Bajaj Boxer motorcycle sales increased by 109% in export markets after production ceased in India

During the Kavand pilgrimage in the month of Sawan, many different images of pilgrims are observed. Some carry the Kavand on foot, while others decorate their Kavand in a special way. However, a recent video that went viral on social media attracted significant public attention. The video shows a couple riding a motorcycle that has been stylized as Nandi, the vehicle of the god Shiva. Judging by its appearance, they were traveling while seated on Nandi.

The motorcycle shown in the viral video is white and decorated in the form of Nandi. The design and decoration on the front and around the motorcycle are done in such a way that from a distance it does not look like an ordinary motorcycle. It is precisely because of this unique appearance that the attention of passersby was inevitably drawn to this motorcycle. A woman and a man, who look like participants in the Kavand pilgrimage, are sitting on it and traveling on this unusual transport.

The video published on social media shows this couple driving the motorcycle down the road. The decorations on the motorcycle are so distinct that people initially take some time to understand what it is. Nandi is considered the favorite and sacred vehicle of the god Shiva, and statues of Nandi are usually placed before the lingam in Shiva temples. Thus, decorating the motorcycle in the theme of Nandi represents a unique way for pilgrims to demonstrate faith and devotion during the Kavand pilgrimage.

As soon as the video appeared on social media, users began leaving various comments on it. Many users liked the unusual appearance of the motorcycle. Others jokingly wrote the phrase 'India is not for beginners.' This phrase is often used on social media with videos showing something similar in India that one would not typically expect. Seeing a motorcycle resembling Nandi, people concluded that anything can be seen in India.

During the Kavand pilgrimage, followers of the god Shiva express their piety and devotion in various ways. Many kavandees decorate their Kavand with colorful lights and decorations. Some carry very large Kavands, while others use various types of transport and decorations to make their journey special. This video is an example of such unique devotion and creativity. However, there is little information about the people shown in the viral video. It is also unclear where the video came from. Therefore, any additional claims made on social media cannot be considered true without confirmation.

The main feature of this video is the design of the motorcycle. On the roads, one can usually see motorcycles of different models, but when a motorcycle is decorated in the form of Nandi and moves along the road, it naturally attracts attention. The fact that a woman and a man are riding together on this motorcycle also makes the video special. This is why the video is actively spreading on social media, and people are reacting to it. Overall, this video, which appeared during the Kavand pilgrimage, demonstrates a combination of piety, unique decoration, and local creativity that has attracted the attention of internet users.

The Brazilian motorcycle market has experienced great diversification of Asian brands since 2017. Chinese and Indian companies, such as Haojue and Royal Enfield, began their presence in the country, and this trend intensified with the arrival of Bajaj in 2022, Zontes in 2023, and the recent entry of Cfmoto in 2026.

This market expansion naturally raises the level of competition, posing a challenge to Japanese brands established in Brazil before the 2000s, including Yamaha (which arrived in 1970), Honda (1971), and Suzuki (1992).

Perception within the motorcycle community suggests that 'Honda and Yamaha are losing ground to Chinese and Indian brands.' However, market expert Seku Mello questions whether this statement reflects a real problem in the national scenario.

Currently, Honda holds 63.73% of the share in the national motorcycle registration market, according to data from the National Federation of Automotive Vehicle Distribution (Fenabrave). Although these numbers have shown a decline over the years, the Japanese company had previously reached more than 85% of this market.

Yamaha's situation is different, as the manufacturer maintains a 13.70% share in the market, fluctuating at this percentage for several decades, recording both peaks and valleys.

Other Perspectives on Competition

According to Seku Mello, the leading brands are indeed ceding market share, but this does not constitute an immediate crisis. He argues that despite the reduction in percentage share, the total sales volume of these companies continues to rise, driven by the overall growth of the Brazilian market. Thus, even with a smaller percentage, the absolute number of motorcycles sold has increased.

In 2003, when Honda ended the year with 83.73% share, it registered 717,137 registrations. In 2025, although its percentage fell to 66.82%, the total number of registered motorcycles exceeded 1,468,229 units, doubling the volume.

Mello adds that this is a natural development in the sector, given that the continuous entry of new manufacturers into Brazil offers consumers a wider range of choices. The greater the variety of brands in the country, the more the market tends to be divided among them.

Differences Between the Brazilian and Global Markets

Although the diversification movement is natural in Brazil, the global perspective presents a different picture, especially for Honda. A Japanese director of the company expressed concern about Japan's inability to keep pace with the rapid evolution of Chinese industry. The difference lies in the speed of innovation: while Japanese manufacturers take five or six years to develop a new model, Chinese ones introduce a vehicle, evaluate its performance, and replace it quickly if necessary.

Seku Mello projects that if this trend persists, Honda's share could drop to between 30% and 40%, with other brands competing for slices between 5% and 15%.

However, accelerated investment does not guarantee permanent dominance. Honda has 76 years of global operation and celebrated 50 years in Brazil, boasting a consolidated network of over 1,300 certified sales and maintenance points, which supports its reputation for 'Japanese quality.'

Shineray, for example, demonstrates a dynamic process by launching various models to test the market, quickly discontinuing those that do not meet expectations, or making technical and displacement updates.

It should be noted that Shineray is involved in a dispute with Abraciclo, the motorcycle manufacturers' association, which accuses it of committing fraud in emissions tests and illegally marketing vehicles in Brazil.

Another prominent Chinese brand in Brazil is CFMOTO, known for offering competitively priced products. Despite being seen as a potential 'threat' to the Japanese brands, CFMOTO is still in the early stages of its journey in the national territory.

Considering that Shineray already has a long history in the market and CFMOTO is recent, stating an imminent concern for Honda and Yamaha may be premature. Among Indian brands, such as Royal Enfield and Bajaj, there are significant forces in the East that compete in segments similar to those of the Japanese brands.

While Chinese manufacturers stand out for agility, Indian brands currently have advantages in volume and experience. India is the world's largest motorcycle market, and its factories are accustomed to producing robust and low-cost models, even if with less technological advancement in many cases. Like their competitors, Indian manufacturers need time and investment to match the fame and infrastructure established by Honda and Yamaha in Brazil.

July was a very successful month for Honda, as the company recorded higher sales this month compared to last year and the previous month. In July 2026, Honda's total sales reached 542,934 units, achieving a year-on-year growth of 5.35 percent. In contrast, Honda's two-wheeler sales in July 2025 were 515,378 units.

The company also achieved higher sales in July compared to June 2026. Domestically, Honda sold 476,436 units, while exports reached 66,498 units with a 35.58 percent increase. Since Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India is set to introduce new models, this strong sales performance will give the company confidence to move forward.

An analysis of the sales figures shows that during the first four months of the fiscal year 2027, i.e., from April to July, the company sold over 2.154 million two-wheelers, indicating a growth of 13.97 percent. The company sold an average of 17,656 units per day in 122 days. Alongside the domestic market, the company's exports have also increased; the company exported over 264,000 two-wheelers in the last four months.

This rapid growth by Honda comes at a time when the company is preparing for its biggest launch in the country. At a recently held event, Honda showcased 10 new bikes and scooters that will be launched in the Indian market in the coming time.

These bikes and scooters will gradually become available in the Indian market, including several new names entering the market for the first time. For example, the Honda ADV 160 is an adventure street scooter that the company is bringing, and it will be the country's first flex fuel scooter, meaning it can also run on ethanol.

Additionally, the company will introduce the CB500 Roadster, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, XR 300 L Dual Sport motorcycle, XR 300 Rally Adventure Tourer, and QC3 electric scooter. Honda has also updated its current CB 350, CB350 C, and CB 350 RS with new color options.