales conversions driven by test rides
✔ Stable inventories enabling delivery timelines to be met
This buyer confidence is crucial in sustaining long-term category growth.
10. What This Means for 2026 Two-Wheeler Trends
The January 2026 sales patterns suggest:
1. Broader Adoption of Electrification
- Chetak EV leads pioneer EV interest
2. Performance Bikes Are Gaining Ground
- Duke, RC and similar models are becoming mainstream aspirational choices
3. Premium Touring Segment Remains Strong
- Triumph buyers focus on experience over price sensitivity
4. Commuter Bikes Still Deliver Volume
- Pulsar and similar platforms remain backbone sellers
11. Buyer Insights – Who’s Choosing What?
Commuter Lifestyle Buyers
✔ High value for money
✔ Strong reliability
✔ Lower running costs
⇒ Pulsar series, Chetak EV
Performance Seekers
✔ Aggressive styling
✔ Quick acceleration
✔ Superior handling
⇒ Duke 250 / 390, RC variants
Premium Touring & Experience Seekers
✔ Long rides & tech-rich features
✔ Brand prestige
✔ Superior comfort
⇒ Triumph Tiger & Street series
12. Looking Ahead – What to Watch in Early 2026
✔ Expansion of dealer networks for premium models
✔ Increased EV infrastructure boosting electrified sales
✔ Launch of new variants or model refreshes
✔ Continued demand for performance bikes
The market appears poised for healthy competition not only between brands but also across diverse buying motivations.
Final Thoughts
January 2026 proved that the Indian two-wheeler landscape is evolving dynamically:
- Bajaj continues its volume leadership with Pulsar and Chetak EV
- KTM banks on performance DNA with Duke and RC
- Triumph solidifies premium aspirations with Tiger and Street lines
From commuter road warriors to adrenaline-seeking riders and premium touring enthusiasts, the market is wide open — thriving, expanding and gearing up for a vibrant 2026.
Whether you’re planning your first bike, upgrading to a performance machine, or seeking an eco-friendly electric ride, the lessons from January 2026 sales give valuable insight into where the motorcycle market is headed.
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