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The TVS Apache RTX has been crowned Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2026, one of the most prestigious accolades in India’s two-wheeler space. The win reflects TVS Motor Company’s continued focus on performance, innovation, and rider-centric design, and marks the third time the brand has taken home this coveted honour.
IMOTY 2026: Winner and Competition
The Apache RTX emerged on top in a highly competitive lineup of motorcycles launched over the past year. It narrowly beat the Ultraviolette X-47, while the KTM 390 Adventure secured third place. Several other strong contenders were also assessed, underlining just how intense the competition was this year.
The award ceremony was attended by senior representatives from the motorcycle manufacturer and its tyre partner, along with the full jury panel. The outcome highlights the growing maturity and competitiveness of the Indian motorcycle market across segments and price points.
Jury and Evaluation Process
IMOTY is judged by a panel of 16 experienced automotive journalists representing leading publications from across the country. The 2026 jury included editors and assistant editors from well-known auto media houses, bringing a wide range of perspectives and expertise to the table.
Each juror is given 25 points to distribute among the shortlisted motorcycles, with a maximum of 10 points allowed for a single model. Jurors must assign points to at least five contenders. This structured system is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and to reduce individual bias.
A quick look :
- TVS Apache RTX has won the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2026, one of the most prestigious awards in India’s two-wheeler industry.
- This is TVS’s third IMOTY win, reinforcing the brand’s focus on performance, innovation, and rider-centric engineering.
- The Apache RTX topped a strong field of new launches, narrowly beating the Ultraviolette X-47, while the KTM 390 Adventure finished third.
- The result highlights how competitive and diverse the Indian motorcycle market has become across segments and price points.
- IMOTY 2026 was judged by a 16-member jury of experienced automotive journalists from leading publications across India.
- Each juror had 25 points to distribute, with a maximum of 10 points per motorcycle and mandatory scoring for at least five models—ensuring fairness and reduced individual bias.
- The 2026 shortlist featured a wide range of motorcycles, including the Royal Enfield Classic 650, Ultraviolette X-47, Honda CB125 Hornet, KTM Enduro R, KTM 390 Adventure, and Yamaha XSR 155.
- IMOTY, instituted in 2007, is widely regarded as India’s most credible and independent motorcycle award.
- Motorcycles are judged on price, efficiency, design, comfort, safety, performance, practicality, innovation, value for money, and suitability for Indian conditions—ensuring an all-round winner.
- Only all-new, locally manufactured or assembled motorcycles qualify; facelifts, minor updates, and fully imported CBU models are excluded.
- With this win, the Apache RTX strengthens TVS’s position in the performance motorcycle segment and adds another major milestone to the brand’s legacy.
Shortlisted Motorcycles for 2026
The 2026 shortlist featured a diverse mix of motorcycles catering to different riding styles and needs. Models such as the Royal Enfield Classic 650, Ultraviolette X-47, Honda CB125 Hornet, KTM Enduro R, KTM 390 Adventure, and Yamaha XSR 155 were all in contention.
This wide-ranging lineup reflects how rapidly the Indian motorcycle market is evolving, with manufacturers targeting varied rider preferences and budgets. The Apache RTX’s victory, therefore, came against genuinely strong and varied competition.
What is IMOTY?
The Indian Motorcycle of the Year award was established in 2007 by senior automotive journalists to recognise the best all-new motorcycle launched in India each year. Over time, it has earned a reputation as the most credible and independent motorcycle award in the country, often likened to a top film award in terms of industry prestige.
Motorcycles are judged on multiple parameters, including pricing, fuel efficiency, design, comfort, safety, performance, practicality, innovation, value for money, and suitability for Indian road and riding conditions. This ensures the winning bike is well-rounded rather than excelling in just one area.
Eligibility and Voting Rules
Only completely new motorcycle models are eligible for IMOTY. Facelifts or models with only minor cosmetic or mechanical updates are excluded. Eligible motorcycles must be manufactured or assembled locally, comply with Indian regulations, and be on sale before November 30 of the previous year. Fully imported CBU models do not qualify.
With its transparent voting process, strict eligibility criteria, and independent jury, IMOTY continues to be a benchmark award in India’s two-wheeler industry. The Apache RTX’s latest win adds another major achievement to TVS Motor Company’s portfolio and further strengthens its position in the performance motorcycle segment.
