The 2026 edition of EICMA showcased the growing competition in the global middleweight motorcycle segment, with manufacturers unveiling new platforms, larger-capacity engines and products aimed at international markets. For Indian manufacturers, the Milan motorcycle show also offered an opportunity to demonstrate their expanding product capabilities, with Royal Enfield, Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motor Company among the key participants.
In this episode of Deep Drive, powered by KOTC Prime, Rishad Modi and Ketan Thakkar discuss the key motorcycle announcements at EICMA 2026, the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers and the implications of India's 40% GST on premium motorcycles.
One of the biggest developments was Royal Enfield's showcase of the Himalayan 750 and Continental GT 750. The two motorcycles are based on a new 750cc engine, which the company says is approximately 90% new compared with its existing 650cc powertrain. The Himalayan 750 also gets a new chassis designed to reduce weight and seat height. At 224kg, it is lighter than several of the brand's existing 650cc models.
The 750cc platform represents Royal Enfield's move into a higher-capacity motorcycle segment, with potential across both domestic and international markets. However, the company faces increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers offering larger-capacity motorcycles with extensive equipment at relatively competitive prices.
The growing presence of Chinese brands such as CFMoto, QJMotor, Kove and Benelli was another prominent feature of EICMA. Their portfolios increasingly cover the middleweight segment, with some manufacturers moving from 450cc to 550cc and from 700cc to 900cc platforms while retaining relatively accessible price points.
For Indian manufacturers, this presents a competitive challenge, particularly in international markets where Chinese brands are expanding their presence.