New Delhi, 2 November 2026: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has overtaken Hero MotoCorp in total two-wheeler sales for October 2026. The winning margin was 163 units, one of the narrowest in the history of the Indian two-wheeler industry.
Honda sold 7,34,566 units (domestic plus exports), while Hero MotoCorp sold 7,34,403 units. Together, the two companies sold nearly 14.7 lakh bikes and scooters in a single festive month, a clear sign of strong demand during Navratri, Dussehra and the run-up to Diwali.
Hero vs Honda Sales at a Glance
| Parameter | Honda | Hero MotoCorp |
|---|---|---|
| Total sales | 7,34,566 | 7,34,403 |
| Domestic sales | 6,64,831 | 7,05,084 |
| Exports | 69,735 | 29,319 |
| Total sales, October 2025 | 6,50,596 | 6,35,808 |
| Year-on-year growth | ~13% | ~15.5% |
Exports Decide the Race
Hero MotoCorp stayed ahead in the domestic market, selling 40,253 more units than Honda in India. Honda made up the difference overseas, where its exports were 40,416 units higher than Hero’s. That swing left Honda ahead by 163 units.
Exports now make up about 9.5% of Honda’s total volume, against about 4% for Hero. In a market where the top two brands are this evenly matched, overseas shipments have become the deciding factor in the monthly rankings.
Honda: Export Surge Powers the Lead
Honda’s total sales rose about 13% from 6,50,596 units in October 2025.
- Domestic sales: 6,64,831 units, up about 11% from 5,98,952 units
- Exports: 69,735 units, up about 35% from 51,644 units
The Activa and Shine remain the backbone of Honda’s volumes, while the jump in exports shows the company’s global push gaining pace.
Hero MotoCorp: Faster Growth, Scooters Surge
Despite missing the top spot, Hero MotoCorp grew faster than Honda. Total sales rose about 15.5%, adding roughly 98,600 units over last year, against about 84,000 for Honda.
- Motorcycles: 6,29,800 units, up about 10.3% from 5,70,753 units
- Scooters: 1,04,603 units, up about 60.8% from 65,055 units
- Domestic sales: 7,05,084 units, up about 16.6% from 6,04,829 units
- Exports: 29,319 units, down about 5.4% from 30,979 units
Scooters now account for about 14% of Hero’s total sales, up from roughly 10% a year ago. The Destini, Xoom and Pleasure+ range is gaining ground in a segment where Honda has traditionally led. Hero launched the Destini 110 Classique Edition also, priced at ₹76,400, ahead of Diwali.
Hero’s FY27 Numbers So Far
Hero MotoCorp’s cumulative sales in FY2026-27 have reached 42,79,878 units, about 15.8% higher than 36,93,580 units in the same period last year.
- Motorcycles: 37,42,465 units, up from 33,73,019 units
- Scooters: 5,37,413 units, up about 68% from 3,20,561 units
A Market Where the Top Spot Keeps Changing
Monthly leadership has shifted repeatedly in recent months. TVS Motor led total sales in July and August 2026. Hero MotoCorp reclaimed the top position in September with about 7.66 lakh units. Honda now takes the lead in October.
The gap between the top three has narrowed sharply, and festive-season discounts, new launches and growing electric scooter volumes are expected to keep the race open.
Honda vs Hero: What the Numbers Mean for Buyers
Stiff competition between the two largest two-wheeler makers typically brings festive offers, cashback, exchange bonuses and easy finance schemes. In the scooter segment, Honda’s Activa remains the benchmark, while Hero’s newer scooters are gaining traction. In the commuter motorcycle space, Hero’s Splendor and Honda’s Shine continue to be among the most preferred choices for mileage and low running costs.
What to Watch Next
- Whether Honda sustains its export momentum in November
- Whether Hero’s scooter growth continues after the festive peak
- How TVS and Bajaj respond to regain ground
- Impact of wedding-season demand on retail numbers
FAQs: Hero vs Honda October 2026
Who sold more two-wheelers in October 2026, Hero or Honda?
Honda sold 7,34,566 units against Hero MotoCorp’s 7,34,403 units.
What was the margin of victory?
Honda led by 163 units.
Who leads the domestic market?
Hero MotoCorp, with 7,05,084 units against Honda’s 6,64,831 units.
Why did Honda finish first overall?
Honda exported 69,735 units, more than double Hero’s 29,319 units, which covered its domestic shortfall.
Which company grew faster year on year?
Hero MotoCorp grew about 15.5%, while Honda grew about 13%.
How did Hero’s scooter sales perform?
Hero sold 1,04,603 scooters in October, up about 60.8% year on year.
