5 Upcoming Sub-500cc Bikes Set to Launch in India — From Hero to Triumph
Five exciting sub-500cc bikes from BMW, TVS, Hero, Norton, and Triumph are set to launch in India by early 2026, boosting the middleweight segment.
As we head into the second half of 2025, the Indian motorcycle market is gearing up for the arrival of several exciting sub-500cc models from leading brands like BMW, TVS, Hero, Norton, and Triumph. Many of these new middleweight bikes have already been spotted testing on Indian roads, hinting at imminent launches. Here’s a detailed look at these upcoming motorcycles:
1. BMW F 450 GS
Spotted recently near TVS’s Hosur plant, the BMW F 450 GS is the brand’s newest entry-level adventure bike. First unveiled as a concept at EICMA 2024 in Milan and showcased at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo in India, the bike packs a new twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine delivering around 48 bhp. Key features include dual-channel ABS, quickshifter, slipper clutch, alloy wheels, and Eurogrip Duratrail EB+ tires. Launch is expected within 2-3 months.
2. TVS Apache 450
TVS is developing a 450cc fully-faired supersport model based on BMW’s 450 platform, continuing the successful TVS-BMW collaboration that gave us the RR310 and RTR 310. This Apache 450 is likely to debut by early 2026 and will be produced at TVS’s Hosur factory.
3. Norton 450cc Bike
Norton Motorcycles, owned by TVS, will introduce its first 450cc bike in India by the end of 2025. Built on the BMW 450 platform and sharing components with the Apache 450, this model will be a naked roadster manufactured locally in Hosur.
4. Hero Xpulse 421
Set to debut at EICMA 2025, Hero’s biggest ADV bike yet, the Xpulse 421, aims to rival models like the KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Featuring a trellis frame, USD front forks, monoshock rear suspension, and a 21-inch front wheel, it comes equipped with adventure-ready essentials like handlebar guards and a top-box rack. Expected launch in India is early 2026.
5. Triumph Thruxton 400
Triumph plans to expand its 400cc lineup in India with the cafe-racer styled Thruxton 400, inspired by the Speed Triple 1200 RR. Joining existing models like the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 series, the Thruxton 400 will strengthen Triumph’s presence in the sub-500cc segment.
