Synopsis– The GST cut on two-wheelers under the 350cc segment in 2025 has made India’s most popular bikes and scooters more affordable than ever, by boosting their value for everyday commuters and Motorcycle enthusiasts. With savings coming up to Rs. 20,000, models like the Hero Splendor, Honda Activa, and Royal Enfield Classic 350 are now within easier reach.
The recent reduction in GST for the 350cc two-wheelers from 28% to 18% has completely transformed the affordability of India’s most popular motorcycles and scooters. This move, effective from September 22, 2025, signifies massive savings for buyers, which has made mass-market bikes and scooters more attractive than ever before. This article is an in-depth guide to understand the current motorcycle landscape and select the best 2-wheelers for yourself after this policy change.
Firstly, let’s understand what the 2025 GST cut means for two-wheeler buyers
A 10% decrease in GST states the sizeable price cuts for motorcycles. To understand it better, when a motorcycle that was previously priced at Rs. 1 lakh will now be approximately Rs. 10,000 cheaper. A massive chunk (nearly 98%) of India’s two-wheeler segment sales falls under 350cc motorcycle variants. And a policy change like this one would amplify the impact on both commuter and bike enthusiasts. Therefore, this reform is expected to boost demand, especially before the festive season coming ahead.
NOTE: The “Price” mentioned in this article is the “ex-showroom expected price”.
1. Hero Splendor
- Old Price– Rs. 79,426, New Price– Rs. 71,483
- The biggest name in commuter motorcycles, Splendor is known for its fuel efficiency, low maintenance, and everyday reliability. Suitable for all age groups and remains the top seller in India.
2. Honda Activa
- Old Price– Rs. 96,270, New Price– Rs. 86,000
- India’s best-selling scooter for years, the Activa is trusted for its smooth engine, proven reliability, and practicality, ideal for families, office-goers, and senior citizens as well.
3. Honda Shine
- Old Price- Rs. 90,341, New Price- Rs. 81,000
- This 125cc commuter motorcycle is much-appreciated for its refinement, low running costs, and strong resale value. It’s an ideal choice for daily urban or rural commutes.
Also read: 7 Best Suspension Cars in India 2025 for a Smooth Ride
4. TVS Jupiter
- Old Price- Rs. 81,211, New Price- Rs. 73,000
- This 110cc scooter comes with a great value, by offering comfortable suspension, storage, and strong mileage, which makes it a close rival to the Activa in the Indian scooter market.
5. Yamaha R15 V4
- Old Price– Rs. 1,89,780, New Price- Rs. 1,70,000
- Yamaha R15 V4 comes with a 155cc liquid-cooled engine that produces 18.4 PS power and 14.2 Nm torque. Additionally, it offers advanced tech like dual ABS, riding modes, and a quick shifter, which provides a sporty performance and sharp handling ability to the rider.
6. Suzuki Access
- Old Price- Rs. 91,000, New Price- Rs. 81,000
- The most popular 125cc scooter in India, the Suzuki Access, balances performance with comfort and is a perfect for both young and family riders.
7. Bajaj Pulsar 125
- Old Price– Rs. 85,178, New Price- Rs. 76,000
- In this range of 125- 250cc sporty motorcycles, the Pulsar brand is famous, specifically among the college-goers and other young urbanites, mainly for its style, strong performance, and the value it gives.
Also read: Best Cars Under 1200cc to Consider After the Latest GST Cut – Find the Right One for You
8. TVS Apache
- Old Price– Rs. 1,21,420, New Price- Rs. 1,09,000
- The Apache series comes with a sporty look and handling ability with refined engines, which makes it earn the loyal fan base it has. It is one of the most preferred among enthusiasts who are trying to seek track-inspired design at reasonable prices.
9. Honda Unicorn
- Old Price– Rs. 1,20,727, New Price- Rs. 1,08,000
- The Honda Unicorn features a 163cc air-cooled engine that produces smooth power and torque. It offers a comfortable ride with its telescopic front forks, monoshock rear suspension, and single-channel ABS for safety
10. Royal Enfield Classic 350
- Old Price- Rs. 1,97,253, New Price- Rs. 1,77,527
- Blending the retro charm with a strong torque engine, the Classic 350 remains the go-to bike for those looking for a bike with comfort, style, and brand prestige in the mid-capacity segment of motorcycles.
11. Royal Enfield Hunter 350
- Old Price- Rs. 1,76,750, New Price- Rs. 1,59,000
- The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 comes with a 349cc air-oil cooled engine that produces 20.2 PS power and 27 Nm torque. Hunter 350 offers smooth performance with a 5-speed gearbox, dual-channel ABS, and a lightweight frame for easy handling and a comfortable ride.
| Model | Old Ex-Showroom (Rs. ) | New Ex-Showroom (Rs. ) | You Save (Rs. ) |
| Hero Splendor Plus | 79,426 | 71,483 | 7,943 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 85,178 | 76,000 | 8,000 |
| TVS Apache RTR 160 | 1,21,420 | 1,09,000 | 12,420 |
| Honda Shine 125 | 90,341 | 81,000 | 9,000 |
| Yamaha R15 V4 | 1,89,780 | 1,70,000 | 19,780 |
| Royal Enfield Classic 350 | 1,97,253 | 1,77,527 | 19,726 |
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | 1,76,750 | 1,59,000 | 17,000 |
| Honda Unicorn | 1,20,727 | 1,08,000 | 12,727 |
| Honda Activa 125 | 96,270 | 86,000 | 10,270 |
| TVS Jupiter 110 | 81,211 | 73,000 | 8,000 |
| Suzuki Access 125 | 91,000 | 81,000 | 9,000 |
How does the GST Cut make now the right time to buy?
With comprehensive coverage, this GST cut is unprecedented in benefitting nearly all mainstream commuters and almost all the mid-range two-wheelers across the country. Budgetary limits will be eliminated, allowing buyers to consider models in higher price segments, while also passing on cost benefits to entry-level and top-end variants of both bikes and scooters. With premium bikes above 350cc seeing a GST increase of 40%, it has further narrowed buyer demand to below 350cc.
Market Impact and Buying Tips:
- There will be an increased demand: Showrooms are preparing for increased footfall before the festive season, as prices drop.
- Shop early: With low inventory levels based on high demand, early shopping may provide better model choices, along with swifter deliveries
- Understand feature sets: Many newly updated 2025 models now include smart connectivity, safer brakes (ABS) and efficiency. Use the price falls to argue your case for a better-equipped model.
Which 2-Wheeler Should You Choose After the GST Cut?
Whether the priority is affordability, performance, or classic style, India’s top two-wheeler brands have fresh appeal following the GST reform. Commuters like the Hero Splendor Plus, sportier picks like the TVS Apache, and style-focused favorites such as the Royal Enfield Classic 350, all now offer greater value for money. With government-backed savings, 2025 is the perfect year to upgrade or buy a new two-wheeler under 350cc
Written by Adithya Menon
