India has become a powerhouse in the global two-wheeler market. In the financial year 2026 the country shipped a record 51.8 lakh two-wheelers to 154 nations. That figure represents a 23.4 percent jump over the previous year. Export earnings climbed to Rs 35,253 crore, nearly triple the value from eight years earlier. Roughly one in every four motorcycles made in India now heads overseas. The demand comes from markets where affordable and fuel-efficient transport is a daily necessity rather than a lifestyle choice.
Bajaj Auto leads the pack
Bajaj Auto sits at the top of the export table. The company accounted for about 38 percent of India's total two-wheeler exports in FY2026 with 19.68 lakh units shipped. In the first four months of FY2027 alone Bajaj dispatched 8.55 lakh motorcycles, a 48 percent year-on-year rise. The brand dominates in Africa and Latin America. Retail volumes in Africa doubled during the first quarter of FY2027 while Brazil saw a 50 percent increase. The Boxer 100cc remains a volume leader with 5.5 lakh units exported in FY2026. The Boxer 125cc posted the fastest growth among high-volume models, more than doubling to nearly 2 lakh units. The Pulsar range including the 160cc and 200 NS variants added another 2.37 lakh units. The CT 100cc and CT 125cc also recorded strong gains of 52 percent and 23 percent respectively. Bajaj's global portfolio extends beyond its own brands through stakes in KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas.
TVS Motor emerges as a strong challenger
TVS Motor Company holds the second spot with a 27.5 percent share and 14.26 lakh units exported in FY2026. The company shipped 5.29 lakh motorcycles in the April to July 2026 period, up 31 percent. TVS and Bajaj together control 76 percent of India's motorcycle exports and an even higher 88 percent of the 100cc to 125cc segment. The Star City 125cc stands as the single largest exported model from India with 7.2 lakh units, a 41 percent surge. The older Star City variant added another 1.97 lakh units making the Star City family the top nameplate overall. The TVS Sport grew 65 percent to 1.49 lakh units while the Apache and Raider also posted healthy numbers. The Ntorq scooter contributed 97,467 units. TVS also owns the historic British brand Norton which is undergoing a revival with new adventure models.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India holds third place
Honda's India arm exported 6.20 lakh two-wheelers in FY2026. The Navi, a unique crossover between a scooter and a motorcycle, led the charge with 1.73 lakh units, up 20 percent. The model found unexpected success abroad despite limited domestic appeal. The Dio scooter added 1.37 lakh units while the Shine 125 motorcycle recorded 41 percent growth to 55,899 units. Honda's wide product range covering scooters and motorcycles across engine sizes gives it a diversified export basket. The company benefits from strong brand recognition in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Hero MotoCorp shows resurgence
Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest two-wheeler maker by domestic volume, is rebuilding its export momentum. The company placed three models in the top 25 list. The HF Deluxe shipped 96,047 units with 58 percent growth. The Xtreme 125R more than doubled to 76,530 units, a 106 percent jump. The Hunk recorded 76,662 units. Hero's focus on the 100cc to 125cc commuter segment aligns well with demand in Africa and South Asia. The company has been expanding its distribution network in key export markets.
Yamaha Motor India rounds out the top five
Yamaha's export story is driven by the FZ series which shipped 1.58 lakh units in FY2026, up 29 percent. The FZ's streetfighter styling and refined engine have built strong brand equity in Latin America and Southeast Asia. The Ray scooter added 70,105 units. Yamaha also exports the Gixxer range through its partnership with Suzuki in India. The company's focus on the 150cc to 200cc sport-commuter segment differentiates it from the pure commuter plays of its rivals.
The commuter motorcycle dominates global demand
Across all five exporters the pattern is clear. Commuter motorcycles in the 100cc to 125cc bracket drive volumes. Of the 18.1 lakh motorcycles exported in the first four months of FY2027, 12.2 lakh units or 68 percent fell in this category. Only three scooters made the top 25 list. Markets in Colombia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria, Brazil and Kenya together account for nearly half of all shipments. In these countries a motorcycle is a work tool, a delivery vehicle and a family's primary transport. Low purchase price, simple maintenance, high fuel economy and parts availability matter far more than performance figures or electronic aids.
A weaker rupee and stronger brands add tailwinds
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers notes that a weaker rupee has improved price competitiveness. At the same time Indian brands have built stronger recognition and wider distribution networks over the past decade. Bajaj and TVS now export more motorcycles than they sell domestically in certain quarters. The export machine is still accelerating with FY2027 on track to cross five million annual motorcycle exports for the first time.
India's motorcycle export success is not built on flagship superbikes or high-tech adventure tourers. It is built on millions of simple, reliable machines that solve real mobility problems for millions of people across the developing world. The top five exporters have mastered the art of building what the market actually needs.
