India’s shaping up to be the next big deal in the motorcycle world, kind of like what Japan was back in the '70s. You’ve got affordable bikes, fun performance, and enough charm to keep things interesting. Leading that charge is Classic Legends, the Mahindra-backed group that’s breathed new life into Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA. And now, they’re ready to take the show global.
The plan? Get bikes into seven new markets by the end of 2025.
We’re talking the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, and the Middle East. Jawa and BSA will headline the export push, while Yezdi stays rooted in India. Of the lot, the BSA Gold Star 650 is the one to watch. It’s a handsome retro single with a 652cc engine, old-school styling, and pricing that’s hard to argue with—especially when you factor in India’s cost advantages. It’s the kind of bike that gives off vintage vibes without draining your savings.
But it’s not all smooth sailing.
The US just bumped import duties on motorcycles and auto parts up to 25% starting April 2025—that’s a huge jump from the previous 2.4%, and it’s already delayed the brand’s stateside rollout. Over in the UK, there’s a 6 to 8% import tax plus a 20% VAT, but there’s hope on the horizon. A free trade agreement between India and the UK is in the works, and if that gets sorted, it could wipe out those extra costs entirely. That’d make bikes like the Gold Star way more appealing price-wise.
Other markets look friendlier from the get-go. Australia, New Zealand, parts of Southeast Asia, and the Middle East all have fewer import headaches and a healthy appreciation for classic-style motorcycles. If Classic Legends plays its cards right—with smart pricing and good dealer support—these could end up being their strongest markets.
As for which bikes will actually catch on? The BSA Gold Star 650 feels like a safe bet. It’s got heritage, road presence, and just enough power to keep things interesting for a wide range of riders. Jawa’s 350 and 42 also have potential, especially in places where simple, characterful bikes still matter. But smaller commuter-focused models—especially those under 300cc—might not make much of a splash in regions where riders want more punch or refinement.
Interestingly, Classic Legends also has electric motorcycles in its back pocket. But they’re holding off for now, and it makes sense. Charging infrastructure is still sketchy outside city centers, and most of their bikes are meant to be enjoyed beyond the urban grind. For the time being, it looks like they’re sticking to gas-powered machines with nostalgic charm.
India’s export numbers are already on the rise. In the 2025 fiscal year, more than 4.2 million two-wheelers left the country—up over 21% from the year before. Most of those were small bikes headed to emerging markets, but the shift toward more premium exports is starting to take shape. The idea isn’t just to flood foreign roads with affordable bikes. It’s to offer something a little more soulful, a little more special.
It all feels a bit familiar. Decades ago, Japan earned its rep by building reliable, wallet-friendly motorcycles that rewrote the rules. Now, India’s doing something similar—with a twist of nostalgia and some distinctly British DNA. Classic Legends isn’t just trying to move units overseas—they’re trying to carve out a space in the hearts of riders. And if they play it right, we might soon see a whole lot more bikes proudly made in India, but with that unmistakable old-school cool.
Source: The Financial Express
