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The new year is almost here, and the one we are leaving behind was an action-packed one for the Indian two-wheeler scenario. We saw new launches across the board, from sporty commuters to adventure tourers, and from traditional petrol power to electric mobility and there were a few other motorcycles that I got a chance to experience. With the year coming to an end, it seems like the perfect time to look back at some of the most enjoyable and memorable machines I rode in 2025. Here are five two-wheelers that have earned a spot among the highlights of my 2025 ride.
royal enfield scram 440
It may be a surprise, but the Scram 440 is a beautiful machine. The Himalayan 411 helped put Royal Enfield on the map globally, and now that it has been discontinued, the Scram 440 keeps a small part of that spirit alive, while the Himalayan 450 takes over as the true successor. Scrum retains everything that was great about 411 and takes it a step further. The engine is smooth, torquey and sounds great. The addition of a sixth gear helps the ride, and the suspension is one of the best I’ve experienced this year. It absorbs everything you throw at it and it’s that feeling of ease that makes Scrum 440 stand out.
Hero XPulse 210
XPulse 210 was one of the most awaited launches of Hero. The brand wanted to build on the popularity of the XPulse 200 4V. Now, I am not into off-roading, but the confidence this bike provides is immense. During the media ride, I found myself crossing river beds and rocky paths without even realizing it. Later, I realized that I had taken the hard path, which I was trying to avoid. The XPulse impressed me with how calmly it handled rough terrain, even for a novice like me. The liquid-cooled engine is in a completely different tune from the Karizma XMR. It’s smooth, has an intoxicating exhaust note, and shows no signs of strain even at high speeds.
TVS Orbiter
The Orbiter is an electric scooter that impressed me with how practical and sensible it feels for a first-time buyer. Yes, looks can be polarizing, but you should check it out in person. It’s built from the ground up, allowing TVS to keep the seat height low, while providing generous seat and footboard space. It uses a hub motor that is beautifully calibrated to run smoothly. We haven’t tested its range yet, but TVS claims it goes around 115 km on a single charge. For urban duties, the Orbiter is highly capable.
aprilia tuono 457
I was really excited to ride it, and it did not disappoint. Yes, the suspension is stiff, the seats could use more padding, and the brakes lack some feel and feedback, but once you twist the throttle and the engine gets going, everything else fades away. It’s fast, pulls hard, sounds incredible and has real character. Show it a corner and the Tuono will attack with confidence and stability. In the city, its light weight makes direction changes easier and filters traffic with ease.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special
To be honest, it wasn’t on my radar. On a random day, I got a call from Harley asking if I wanted to test drive the Pan America 1250 Special, and I’m glad I said yes. The Revolution Max 1250 engine will bring a wide smile on your face. It pulls hard and never runs out of steam. The brakes are strong with excellent feel and response, and the attention to detail has been great. The buttons are chunky and easy to use, and the instrument cluster graphics are large and clear. The bike is packed with features, but what surprised me most was how well it handles and how the suspension behaves, despite weighing over 250 kg. The ride quality is impressive, and the bike moves with certainty in corners.
Fun on two wheels isn’t just about raw speed, and a premium tag isn’t defined by flashy gadgets or fancy content. Over the past twelve months, a select few bikes have stood out to me, not just because they were new or expensive, but because they really connected with me as a rider. Some delivered pure joy on winding roads, others surprised me with their everyday practicality, and some impressed me with how good they felt. These five machines didn’t just offer performance or technology; They offered moments and memories. They reminded me why I love riding and why two-wheelers hold a special place in our growing automotive landscape.
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