Owning a superbike in India was once reserved for the ultra-rich. High import duties made them expensive, forcing many riders to settle for lower-displacement alternatives.
In the 2025 Union Budget, the Indian government slashed import duties on high-end motorcycles, including Completely Built Units (CBUs), Semi-Knocked Down (SKD), and Completely Knocked Down (CKD) models.
Why the big change? The goal is simple—make premium bikes more affordable, attract global brands to invest in India, and fuel the country’s growing passion for performance bikes.
Impact of Import Duty Cuts on Superbikes
Before we jump into the list, let’s break down what this import duty cut means for you:
- Completely Built Units (CBU) Bikes: Import duty reduced from 50% to 30% (for bikes over 1,600cc) and 50% to 40% (for bikes under 1,600cc).
- Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) Bikes: Import duty reduced from 25% to 20%.
- Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Bikes: Import duty reduced from 15% to 10%.
Top 10 Superbikes That Just Got Cheaper
1. Ducati Panigale V2
- Previous On-Road Price: ₹22 lakh
- Current On-Road Price: ₹19.5-20 lakh
Ducati’s Panigale series has carved a niche among Indian sportbike lovers, especially those who frequent racetracks like Buddh International Circuit. Its sharp handling and high-revving 955cc engine make it the go-to superbike for track enthusiasts and weekend speed lovers.
2. Harley-Davidson Street Glide
- Previous On-Road Price: ₹35 lakh
- Current On-Road Price: ₹30-32 lakh
Higher engine capacity (above 1,600cc) qualifies for a 20% duty reduction on CBUs, making big Harleys more affordable. If long-distance touring is your thing, the Harley Street Glide is a luxury highway cruiser. Harley could see a revival in India after its previous struggles with pricing and operations.
3. Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
- Previous On-Road Price: ₹13 lakh
- Current On-Road Price: ₹11.5-12 lakh
The Ninja 1000SX benefits from the SKD duty cut (from 25% to 20%). It’s been a popular choice for Indian sport-tourers for over a decade. Balancing performance with comfort, it appeals to riders wanting superbike power without sacrificing long-distance rideability.
4. Aprilia RS 660
- Previous On-Road Price: ₹14 lakh
- Current On-Road Price: ₹12.5-13 lakh
Aprilia has gained popularity in India’s growing supersport segment. With aggressive styling, a 659cc twin-cylinder engine, and a top-tier electronics package, this is a bigger push towards European sportbikes in the ₹10-15 lakh segment.
5. Triumph Thruxton 400
- Previous On-Road Price: ₹3.5 lakh
- Current On-Road Price: ₹3-3.2 lakh
Triumph’s Thruxton series carries the cafe racer culture legacy, and in India, it has a cult following among retro bike lovers. The Thruxton 400, with its classic styling and modern engineering, is perfect for riders wanting vintage aesthetics and modern reliability.
6. Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade
- Previous On-Road Price: ₹24 lakh
- Current On-Road Price: ₹20.5-21.5 lakh
The Fireblade needs no introduction in India, being an icon of superbike enthusiasts for decades. Built for high-performance riding, it’s best suited for speed lovers wanting a track-ready machine with Honda’s reliability.
7. BMW R 18 Transcontinental
- Previous On-Road Price: ₹33 lakh
- Current On-Road Price: ₹28-29 lakh
BMW’s R 18 series has introduced Indian riders to the brand’s luxury cruiser segment. This heavyweight machine is designed for riders who want a powerful, road-dominating presence while enjoying highway touring in unmatched comfort.
8. Kawasaki Ninja 650
- Previous On-Road Price: ₹7.5 lakh
- Current On-Road Price: ₹6.8-7 lakh
The Ninja 650 has been an aspirational upgrade for Indian riders transitioning from smaller motorcycles. Offering a balance of performance, comfort, and reliability, it’s ideal for those wanting a sports bike for daily commutes and weekend rides.
9. Ducati SuperSport 950
- Previous On-Road Price: ₹17 lakh
- Current On-Road Price: ₹14.5-15 lakh
A sportbike designed for the road rather than just the track. With Ducati’s signature styling and a 937cc Testastretta engine, the SuperSport 950 appeals to riders seeking superbike performance without extreme ergonomics.
10. Honda Gold Wing Tour
- Previous On-Road Price: ₹40 lakh
- Current On-Road Price: ₹34-36 lakh
Honda’s Gold Wing is the gold standard of touring bikes worldwide. In India, it has been a favourite among elite riders who prioritize comfort, cutting-edge tech, and long-ride cruising capability.
Final Verdict
If you’ve been waiting to buy a superbike, this could be it. Duty cuts have slashed prices, making dream bikes more attainable. However, research, compare prices across dealerships, and negotiate hard.
