IMOTY 2025 Contenders Announced: RS 457, Goldstar 650 and More Make the Cut
The IMOTY 2025 winner hasn't been announced yet, but let's check out the contenders competing for this prestigious title.
The contenders for the Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2025 (IMOTY) have been revealed, setting the stage for one of the most awaited announcements in the industry. Leading automotive journalists have handpicked ten motorcycles, including our Digital Editor Manav Sinha and Assistant Editor Shivank Bhatt. This year’s lineup showcases bikes across segments—premium commuters, sport bikes, modern classic cruisers, scramblers, and street naked—offering something for every type of rider. The winner will be announced in January.
Last year, the Royal Enfield Himalayan took home the title, raising expectations for this year’s competition. With the finalists confirmed, all eyes are on the decision to shape the motorcycle landscape in 2025. Here are the contenders for the 2025 IMOTY awards:-
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Bajaj Freedom
The Bajaj Freedom 125 boasts a premium design with braced handlebars, a trellis frame, and fork sleeves. Its 125cc air-cooled engine delivers 9bhp and 9.7Nm of torque, switching seamlessly between CNG and petrol via a handlebar switch. Equipped with a 2kg CNG and 2 litre petrol tank, it offers efficiency and versatility.
Hero Xtreme 125R
The Hero Xtreme 125R stands out with bold, sharp styling that gives it the presence of a larger motorcycle. Powered by a 125cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, it delivers 11.5bhp and 10.5Nm of torque, paired with a smooth 5-speed transmission for effortless gear shifts. Riding comfort is ensured by 37mm telescopic forks up front and a rear monoshock. Braking options include a standard front disc and a choice between rear drum or disc brakes, catering to varied preferences.
BSA Goldstar 650
The BSA Gold Star 650, revived by Classic Legends, combines 1960s design with modern performance. It features a teardrop tank, wire-spoke wheels, a round headlight with DRL, and upside-down analogue dials. Powered by a 652cc single-cylinder engine, it delivers 45 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 55 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox and slip-and-assist clutch.
Bajaj Pulsar N125
The Bajaj N125 is designed for young commuters who crave style and performance. As the third 125cc Pulsar model, it complements the Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125. Powered by a 124.6cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the N125 delivers 11.8bhp at 8,500rpm and 11Nm torque at 6,000rpm. It comes with a five-speed manual gearbox for smooth performance.
Hero Mavrick 440
The Hero Mavrick 440 is Hero MotoCorp's middleweight motorcycle in India, sharing its platform with the Harley-Davidson X 440. Available in three variants, the Mavrick 440 is powered by a 440cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch. It delivers 27bhp at 6,000rpm and 36Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, offering a balanced mix of power and performance.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
The Guerrilla 450 is a roadster bike, making it ideal for road use. Built on the Sherpa 450 platform, it is powered by a 452cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine. This engine delivers 39.5bhp at 8,000rpm and 40Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm. A six-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch complement the engine for smooth performance.
Royal Enfield Bear 650
The Royal Enfield Bear 650 is a scrambler version of the Interceptor 650, inspired by classic 1960s-1970s scramblers. Featuring a minimalist design focused on performance and utility, it is powered by a 648cc parallel-twin engine, identical to the Interceptor 650 but with performance upgrades. The engine delivers 47bhp at 7,150rpm and 57Nm of torque at 5,150rpm.
Triumph Speed T4
The Triumph Speed T4 shares the design and TR-series engine with the Speed 400 but offers a more basic equipment package, catering to a different group of buyers. It retains key features from the Speed 400, including a circular LED headlamp, contoured fuel tank, single-piece seat, and semi-digital instrument cluster. The Speed T4 is powered by a 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that delivers 30.6bhp at 7,000rpm and 36Nm of torque at 5,000rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox.
Aprilia RS 457
The Aprilia RS 457 boasts an aggressive design with sharp cuts and sleek lines. It features clip-on handlebars, an underbelly exhaust, a muscular fuel tank, a compact curved windscreen, and split LED headlamps. Powered by a 457cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine, it delivers 46.9bhp and 43Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and comes with an assist and slipper clutch for smooth performance.
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Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, the brand's most powerful model, combines the iconic NS design with modern updates. It features an LED projector headlight with lightning bolt LED DRLs, LED turn signals, and an underbelly exhaust. Powered by a 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, the NS400Z delivers 39.4bhp at 8,800rpm and 35Nm at 6,500rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch for enhanced performance.
