Two wheeler retail sales in India fell to 23.21 lakh units in October 2026, down from 32.40 lakh a year earlier, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) reported, as covered by Autocar India. That is a fall of about 28.4 percent year on year, by our calculation.

Quick answer

  • October 2026 retail: 23.21 lakh units, against 32.40 lakh in October 2025.
  • Month on month: up 29.67 percent from September.
  • Honda held a 27.47 percent share and overtook Hero at 25.78 percent.
  • Electric two wheelers reached a 9.65 percent share.
  • FADA expects festive buying to show up in November data.

For buyers and dealers across India, the drop looks bigger than it is. The reason is the festive calendar. This year Dhanteras and Diwali fell in November, so a large part of festive buying has moved out of October.

Why two wheeler retail sales fell

October 2025 had both Navratri and Diwali. October 2026 had only part of the festive season, since Dhanteras and Diwali came in November. Registrations track deliveries to customers, so those festive deliveries now count in November.

The report still calls October the second best month on record for two wheeler retail. Compared with September, sales rose 29.67 percent. That suggests demand is healthy even if the yearly comparison looks weak.

Honda overtakes Hero

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter held a 27.47 percent market share in October. Hero MotoCorp followed at 25.78 percent. The gap is 1.69 percentage points, and it puts Honda ahead for the month.

One month does not settle a long running race. However, it shows how closely the two leaders compete. November data will show whether the festive timing helps Hero recover ground.

Electric two wheelers gain share

Electric two wheelers took a 9.65 percent share, up from 4.66 percent in the same period last year. Their share has roughly doubled in a year. That rise reflects more models and more buyers switching to electric scooters.

The report does not give segment level numbers, so we cannot say which models drove the change. Keep an eye on monthly FADA releases for a fuller picture.

What it means for buyers

If you are buying a bike or scooter, November offers the strongest festive deals. Dealers tend to clear stock around Diwali, so ask about exchange benefits, finance offers and accessory packages. Compare on road prices across a few dealers before you book.

Also check waiting periods, especially for popular models and electric scooters. Stock availability can differ by city.

What to watch next

FADA expects festive purchases to show up strongly in the November registration data. When that arrives, it will give a clearer view of the full festive season. Watch for the share of electric models and for the Honda and Hero ranking.

FAQ

How many two wheelers were sold in October 2026?

FADA reported 23.21 lakh retail sales, down from 32.40 lakh in October 2025. The report links the fall to the shift in the festive calendar.

Which brand led two wheeler sales in October?

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter led with a 27.47 percent share, ahead of Hero MotoCorp at 25.78 percent.

What was the share of electric two wheelers?

Electric two wheelers held a 9.65 percent share, up from 4.66 percent a year earlier.