KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Hero Splendor hasn't changed since 1994 for design perspective.
- TVS Jupiter 125 features a simple design, which makes it less interesting than its rivals.
- Read the full report to know all the details.
In Financial Year 2024, around 20 million two-wheelers were sold in India. No need to say that these are the machines that move India from one place to another. In the flood of two-wheeler options, there are several key players that account for massive sales, despite not getting any substantial change, and we believe, looking at the current automotive landscape, it has become imperative for OEMs to give them a much-needed generational change. Follow till the end to know about such products, and in the meantime, make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
Also Read: Time For A Change? Cars That Are Long Overdue for An Update
Hero Splendor+
Since the inception of time, Splendor has remained the same. I mean, it was launched in 1994, and apart from some modern touch ups and feautres upgrade, the Splendor has not changed. Also, its design is so etched in our brains that we cannot imagine it any other avatar. However, we believe, Indians deserve a new age Splendor that doesn't feature a radical design but appears evolved, so even young urban buyers show interest in it. Currently, it is available in three variants, and offers features like i3S Technology, LED Headlamp, Disc brakes, digital speed-o-meter with bluetooth connectivity. Lastly, the engine is same 97.2 cc, making 8.02 Ps and 8.05 Nm of torque.
Bajaj Platina
Bajaj Platina made it to roads way back in 2006 and became an instant hit. People loved its tall stance and mature looks, plus its comfortable ride with a long seat, along with 50-plus fuel economy, made it a popular alternative to the Splendor. That said, from 2006 to 2025, its design has remained the same, and Bajaj has made no significant updates apart from some graphic changes. We believe it's high time for the brand to rejuvenate it to make it an appealing option for young riders. That said, the Platina is available with two engine options - 100cc and 110cc - and the first one comes with a front disc brake safety feature.
Honda Activa
The number one two-wheeler of India, which has revolutionized the Indian automotive sector, is currently running in its seventh generation, but you can't differentiate between the sixth generation and the fifth generation. On top of that, the major design change first came in 2010, which brought a new age design that initiated the golden days of Activa that are still running. Post that, Honda has been giving it mild exterior updates like tweaking the headlamp and taillight design, or making its 110cc engine OBD-2B compliant, or adding a digital meter with Bluetooth connectivity. Yes, they are praiseworthy changes, but it's high time Activa should stand true to its name and get activated into new life.
TVS Jupiter 125
TVS Jupiter 125 - the bigger and more premium version of Jupiter launched in 2021 - is yet to enter its second generation. It's little bro - Jupiter made it to the new age in 2024 and received applause from both critics and customers and has boosted sales and made this brand even stronger. So, by this year's end, we believe TVS will also give it a new life. Some specifications about it: 124.8cc engine with 8.15 PS and 10.5 Nm. Features it includes: digital MID, navigation with voice assist, SmartXonnect, electric silent start, LED headlamp with LED DRLs, and a backrest for pillion.
Honda Unicorn
The Unicorn is one of the most unique bikes in the Indian Ocean of two-wheelers, as it's a commuter-friendly motorcycle with a 162cc engine that comes with a monoshock suspension at the rear. This bike has completed 20 years in India and hasn't changed a bit, although Honda tried to reinvent it twice with the CBF 160 and CB Unicorn Dazzler, but these bikes were outright flops. So, Honda moved back to basics, but it's been a decade since that last update. That's why we believe Honda should change and reposition it as a 160cc sports-cum-commuter bike - to make it a perfect choice for both urban and rural people.
Hero Passion
One of the oldest nameplates in India, Hero Passion has been a popular choice in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and its buyers are typically those who want a more comfortable and refined riding experience than Splendor. Like with every popular affordable two-wheeler, it's very hard to modernize this bike, but it too needs to rejuvenateget into a new body style and offer some premium features like a digital meter with Bluetooth connectivity and LED lights. The last update given to this bike was in April, where its engine was made compliant with OBD-2B, but again, that was just to meet government emissions regulations, and it's been selling in the same shape for decades now, so Hero should work on it.
TVS Sport
Another popular commuter two-wheeler, which launched in 2007, continues to be a strong choice in small cities. TVS doesn't seem to be actively pushing for major updates, likely because its high sales numbers speak for themselves. Powered by a 109.7cc engine, it produces 8.19 PS and 8.7 Nm of torque, allowing it to reach a top speed of 90 km/h. This bike is made for a very specific purpose - efficient and reliable commuting - and it delivers on that front. So expecting anything completely out of the blue with it is not realistic.
Also Read: Triumph Scrambler 400X Vs Scrambler 400 XC: What's The Difference?
Verdict
We havent covered every two-wheeler in this listicle, as including all of them would have made it extremely long and possibly less engaging. Instead, we've chosen to focus on affordable options that are more relevant to a wider audience. Hopefully, this piece reaches the right OEMs and encourages them to take action. Also, don't forget to check out our feature on cars that are due for an upgrade - it's worth the read!
