India, June 21 -- Every year on June 21, World Motorcycle Day serves as a reminder of how deeply motorcycles are woven into the fabric of Indian life. More than mere transport, they have shaped aspirations, opened up new markets, and in many cases, defined entire generations of riders. Here are five motorcycles that didn't just sell well - they changed the game entirely, and continue to do so.

Hero Splendor No list of India-defining motorcycles is complete without the Splendor. Launched in 1994 as the successor to the CD100, it became the best-selling motorcycle not just in India, but consistently ranks among the top-selling two-wheelers in the world. Its 97.2cc, air-cooled engine returning a claimed 70 kmpl made personal mobility acces...