October 2026 Two-Wheeler Sales: Why the 28% Drop Isn’t What It Looks Like

Two-wheeler retail sales in India fell 28.35% year on year in October 2026, to 23,21,419 units, according to FADA. Most of that drop is the calendar: Diwali fell on 8 November this year, while October 2025 had both Navratri and Diwali. Against September, sales rose 29.67%, and FADA called it the second-best October ever for two-wheelers.

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Why the number looks worse than it is

Last October was an unusual month. It had Navratri and Diwali, plus buyers who had waited for the GST 2.0 rate cuts of 22 September 2025. This year Navratri fell in October, but Dhanteras (6 November) and Diwali (8 November) moved into November. FADA President Sai Giridhar called the year-on-year decline “almost entirely optical”.

A fairer comparison is the Navratri period itself: 8,40,696 two-wheelers, just 2.02% below Navratri 2025 and 33.46% above Navratri 2024. From April to October, two-wheeler retail is up 7.81% at 1,33,79,362 units.

Who sold the most

Honda took the top spot from Hero, which had led by about 1.56 lakh units a year ago. TVS grew its share to 19.74%, from 17.67%.

Electric two-wheelers keep climbing

Electric two-wheeler sales rose 48.49% year on year to 2,24,064 units, and their share of the market roughly doubled to 9.65%, from 4.66%. TVS led with 60,490 units, followed by Bajaj (49,126), Ather (31,833) and Hero (29,923). Ola Electric fell 26% to 12,098.

Rural buyers held back more

Rural sales fell 33.97% and urban sales 20.77%, though villages and small towns still bought 52.9% of all two-wheelers. Dealers point to weak rains and a poor kharif crop in some regions, and to price increases that have eaten into last year’s GST savings.

What to watch in November

November carries Dhanteras and Diwali, so FADA says it will give the real verdict on festive demand. About 52% of dealers expect growth. The worries are rural cash flow and the first repo rate increase in over three years, which makes two-wheeler loans more expensive.

What this means for riders

• Buying on a loan? Compare interest rates from at least two lenders before you sign, as EMIs are rising.

• Get the delivery date in writing. Festive demand can stretch waiting periods on popular models.

• First bike? Ride your first long trip with a group that runs a lead and sweep, and learn from experienced riders.

November’s festive sales and daily industry news land first in the News section of the Asteride app. Download it here.

FAQs

How many two-wheelers were sold in India in October 2026?

23,21,419 two-wheelers were registered at retail in October 2026, according to FADA. That is 28.35% lower than October 2025 and 29.67% higher than September 2026.

Why did two-wheeler sales fall in October 2026?

Mainly because Diwali moved to November this year, while October 2025 had Navratri, Diwali and post-GST-cut demand. Over the Navratri period alone, sales were only 2.02% lower than last year.

Which two-wheeler brand sold the most in October 2026?

Honda, with 6,37,630 units and a 27.47% share, ahead of Hero MotoCorp at 5,98,433 units.

How many electric two-wheelers were sold in October 2026?

2,24,064 units, up 48.49% year on year, giving electric two-wheelers a 9.65% share. TVS was the largest electric two-wheeler seller with 60,490 units.

Sources: FADA retail data for October 2026, as reported by Autocar Professional, Business Standard, Press Network of India and BikeJunction. Information as of 9 November 2026.