2025 India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study Out; EVs Score Poorly!
The 2025 India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study has unveiled critical insights into motorcycle and scooter reliability, with Royal Enfield emerging as the undisputed leader. Conducted by J.D. Power in collaboration with Differential Singapore, this comprehensive survey analyzed the experiences of 6,503 new vehicle owners between October 2024 and January 2025. The study covered both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric models across 12 manufacturers.
Top Performers Across Segments
Royal Enfield secured the top spot in overall brand performance with an industry-best score of 68 Problems Per 100 vehicles (PP100), reinforcing its reputation for robust engineering. TVS Motor followed closely with 75 PP100, while Bajaj Auto claimed third place with 78 PP100—both demonstrating strong quality control in the mass-market segment.
Segment-wise, the standout models were:
• TVS Jupiter in the Scooter Economy segment with 75 PP100
• Honda Dio 125 in the Scooter Executive segment with 50 PP100
• TVS Radeon in the Motorcycle Economy segment with 54 PP100
• Hero Super Splendor XTEC and Honda Shine 125 (tied) in the Motorcycle Executive segment with 72 PP100
• TVS Apache RTR 160 2V in the Motorcycle Upper Executive segment with 53 PP100
• Bajaj Chetak in the Electric Scooter segment with a class-leading 45 PP100
TVS’s triple victory across categories highlights its wide-ranging product excellence, while Bajaj’s success in the EV space underscores its early leadership in an evolving market.
Electric vs ICE: The Reliability Divide
The study revealed a significant gap in initial quality between electric and petrol-powered vehicles. Electric scooters averaged 98 PP100, with common complaints centering on brakes, electrical systems, and overall fit and finish. In contrast, petrol scooters registered 53 PP100, with issues related mainly to engine performance and ride quality. Petrol motorcycles landed in between with 68 PP100, where engine and electrical components were the most cited concerns.
Despite the higher number of reported issues in electric models, 61% of EV owners still felt they encountered fewer problems than expected—a sign of shifting expectations in the early EV adoption curve.
Mileage’s Impact on Quality Perception
Usage patterns played a significant role in perceived quality. Owners who clocked over 2,500 km within the first six months reported, on average, 9 more problems per 100 vehicles than low-mileage users. This "wear-and-tear effect" was especially noticeable in EVs. High-mileage electric two-wheelers reported 98 PP100, compared to just 53 PP100 for ICE models under similar conditions.
The key trouble areas in high-usage EVs were brake performance degradation, electrical system malfunctions, and accelerated component wear. These patterns suggest that manufacturers must prioritize long-term durability—especially for EVs, where 45% of current owners are already considering switching brands for their next purchase.
Industry Insights and Future Implications
The industry’s overall score stood at 86 PP100, with engine-related issues (accounting for 18 PP100) emerging as the most persistent concern across ICE models. Encouragingly, customer satisfaction is trending upward: 58% of owners reported fewer problems than anticipated, a notable improvement from 44% in 2024.
To capitalize on these insights, manufacturers are advised to:
• Strengthen durability testing, especially for high-mileage scenarios
• Establish EV-specific quality benchmarks, particularly for braking and electrical systems
• Integrate predictive maintenance technologies to enhance reliability
For prospective buyers, the findings highlight the need to consider not just initial quality scores but also long-term durability when choosing between electric and petrol-powered vehicles. While electric models like the Bajaj Chetak show strong early promise, traditional motorcycles continue to deliver more predictable ownership experiences.
As India’s two-wheeler market evolves, these insights offer vital direction for manufacturers striving to balance innovation with reliability. Royal Enfield’s commanding performance and TVS’s dominance across multiple segments affirm that disciplined engineering and consistent quality remain the cornerstones of consumer trust. Meanwhile, the growing pains of the EV sector highlight the urgent need for targeted R&D to ensure a smoother ride into the future.