Yamaha will avoid 100-125cc bikes in India, focusing on premium segments instead
Yamaha Motor India has confirmed it will not re-enter the highly competitive 100cc and 125cc motorcycle segments in the country, despite these categories accounting for a significant portion of India’s two-wheeler sales. The company’s leadership believes the future lies in premium mobility, performance-oriented products and building a stronger aspirational brand image rather than competing in volume-driven, price-sensitive markets.
Speaking during the ongoing 3S Grand Prix 2025, Ravinder Singh, Vice President – Sales and Marketing at Yamaha Motor India, explained the company’s decision to remain absent from the commuter motorcycle space, despite its dominance in overall sales figures. Brands like Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto and Honda collectively sell over 10 million motorcycles annually in the 100cc to 125cc range. However, Yamaha has no intention of joining this segment, describing it as overcrowded and not aligned with its brand philosophy.
Yamaha’s strategic pivot began in 2018 with the launch of its “Call of the Blue” initiative — a global repositioning campaign aimed at reinforcing Yamaha’s identity as a maker of exciting, sporty, and stylish products. Singh clarified that the company’s focus remains on motorcycles of 150cc and above and scooters starting from 125cc. While Yamaha continues to manufacture 100cc motorcycles for export markets in Africa and Latin America, none of these models are planned for Indian consumers.
“Our target customers are primarily young riders looking for performance, style and innovation,” Singh stated. “The typical 100cc or 125cc commuter customer is driven by utility and that expectation does not align with our product direction.”
Yamaha’s current India line-up reflects this approach, with products like the Aerox 155, MT-15, R15, FZ-X and hybrid variants of scooters such as the Fascino and RayZR. These models are positioned to appeal to urban riders, lifestyle-focused consumers and early adopters who value technology, design and performance.
The company has also made efforts to address perceptions regarding fuel efficiency, often seen as a limitation in performance-focused brands. Initiatives like fuel efficiency contests and the introduction of hybrid models aim to reassure potential buyers that Yamaha’s offerings can balance style, performance and practical fuel savings.
Beyond products, Yamaha is enhancing its overall brand experience. The “Call of the Blue” program includes upgrading dealer showrooms, implementing global quality standards in production, technician training and streamlining after-sales service. These efforts, Singh added, aim to deliver consistent quality across all markets, whether domestic or international.
India is also playing an increasingly significant role as a production hub for Yamaha. The company exports motorcycles from India to over 50 countries, including regions in Europe, Africa, Latin America and ASEAN markets. However, Singh emphasised that India’s domestic commuter bike demand will not dictate Yamaha’s product development strategy.
Looking ahead, Yamaha plans to expand its portfolio with new motorcycles in the 300cc+ segment, targeting riders seeking to upgrade from entry-level performance models. While details remain under wraps, Singh acknowledged that pricing for these premium offerings will need to consider the balance between advanced engineering and affordability for Indian customers.
Yamaha’s decision to avoid the 100cc and 125cc motorcycle segments represents a departure from the traditional volume-driven strategy prevalent in India’s two-wheeler market. Instead, the company is prioritising brand positioning, aspirational products and long-term customer loyalty over sheer unit sales.
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