IMOTY 2026: TVS Apache RTX 300 Bags Top Honour; KTM 390 Adventure, Ultraviolette X47 Emerge Runners-up

The 19th Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) awards took place in New Delhi, bringing the focus back to machines that keep riders talking long after the helmet comes off. The award for 2026 went to the TVS Apache RTX 300, which did enough on road and on paper to win the jury nod. The KTM Adventure 390 finished as the first runner-up, while the Ultraviolette X47 secured the second runner-up spot. Together, the three bikes completed a podium.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Victoris Named Indian Car of the Year 2026

The results followed a structured evaluation process carried out by the IMOTY jury. The panel included autoX Assistant Editor Shivank Bhatt and Multimedia Producer Karan Mathur, among others. Each shortlisted motorcycle went through checks on performance, usability and value. In the end, the numbers, the ride feel and a bit of rider instinct decided the winner.

IMOTY 2026: TVS Apache RTX 300 Named Indian Motorcycle of the Year

The TVS Apache RTX 300 brings a fresh chapter to the Apache story, aimed at riders who enjoy long rides as much as weekend detours. Its design shows clear adventure intent with a semi-fairing, tall windscreen, beak-style front and upright riding position. The stance hints at touring days, broken roads and the odd gravel stretch, the kind where riders keep going instead of turning back.

Power comes from a 299.1cc liquid-cooled engine producing 35.5 bhp, paired with a six-speed gearbox. The motor feels built for steady pulls rather than quick sprints, suiting highway runs and mixed conditions. For enthusiasts, the RTX 300 looks like a bike made to rack up kilometres, not just garage time.

IMOTY 2026: Judgment Parameters

Established in 2007, the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) has grown into a key benchmark for two-wheelers in India. The award is decided by a jury drawn from leading automobile magazines, made up of riders who have spent years chasing lap times, fuel figures and real-world usability. For many manufacturers, winning IMOTY is not just a trophy moment but proof that their bike works where it matters most, on Indian roads.

The IMOTY 2026 finalists were judged across clear parameters, including price, fuel efficiency, styling, comfort, safety, performance, practicality and value. Technical innovation, ergonomics and suitability for Indian riding conditions also played a role. All shortlisted motorcycles were tested at the Buddh International Circuit.

IMOTY has been backed by JK Tyre since its start in 2007. Deloitte continues as the official knowledge partner, ensuring the selection process follows defined checks.

IMOTY 2026: Selection of the Winner

IMOTY uses a clear voting system to decide the winner, keeping the process easy to track. Each jury member gets 25 points to share across the nominated motorcycles, with a cap of 10 points for any one model. This keeps things fair and stops a single bike from getting all the love in one go.

Every juror must score at least five competing motorcycles. This ensures the focus stays on the full field, not only the bike that felt quickest in a straight line. It also leads to more riding, more data, and more discussion after the rides end.