Top 5 Upcoming Motorcycles For 2025

2025 is set to be an exciting year for motorcycle enthusiasts with a slew of launches on the anvil. All manufacturers have a delectable line-up of motorcycle launches planned for the year, across segments, from modern classics to adventure motorcycles to electric two-wheelers. But in this article, we will focus on the top 5 upcoming motorcycles whose launches have been confirmed for India. As usual, Royal Enfield is taking the lead, with two launches, then you have the new-gen KTM 390 ADVs and the two new 250 cc motorcycles from Hero MotoCorp and much more.

Royal Enfield Classic 650 

RE took the wraps off the Classic 650, the parallel-twin iteration of the venerable Classic 350. The Royal Enfield Classic 650 is the sixth 650 cc motorcycle from the company after the INT 650, Continental GT 650, Super Meteor 650, Shotgun 650 and the freshly launched Bear 650. The Classic 650 shares most of its underpinnings and componentry with the Shotgun 650 which means that the Classic gets the same frame, swingarm and rear twin shock absorbers (90 mm travel). The Classic 650 gets 43 mm telescopic fork (120 mm travel) along with a 19-inch/18-inch wire spoke wheel setup. The retro-cruiser gets the same 648 cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine that makes 47 hp at 7,250 rpm and 52.3 Nm of peak torque at 5,650 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch and the gearing ratios are similar to that of the Shotgun 650. The Classic 650 weighs in at 243 kg, which makes it the heaviest 650 cc bike from Royal Enfield. In terms of features, the new RE Classic 650 gets a part digital part analogue console along with an optional Tripper navigation pod, adjustable levers, USB charging port, full LED lighting and dual-channel ABS.

Royal Enfield Scram 440 

The Royal Enfield Scram 440 stays true to its roots carrying forward the styling elements of the Scram 411. It gets a similar round headlamp with better lighting keeping intact the neo-retro appeal. Along with this, the chunky fuel tank with 440 decals on the side is reminiscent of the previous Scram 411. To complement it all the bike has a single-piece seat offering a slightly higher seating position for the pillion. This is the part that differentiates the Royal Enfield Scram 440 from its predecessor. The bike now gets an updated 443 cc single-cylinder engine replacing the 411 cc unit. The power unit is tuned to produce 25.4 bhp of power at 6,250 rpm and 34 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. This is an increase of 4.5 per cent in terms of power and 6.5 per cent in terms of torque. Furthermore, the brand has replaced the transmission with a 6-speed unit which is aimed at reducing vibrations at higher speed.

BMW F 450 GS 

After the official debut of the KTM 390 ADV R at EICMA 2024, it already has a potential rival. Say hello to the BMW F 450 GS. It is a concept at this stage. But there are high chances that BMW might let this 450 cc adventure bike into production next year. The 450 GS concept gets an all-new 450 cc twin-cylinder engine along with an all-new frame, putting out 47 hp. The motorcycle weighs in at just 175 kg with the model making use of lightweight materials like Magnesium for construction. It gets fully adjustable front suspension along with preload adjustable rear monoshock. When it is launched, it will go up against the likes of Royal Enfield Himalayan and the all-new KTM 390 ADV R. We cannot help but suspect that the BMW F 450 GS will be manufactured by TVS at its plant in Hosur, near Bengaluru. And if that is the case, then expect competitive pricing as well.

KTM 390 ADV & 390 Enduro 

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure is an all-new motorcycle and 2024 India Bike Week had the 'S' variant on display. This variant sits below the top-spec 390 Adventure R but still has a lot of equipment on offer. It gets a 21-inch front/ 17-inch rear, wire-spoke wheel setup, adjustable WP Apex suspension, TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control as well. While KTM has not released specifications yet, the bike is powered by the KTM 390 Duke's liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. The 399 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine is the same as the one seen on the current KTM 390 Duke, which makes 45.3 hp and 39 Nm of peak torque. The motor will have a 6-speed gearbox with a quick-shifter. In terms of features, the motorcycle gets a full colour 5-inch TFT screen, with ride-by-wire and electronic rider aids like switchable ABS, switchable traction control and Bluetooth connectivity. Like on most off-road oriented motorcycles, traction control and ABS can be switched off on the 390 ADV too.

Hero Xtreme 250R & Hero Karizma XMR 250

Hero MotoCorp showcased two new quarter-litre motorcycles at EICMA 2024 - the Xtreme 250R and the Karizma XMR 250. Both motorcycles get Hero's new 250 cc single-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve liquid-cooled engine which makes 30 hp and 25 Nm of peak torque. The two motorcycles do the 0-60 kmph sprint in 3.25 seconds. Both motorcycles get a new trellis frame along with a USD fork up front and a 6-step preload adjustable monoshock at the rear. Both motorcycles also get radial tyres and a 50:50 weight balance. In terms of features, the two new 250 cc motorcycles get class-D LED projector headlights with LED DRLs, lap timer and a drag race timer, switchable ABS modes and a digital instrument console that gets phone connectivity, music control, turn-by-turn navigation and other features. The design on the Xtreme 250R is sporty, muscular and at least in photos the motorcycle seems to have well-proportioned looks. On the other hand, the Karizma XMR 250 has a similar design as that of the Karizma XMR 210 with a full fairing, sleek lines, an aggressive stance, race-inspired winglets and adjustable clip-on handlebars.

Special Mention - Aprilia Tuono 457 

The Tuono 457 is the naked sibling of the RS 457 made its official debut at EICMA 2024 and yes, it will make its way to India very soon. In fact, it will be manufactured at Piaggio's plant in Baramati, Maharashtra, alongside the RS 457. The streetfighter styling along with the sharp lines and a muscular stance make the Tuono 457 a desirable motorcycle. The rear section along with the seat and the TFT screen are the same as the one on the RS 457. The Tuono 457 gets a single-piece handlebar as opposed to clip-on handlebars on the RS 457. The Aprilia Tuono 457 gets the same 457 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor that makes 47.5 hp and 43.5 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox and a quick-shifter is likely to be offered as an option. We expect the motorcycle to be launched in India in early 2025 and it will be priced at Rs. 4 lakh or slightly lesser. It will go up against the likes of the KTM 390 Duke, Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 and the TVS Apache RTR 310, being the only twin-cylinder model amongst the rest of them.