India’s automobile industry is going through a transformative phase. With increasing environmental concerns, the Indian government has tightened regulations and encouraged cleaner fuels. Two major forces reshaping the design and functioning of internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles in 2025 are: BS6 Phase 2 Emission Norms and the implementation of E20 fuel – a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.
Let’s dive into how these two critical developments are impacting the future of popular bikes in India.
🏁 What is BS6 Phase 2?
The Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BS) are government regulations that dictate the amount of pollutants vehicles can emit. BS6 Phase 1 was implemented in April 2020, and BS6 Phase 2 came into effect in April 2023. Unlike Phase 1, which was focused more on lab testing, Phase 2 enforces Real Driving Emissions (RDE).
This means manufacturers must ensure that motorcycles meet emission targets not just in controlled environments, but also in real-world driving conditions. This required:
- Upgraded Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) systems
- Onboard Diagnostic (OBD-II) systems to monitor emissions live
- Advanced engine control units (ECUs) for dynamic tuning
- Better catalytic converters for efficient pollutant reduction
🌾 What is E20 Fuel?
E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol (bio-based alcohol) with 80% petrol. Ethanol is cleaner-burning, renewable, and reduces carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and greenhouse gases. India plans to make E20 the default fuel by 2025 as part of its ethanol-blending roadmap.
However, ethanol has a higher corrosive nature, lower energy content, and different combustion characteristics than petrol. This means not all existing ICE bikes are compatible with it.
🔧 How Are Bike Manufacturers Adapting?
To comply with BS6 Phase 2 and E20 compatibility, major manufacturers like Hero MotoCorp, Honda, Bajaj, TVS, and Royal Enfield are investing in:
✅ Engine Redesign
- Using ethanol-resistant materials (rubber hoses, plastic parts, gaskets)
- Retuning ignition timing and fuel-air mixture to account for ethanol’s combustion rate
- Enhancing cooling systems to handle higher engine operating temperatures
✅ Dual Fuel Calibration
Many new bikes launched post-2023 come with dual calibration – allowing them to run efficiently on both E10 (current fuel) and E20 without loss in performance or mileage.
✅ Real-Time Emissions Monitoring
OBD-II sensors help detect emission-related issues in real-time, helping keep pollution levels in check throughout the life of the bike.
🚀 Real-World Impact on Riders
Here’s what these changes mean for Indian riders:
👍 Pros:
- Cleaner environment and reduced carbon emissions
- Lower running costs due to domestically produced ethanol
- Better mileage tuning with ECU-based adjustments
- Improved engine reliability with real-time diagnostics
👎 Cons:
- Slight reduction in power due to lower energy content in ethanol
- Potential engine wear in older bikes not compatible with E20
- Higher upfront costs due to tech upgrades
🏍️ Bikes Already E20-Ready
Several bikes in the 125cc to 400cc segment are already E20-compliant, including:
- TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
- Honda SP 125 & Shine 125
- Hero Splendor XTEC & Passion XTEC
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350
- Bajaj Pulsar NS160/NS200
These bikes are tuned to handle ethanol-blended fuel while complying with BS6 Phase 2 norms, giving a peek into the future of ICE motorcycles.
🔮 Conclusion: Towards a Greener Road
BS6 Phase 2 and E20 fuel are not just regulatory shifts—they represent a larger movement toward eco-conscious riding. While electric bikes are also making waves, ICE bikes remain dominant in India. These updates ensure they stay cleaner and more efficient while bridging the gap to a sustainable future.
As a rider, make sure your next bike is E20 compatible and BS6 Phase 2 certified—because the road ahead is greener than ever before.
