How the New GST Cut in India Changes Bike Prices — What Riders Need to Know

Riding Verse
Nov 10
2 min read

🏍️ Intro: A Game-Changer for Riders

The Indian government’s latest GST reform is sending ripples through the motorbike world. Bikes with engines up to 350 cc now fall under the reduced GST rate of 18% (changed from 28%) — which means potential savings for many riders. Poonawalla Fincorp+4Press Information Bureau+4NDTV Profit+4BUT: If you ride a bike with engine capacity above 350 cc, the tax slab has switched to 40%, making those models more expensive. Angel OneIn this post, we’ll break down what the cut means for you as a rider, how you can play this in your favour, and how the Riding Verse community can help you navigate the change.

📊 What Exactly Has Changed?

Bikes up to 350 cc: GST rate cut from 28% → 18%. Press Information Bureau+2NDTV Profit+2
Bikes above 350 cc: New tax slab 40% (from earlier ~31% including cess) — these get costlier. Angel One
Brands like Jawa and Yezdi see major advantages in sub-350 cc models. The Economic Times

🎯 What This Means for You (the Rider)

✅ If you ride ≤ 350 cc:

Potential price drops on new bikes. For example, entry-level and mid-segment bikes may become significantly more affordable. NDTV Profit+1
Better EMI/loan options since tax burden goes down.
Great time to upgrade, shift to newer models, or get into community riding with less cost.

⚠️ If you ride > 350 cc:

Your bike model may see a price increase.
Buying big displacement models becomes more premium.
You may want to reconsider timing, look for deals, or wait for promotional offers.

🛣️ How to Use This in Your Riding Game

Explore sub-350 cc models if you’re budget-conscious but still want real riding experience.
Watch out for festive season deals (price cuts get passed in the market).
Use Riding Verse to compare models, chat with riders who’ve upgraded, and join community discussions: “Which bike got cheaper after GST?”
If you’re in the > 350 cc segment and want the big bike, use this time to negotiate harder, look for old-stock offers, or timing purchase when dealers try to clear inventory.

🌐 Community & Ride Connection

With price drops for many models, there’s going to be more first-time buyers and more riders joining the community. If you’re on Riding Verse, it’s a perfect moment to:

Start or join groups of riders upgrading to new bikes.
Share real-life cost savings stories (model, old price, new price).
Plan rides or meet-ups for “new bike squads”.

🔍 Final Take & Your Action Plan

The GST reform splits the market: great for everyday riders (≤ 350 cc), tougher for big-bike lovers. If you’re a rider looking to make a smart move—either upgrade, buy new, or join a ride group—this is your moment.

👉 Action: Check your current bike model’s engine capacity, compare pre- and post-GST pricing in your city, and make a decision and don’t forget: Download the Riding Verse App (Launching Soon!) to connect with fellow riders, share deals, and stay ahead of the curve.