Google Announces India’s Top 5 Most Searched Bikes In 2019

Bajaj Pulsar 150, Royal Enfield Bullet 350 among others makes the cut

The two-wheeler industry in India has been through a roller coaster ride this year hitting rock bottom in the first half of 2019, regaining some momentum during festive seasons, and dipping again thereafter. But that hasn’t stopped potential customers from looking up models they aspire to own on the Internet. Like every year, Google has released a list of top trending bikes and scooters in 2019 that offers some very interesting insights. However, unlike in the past, this year the list has only five bikes. Without further adieu, here the five two-wheelers that were searched the most on Google this year:  

1. Bajaj Pulsar 150:

18 years and still going strong. The Pulsar fever just doesn’t seem to end and for good reason. The bike’s seen a truckload of changes over the years, from design alterations to a brand new heart. While it retains the essence of the original design, it’s more reliable, refined and safer than before. Not surprising then that enthusiasts still swear by the model. 

What also helped build its case are minor but constant updates that it received over the year -- be it new paint schemes, the addition of tank extensions or the inclusion of ABS. All for little to no price hike. Moreover, despite its age, the Pulsar 150 is still the third best selling model in Bajaj’s portfolio. 

2. Royal Enfield Bullet 350:

Royal Enfield’s run as the best selling classic bike has been challenged by many but to no avail, though lately, it has been facing stiff competition from the likes of Jawa and Benelli. While the overall sales have hit a rough patch, it saw a glimmer of hope in the form of its entry-level Range and the 650 twins. To overcome dwindling sales, the brand introduced more affordable models of the Classic 350 as well as the Bullet series. Probably why the Bullet 350 was one of the most searched bikes out there.  

The company also tried its hands at the Trails version of the Bullet, which wasn’t well-received by customers. Either way, it still got the attention needed. 

3. Hero Splendor Plus:

The Splendor range is and has been the best selling bike in Hero’s portfolio. A proper workhorse if you may. The addition of IBS (Integrated Braking System) and Hero’s patented i3S tech upped the ante for the Splendor Plus that’s won the hearts of innumerable Indian customers. A sturdy design, fuel-efficient heart and comfortable ergos may be the reason for the bike’s popularity.

4. Honda Activa 125:

Having one of the Activas on the list isn’t surprising. It’s been reeling in the numbers for the brand for years and having a slightly more powerful version of the scooter makes things just that much more exciting. Not to mention the updated Honda Activa 125 with a BS6-compliant motor and a host of new features. What’s not to like?

5. KTM 790 Duke:

Ah, the Scalpel! KTM made headlines world over with the introduction of its all-new mid-displacement motorcycle, the 790 Duke. Razor sharp handling, a lightweight body, one heck of a motor and electric aids that help it punch much higher than its pay grade. It’s essentially, the perfect bike no matter which way you put it. No wonder it’s earned a reputation for itself.

The ones who missed out:

It’s quite surprising the TVS Jupiter didn’t make the list. We say so because the scooter received new variants, better features and ultimately, a BS6-compliant motor which is easier on the environment. Also quite shocking is the exclusion of the 390 Adventure -- a bike that drove us crazy with its launch timelines. But when it finally showed face in all its glory at EICMA 2019, it knocked our socks off!

We also expected the Kawasaki Ninja 300 to make the cut thanks to its improved sales due to heavy localisation. Nonetheless, Google searches this year bring in some interesting learnings. For one, potential customers are looking for two-wheelers that are within their reach, offer more features and add to the value-for-money quotient. The fact that enthusiasts looked up the 790 Duke suggests the two-wheeler industry in India is branching out into higher displacement bikes. Enthusiasts are aware of bigger bikes and what they have to offer.