The Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) is a respected industry award for the best motorcycles in the Indian market. This year, the competition was fierce. The Aprilia RS 457 claimed the top spot, with the Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04 and Hero Xtreme 125R as runners-up. Let’s explore the top contenders and their stand-out features.
1. Award Selection Criteria
Judges evaluate motorcycles based on several factors. Price and fuel efficiency matter to many riders. Comfort and safety are priorities for commuters. Style and performance appeal to enthusiasts. Technical innovation, value for money, and suitability for Indian roads also matter. Each contender is scored on these aspects.
Top 5 Contenders IMOTY 2025
1. Aprilia RS 457
- Engine: 457cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled
- Power: 47.6 hp
- Weight: 175 kg
- Price: ₹4.10–₹4.20 lakh
The Aprilia RS 457 is a lightweight sports bike with a sleek design and advanced features. It has a powerful engine that offers quick acceleration. Riders appreciate its sharp, responsive handling.
The bike has three riding modes and traction control, making it safe and fun for beginners and pros. The premium build adds to its appeal. Some riders feel the suspension is firm and the brakes lack sharpness. Despite this, it won the IMOTY 2025.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Capacity | 457cc |
| Power | 47.6 hp |
| Weight | 175 kg |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h |
| Price | ₹4.10–₹4.20 lakh |
2. Bajaj Freedom 125 NG04
- Engine: 124.58cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
- Fuel Options: CNG and petrol
- Mileage: 92 km/kg (CNG), 65 km/l (petrol)
- Price: ₹89,000–₹1.10 lakh
The Freedom 125 is a commuter’s dream. It runs on both CNG and petrol, allowing easy fuel switching to save money and cut emissions. Bajaj claims a 200 km range on 2 kg of CNG. Its relaxed riding position and comfortable seat make it perfect for city commutes. However, the lack of ABS and limited CNG availability are drawbacks.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Capacity | 124.58cc |
| Power | 9.5 PS |
| Fuel Capacity | CNG – 2 kg + Petrol – 2 L |
| Price | ₹89,000–₹1.10 lakh |
3. Hero Xtreme 125R
- Engine: 124.7cc, single-cylinder
- Mileage: 66 km/l
- Price: ₹96,000–₹1 lakh
This is a sporty commuter bike. The Xtreme 125R has an aggressive design. It offers good fuel efficiency and decent performance. Riders enjoy its advanced features like a digital console. Its lightweight build makes it easy to handle. It lacks high-end safety features like ABS.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Capacity | 124.7cc |
| Mileage | 66 km/l |
| Price | ₹96,000–₹1 lakh |
4. Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
- Engine: 452cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
- Mileage: 30 km/l
- Price: ₹2.39–₹2.54 lakh
The Guerrilla 450 is a modern retro roadster with a timeless design and powerful performance. The wide handlebars and neutral riding position make it comfortable for long rides. Despite its weight, it feels agile on twisty roads. Riders appreciate its sturdy build and smooth power delivery. However, the small fuel tank and lack of advanced safety aids like traction control are drawbacks.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Capacity | 452cc |
| Power | 39.5 hp |
| Torque | 29.5 lb-ft |
| Weight | 185 kg |
| Price | ₹2.39–₹2.54 lakh |
5. Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z
- Engine: 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
- Mileage: 34 km/l
- Price: ₹1.85 lakh
The Pulsar NS400Z is the most powerful Pulsar yet. Its aggressive styling and muscular build stand out. The 373cc engine delivers thrilling performance. Riders love the switchable traction control and multiple riding modes. The bike offers a strong balance of power and features at a competitive price. However, vibration issues at low speeds and average tires hold it back slightly.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Capacity | 373cc |
| Power | 39.4 bhp |
| Torque | 35 Nm |
| Price | ₹1.85 lakh |
Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2024
TVS Ronin
The TVS Ronin won the IMOTY 2024 title. This neo-retro motorcycle redefined versatility in the 200cc segment. It blends cruiser styling with modern tech, appealing to a wide range of riders.
Its 225.9cc oil-cooled engine delivers smooth performance for urban commutes and highway cruising. Advanced features like a TFT console, voice assist, and dual-channel ABS set it apart.
Riders praised its comfortable ergonomics and premium build quality. However, some criticism was drawn by the bike’s slightly premium pricing.
Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2023
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 won the IMOTY 2023 award. It stood out with its compact design and excellent maneuverability, making it ideal for city riders.
It delivers 20.2 hp and 27 Nm of torque, powered by a 349cc single-cylinder engine. It offers a blend of retro styling and modern functionality.
The Royal Enfield brand attracted new riders due to its affordability and ease of use. Reviews highlighted its agility and stylish looks, though some felt the suspension could be softer. Its success reflected the growing demand for lightweight, retro-inspired motorcycles in India.
Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2022
TVS Apache RR 310 BTO
The IMOTY 2022 winner, the TVS Apache RR 310 BTO, showcased TVS’s innovation in the performance segment. The BTO (Built to Order) program allowed riders to customize the bike with adjustable suspension, race-spec handlebars, and dynamic graphics. Its 312cc single-cylinder engine produced 34 hp, delivering thrilling track and street performance.
Enthusiasts praised its aggressive styling, aerodynamic design, and track-ready features. Critics noted the stiff ride and premium pricing. Still, its cutting-edge features and adaptability secured its position as a game-changer in the Indian market.
Conclusion
The Indian Motorcycle of the Year awards highlight innovation and diversity in the Indian two-wheeler market. Each winner represents a unique chapter in motorcycling evolution, from the advanced electronics of the Aprilia RS 457 in 2025 to the versatile design of the TVS Ronin in 2024.
In 2023, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350’s urban-friendly appeal and the TVS Apache RR 310 BTO’s track-ready customizability in 2022 underline the industry’s focus on varied rider preferences.
These motorcycles set benchmarks and inspire manufacturers to push boundaries. As the Indian motorcycle market grows, future contenders will bring more excitement, technology, and performance.
