Buyers give commuter bike models a thumbs down

Sales in the 110-125cc motorcycle segment have fallen 6% to 1.65 million units in the April-February period, down from 1.76 mn units in the same period last year.

Only a year ago, the 110-125cc category of motorcycles had become the hot favourite of manufacturers as they introduced one model after the other in the segment. However, after continued dismal performance, the segment has now become a liability for two-wheeler makers.

According to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), sales in the 110-125cc motorcycle segment stood at 1.65 million units, a fall of 6% in the April-February period, down from 1.76 million units sold in the same period last year. 

The fall comes on the back on a growth of 3% in overall motorcycle sales to 9.88 million units from 9.57 million units in corresponding time periods. The 110-125cc segment had been promoted as an improvement over the traditional economy segment bikes without any sacrifice of mileage despite with additional power. 

A number of companies, including Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motors, Suzuki, and Honda, had launched a series of products in this segment. However consumers have been drifting to either the more powerful segment of 125cc-and-above bikes or to a level below to engines less than 110cc.

Pune-based Bajaj Auto saw sales in the 110-125cc segment drop to just 109,369 units, a fall of 55%, against 240,492 units sold in the April-February period. Bajaj has products such as Discover and Platina under this segment. 

Two-wheeler market leader Hero Motocorp witnessed a drop of 6% at 682,977 units against 725,348 units. With models like Super Splendor, Glamour and Ignitor Hero has a significant share in this segment.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India is the only company to post growth in this segment with sales of 785,310 units, an increase of 20% as against 653,755 units sold in the two comparable periods.