Yezdi, BSA Launch Dual Scrambler Bikes for India's Premium Market

Classic Legends has entered India's growing premium scrambler motorcycle market by launching the Yezdi Scrambler 350 and BSA Scrambler 650 together. The company aims to create unique spots for each brand, using the heritage of both Yezdi and BSA to attract different riders who want versatile and stylish bikes. These bikes are positioned as 'SUVs of motorcycling' – versatile enough for city rides, highways, and light off-road trips.

Powering Up: Yezdi vs. BSA Engines

The Yezdi Scrambler 350 is India's lightest scrambler at 174 kg. It uses a new liquid-cooled 'Katar' engine producing 30 PS and 30 Nm of torque, with a claimed 30 km/l fuel efficiency. Priced at ₹1,99,950, it's designed for riders who value quick handling and a responsive engine. The BSA Scrambler 650 is aimed at a more premium customer. It features a unique 650cc single-cylinder engine for India, delivering 45 PS and 55 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Selling for ₹3,24,950, it focuses on strong low-end power and features BSA's classic design, mixing vintage looks with modern technology.

Market Growth and Classic Legends' Ambitions

India's premium motorcycle market is growing rapidly, expected to hit around $2.5 billion by 2030 with an annual growth rate of 12.5%. The overall two-wheeler market is forecast to grow 6-9% in 2026, driven by customers increasingly choosing premium models. The 350cc and larger category is seeing significant gains. Classic Legends, supported by Mahindra & Mahindra, plans to benefit from this trend by adding more models. Royal Enfield currently leads the mid-size bike segment with over 90% market share in some areas and sold over 715,000 units in 2023. Classic Legends aims to increase its own sales from about 3,000 units a month to 80,000-100,000 units annually. Launching two different brands with varied engines and prices helps Classic Legends target different premium customers, similar to how SUV makers offer diverse models.

Facing Tough Competition

However, Classic Legends faces major challenges despite positive market trends. Royal Enfield has strong customer loyalty and a wide sales network, giving it a near-monopoly in the 350cc segment, which is a big obstacle. Classic Legends' current sales numbers are much lower than Royal Enfield's. Reviving several old brands at the same time brings execution risks, requiring skilled brand management and strong efforts to reach customers. Yezdi and Jawa are already part of Classic Legends. Adding BSA, particularly with the more powerful 650cc model, increases competition against brands like Triumph, which offers attractively priced 350cc and 400cc bikes. Also, while nostalgia is a strong selling point, it might not be enough in a market that increasingly values new technology and more performance options from competitors like KTM and Bajaj Auto.

Expansion Plans and Future Growth

Classic Legends is investing ₹1,000 crore through FY26 in marketing, distribution, and developing new products, showing a commitment to long-term growth. The company plans to grow its dealership network to about 500 locations, covering a large part of the market. The plan to launch a new model every six months indicates a strategy to keep customers interested and tap into new market trends. Launching the Yezdi and BSA scramblers together is a key move in this growth plan, aiming to double sales volumes and strengthen Classic Legends' position in India's fast-evolving premium motorcycle market.