Upcoming Retro-Style Bikes in India: The Classic Era is Back

For many of us, a motorcycle is a piece of art and an extension of our personality. The retro-style bike enthusiasts always go for a style that links the golden age of motorcycling with today’s cutting-edge engineering.

Manufacturers have responded to this demand by launching a wave of machines that give off classic aesthetic vibes. If you are planning to buy a new retro bike, you should be happy knowing that many models are going to be launched soon that match your style.

We have curated a list of the seven most anticipated retro bikes in India that promise to deliver that old-school cool with a guaranteed modern thump.

The Hottest Upcoming Retro Bikes in India

The list of motorcycles below features a fantastic blend of high-capacity cruisers, rugged scramblers, and stylish cafe racers. Each one offers a unique take on the 'modern classic' philosophy:

Royal Enfield Bullet 650

The Royal Enfield Bullet is more than a motorcycle; it is a legacy stretching back to 1955. It has been the steadfast heartbeat for generations of Indian riders. For years, the thought of a Bullet with the power of the 650cc parallel-twin engine has been a fantasy, but now, Royal Enfield is making it a reality.

The upcoming Bullet 650 is expected to retain the legendary design lines that its 350cc sibling is famous for: the iconic teardrop-shaped fuel tank, the signature single-piece stepped seat, the classic tall handlebars, and wire-spoke wheels.

Key Specs and Features

1. Engine: 648 cc Parallel-Twin, Air/Oil-Cooled
2. Power Output: Approximately 46.39 bhp
3. Torque Output: Approximately 52 Nm
4. Expected Launch: January 2026 (Estimated)
5. Expected Price: ₹2,80,000 to ₹2,90,000 (Ex-Showroom)

Once you book this future classic, remember that a powerful bike requires reliable protection. Before you even ride it home, you must have the legally mandated bike insurance.

Triumph Scrambler T4

Triumph has successfully captured the modern retro bikes in the Indian market with its 400cc platform. The upcoming Triumph Scrambler T4 (which might be called the Street Scrambler or Tracker 400 in production) is designed to bring the premium scrambler experience to a much wider, more budget-conscious audience.

This bike is essentially an attempt to create a more affordable Scrambler 400X, possibly by utilising a few cost-saving components.

Key Specs and Features

1. Engine: 398.15 cc, Single-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled
2. Power Output: Approximately 30.6 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
3. Torque Output: Approximately 36 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
4. Gearbox: 6-speed manual
5. Expected Launch: Late 2025 (Estimated)
6. Expected Price: Starting around ₹1,92,689 (Ex-Showroom)

Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler

Hero's entry into the high-capacity premium segment with the Mavrick 440 has been significant. While the standard Mavrick 440 is positioned as a roadster, the market is rife with speculation about a rugged Scrambler version being developed based on the same platform. Given the growing popularity of retro-style bikes in India, a scrambler derivative makes perfect sense.

Key Specs and Features

1. Feature: Expected Scrambler Details
2. Base Engine: 440 cc, Single-Cylinder, Air/Oil-Cooled
3. Max Power: 27 bhp @ 6000 rpm
4. Max Torque: 36 Nm @ 4000 rpm
5. Suspension: Long-travel Telescopic Front Forks, Twin Rear Shocks

Royal Enfield 250 Hybrid: Eco-Friendly Retro

In a massive step away from its traditional all-petrol powertrains, Royal Enfield is reportedly working on a more affordable, entry-level motorcycle in the 250cc segment that incorporates mild-hybrid technology. This move is significant, targeting newer riders and those who prioritise mileage and low running costs.

The expected price point of around ₹1.30 lakh would make it the most accessible Royal Enfield, sitting below the Hunter 350.

The Royal Enfield 250 Hybrid is expected to maintain the classic retro roadster design, featuring the tear-drop fuel tank and minimalist aesthetics seen in the Hunter and Classic lines.

Key Specs and Features

1. Engine: 250 cc, Liquid-Cooled, Single-Cylinder (Possibly co-developed)
2. Technology: Mild-Hybrid Powertrain
3. Expected Mileage: Impressive 45-55 kmpl range
4. Focus: Meeting stringent emission and CAFE norms while maximising fuel efficiency.

BSA Scrambler 650: A British Off-Road Revival

The return of BSA with the Goldstar platform has excited many enthusiasts, and the upcoming Scrambler 650 promises to add a layer of rugged adventure to the brand.

Based on the same 652cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine from the Goldstar, the Scrambler version is designed for a more demanding look and feel.

Key Specs and Features

1. Design: Tall stance, raised front fender, headlight grill, and a single-seat setup.
2. Engine: 652cc Single-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled (46 bhp and 55 Nm).
3. Wheels: Wire-spoke wheels with an off-road-ready setup (19-inch front, 17-inch rear).
4. Features: Dual-channel ABS, twin-pod semi-digital instrument cluster.

Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400: Italian Bobber Style

Benelli is an Italian brand with an elegant design ethos, and the Leoncino Bobber 400 is its latest offering, bringing a unique, low-slung, aggressive Bobber style to the middleweight segment. Bobbers, characterised by minimalist design, chunky tyres, and a solo seat, have a strong following among riders looking for distinct, non-traditional retro style bikes in India.

This Benelli uses a unique 385 cc V-twin engine with a 60-degree crank, a departure from the usual parallel twins or singles in this category.

Key Specs and Features

1. Engine: 385 cc, Liquid-Cooled, 60-degree V-Twin
2. Power Output: Approximately 35.4 bhp
3. Key Design: Muscular 15-litre fuel tank, low 730 mm seat height, forward-set footpegs, and a wide handlebar.
4. Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with belt drive (a typical feature on larger cruisers).

Royal Enfield Continental GT 450: The Cafe Racer Spirit

Royal Enfield's new 450cc liquid-cooled platform has already given us the adventure-ready Himalayan 450, but the platform is set to spawn several other models, including a road-going cafe racer: the Continental GT 450.

The Continental GT badge is reserved for the company’s pure cafe racer style motorcycles, a sub-genre of retro bikes in India that appeals to the sportier rider.

Key Specs and Features

1. Displacement: 450 cc
2. Engine Type: Single-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled
3. Expected Power: Approximately 40 bhp
4. Suspension: Telescopic front forks and a rear mono-shock.
5. Expected Launch: October 2026 (Estimated)

Conclusion

The sheer variety and quality of the upcoming retro bikes in India show that the modern classic movement is a full-fledged revolution. From the brute force of the Royal Enfield Bullet 650 to the stylish simplicity of the Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400, there is a modern classic for every taste & riding style.

To protect your dream retro bike from any unexpected costly repair or replacement, purchase a two-wheeler insurance from Bajaj General Insurance today! Lower your premium with No Claim Bonus and save thousands on no-claim years during bike insurance renewal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a Scrambler and a Cafe Racer in the modern retro segment?

A Scrambler is designed for versatility, featuring a higher stance, longer suspension travel, dual-sport or block-pattern tyres, a raised handlebar, and a high-mounted exhaust. It is built to handle both on-road and light off-road terrain. A Cafe Racer, like the Continental GT 450, is focused purely on sporty on-road performance.

What are "modern retro bikes" and how are they different from a true vintage motorcycle?

"Modern retro bikes in India" are brand-new motorcycles designed to look like bikes from the 1950s to 1980s, but they are built with contemporary technology. A true vintage bike is an original machine from that era.

How is the Royal Enfield 250 a 'Hybrid' bike?

The Royal Enfield 250 is expected to be a 'mild-hybrid,' which is a feature not common in two-wheelers. In a mild-hybrid setup, a small electric motor or generator assists the main petrol engine during certain operations, like initial acceleration or providing a minor power boost.

Is the Personal Accident cover mandatory in two-wheeler insurance, and how much is the limit?

Yes, a Personal Accident (PA) cover is mandatory for every bike owner in India, as per IRDAI regulations. It provides a financial cover for the owner-driver in case of accidental death or disability. The mandatory limit for the Personal Accident cover is ₹15 lakh, and it is an in-built feature of your two-wheeler insurance policy, not an optional add-on.

What are the benefits of choosing a comprehensive insurance plan over a liability-only (third-party) plan?

A liability-only plan (Third Party) is the minimum legally required cover and only pays for damages or injuries caused to a third party (person, vehicle, or property) by your bike. A comprehensive insurance plan covers the third-party liability plus damages to your own vehicle due to accidents, theft, fire, or natural disasters.

* Standard T&C Apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.