Superbikes in India: How millennials are turning high-speed riding into a lifestyle

Economic Times

10-05-2025

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The story is the same on most weekends. The quiet chill early in the morning is broken by the roar of burning dinosaur juice. Cubic capacities spit fire and turn the wheels for riders in search of peace. India is witnessing a surge in the popularity of high-end bikes.Clearly, as the Indian economy grows, so has the appetite for premium experiences. Riders are increasingly drawn to not just the machines, but the full package — cuttingedge tech, safety and a vibrant riding culture. Among superbikes, models like the Yamaha YZF-R1 BMW S1000RR and Suzuki Hayabusa are all finding fans around the country. Adventure bikes like Triumph Tiger and tourers like Honda Gold Wing bookend the high-end bike market.According to data from Jato Dynamics, Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Triumph have together sold around 6500 bikes that cost upwards of `10 lakh since 2023. Motorcycle manufacturers have responded to demand with more accessible models and upgrade paths that let enthusiasts evolve from casual riders to high-performance explorers. Local assembly and innovation in electric and hybrid superbikes should drive further adoption.Beyond speed and engineering, high-end machines have become a symbol of lifestyle and community. From nippy weekend group rides to leisurely cross-country road trips, the culture around biking has deepened. Destinations like Leh, Spiti, Tawang, the western ghats, Wayanad and coastal routes of Tamil Nadu and Goa have become pilgrimages for these modern nomads.The rise of riding schools, track days and official biking clubs has given structure to the culture. These events build skills, strengthen bonds and help riders experience their machines to the fullest. More importantly, they are making superbiking a shared passion.Manufacturers are investing in this growing culture. Ducati, for example, highlights its Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) events and has seven active Ducati Official Clubs (DOCs) across India, with more on the way in Chennai and Kochi. 'These rides are not just leisure; they reflect the spirit of our brand and strengthen community advocacy,' says Bipul Chandra, MD, Ducati India.BMW Motorrad India is equally committed, planning over 72 rides in 2024 through its Weekend Escapes and BMW Safaris. 'We're not just selling motorcycles — we're creating unforgettable journeys,' says Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group India.As a result of all of this, India's superbike accessories market is witnessing a surge, with motorcycle enthusiasts seeking enhanced safety, perfor mance and personalisation, says Vivek Jaising, founding partner, Performance Racing, a leading accessories major. Brands are also introducing high-quality riding gear tailored to Indian consumers, Jaising points out.The dream ride for every adventurous biker, passing through high altitude regions of Baralacha La and Tanglang La, with scenic views of the Beas river and Suraj Tal.• Distance: 474 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 2 days• Suggested route: Manali › Rohtang Pass › Keylong › Jispa › Baralacha La › Sarchu › Pang › LehOn this route, bikers can explore the surreal landscapes of the Rann of Kutch — a vast salt marsh in Gujarat — and Modhera Sun Temple, a 10th-century architectural marvel.• Distance: 400-450 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 7-9 hours• Suggested route: Ahmedabad› Viramgam › Maliya › Bhachau › Bhuj-Dhordo (Rann of Kutch)Lush valleys, misty Kanchenjunga mountains, and vibrant culture all come together to make this one of the most beautiful routes.• Distance: 97-125 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 3-5 hours• Suggested route: Via Teesta Bazar or via Lamahatta, a slightly longer but scenic route.Cruising along the Bay of Bengal with glimpses of the sea almost the entire way, lined by coconut groves, fishing villages and backwaters make this an ideal biking route on a weekend.• Distance: 155 kms via East Coast Road (ECR)• Estimated riding time: 3.5-4 hours• Suggested Route: Chennai › Mahabalipuram › Kalpakkam › Pondicherry via East Coast RoadOne of South India's most picturesque routes, offering a blend of smooth highways, dense forests and the famous 36 hairpin bends.• Distance: 270-300 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 6-8 hours• Suggested route: Bangalore › Mysore › Gundlupet › Bandipur › Mudumalai › Masinagudi › OotyA motorcycle journey across the deserts of Rajasthan and its different landscapes, cultural richness with stops at Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Mehrangarh Fort.• Distance: 652 kms approx via NH48 and NH62• Estimated riding time: Around 10.5-11 hours• Suggested route: Jaipur › Kishangarh › Ajmer › Beawar › Pali › Jodhpur › Phalodi › JaisalmerThe drive from Delhi to Jim Corbett National Park and Nainital is a blend of winding hill roads and immense scenic beauty.• Distance: 245-290 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 5.5-7 hours• Route 1: Via NH9 (Delhi › Gajraula › Moradabad › Kashipur › Ramnagar) is the fastest and most popular route.• Route 2: Via NH9 and NH121 (Delhi › Hapur › Garhmukteshwar › Amroha › Moradabad › Kashipur › Ramnagar) is slightly longer, but you get a mix of heritage sites and scenic beauty.Similar to the Jim Corbett route, this one has plenty of twisty turns.• Distance: 300 kms approx• Estimated riding time: 6-7 hours• Suggested route: Delhi › Hapur › Garhmukteshwar › Moradabad › Rampur › Bhimtal › Nainital