Learn about BS6 bikes, their emission standards, benefits, and how they differ from BS4 models.
The transition from BS4 to BS6 in India represents a major leap forward in reducing harmful vehicle emissions. BS6 bikes are equipped with advanced technologies aimed at improving air quality, enhancing fuel efficiency, and ensuring compliance with the latest government regulations.
With more stringent emission norms, BS6 bikes are setting a new standard for the Indian automotive market, offering a cleaner and more sustainable option for riders across the country.
BS6 in bikes refers to Bharat Stage 6, India’s most stringent emission standard for motor vehicles, including two-wheelers. The BS6 meaning in bike terminology involves reducing harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) by up to 80% compared to BS4 limits.
These norms are closely aligned with Euro VI standards followed in Europe. To meet them, manufacturers have adopted technologies like electronic fuel injection, larger catalytic converters, and onboard diagnostic systems (OBD-I from April 2020, OBD-II from April 2023). BS6-grade petrol, with a maximum sulphur content of 10 ppm, is mandatory for these vehicles.
Such advancements not only ensure compliance with government regulations but also improve fuel efficiency, performance, and engine life while reducing environmental impact.
BS6 standards are vital for Indian riders because they:
Reduce harmful emissions, improving urban air quality and supporting environmental conservation
Ensure compliance with Central Pollution Control Board regulations, avoiding penalties
Improve fuel economy through precise fuel injection and optimised combustion
Deliver smoother performance, reduced vibrations, and greater reliability
Secure eligibility for mandatory pollution under control (PUC) certification
Future-proof vehicles against upcoming emission requirements
By choosing a bike BS6 model, riders also contribute to lowering the country’s carbon footprint while benefiting from modern engine technologies.
Here’s a clear look at the BS4 vs BS6 bike difference across key parameters:
Aspect |
BS4 Bikes |
BS6 Bikes |
|---|---|---|
Emission Limits |
Up to ~0.79 g/km (HC+NOx) in Class 1/2-1 |
~0.16 g/km (HC 0.10 + NOx 0.06) — about 80% less |
Fuel System |
Carburettor or limited fuel injection |
Predominantly electronic fuel injection |
Fuel Requirement |
50 ppm sulphur petrol |
10 ppm sulphur petrol nationwide |
Emission Technology |
Basic catalyst, minimal diagnostic systems |
Larger catalyst, OBD-I (2020) → OBD-II (2023) |
Price Impact |
Lower initial cost |
Typically 10–15% higher due to added technology |
Models from different manufacturers, such as Hero BS6 bikes, BS6 bikes Honda, and TVS bike BS6 options, cater to various riding needs and budgets.
Here are some of the top new BS6 bikes in India, along with their approximate showroom prices and key mileage figures:
Name of the Model |
Price in India (₹) |
Key USP (Mileage) |
|---|---|---|
Hero Splendor Plus |
₹79,426 |
62 km/l |
Hero HF Deluxe |
₹59,998 |
65 km/l |
Honda SP 125 |
₹93,247 |
63 km/l |
Bajaj Pulsar NS200 |
₹1,43,213 |
36 km/l |
TVS Apache RTR 160 |
₹1,21,000 |
61 km/l |
Disclaimer: Prices and mileage are approximate and may vary by location, dealer offers, and on-road costs.
Opting for a BS6-compliant model offers multiple benefits:
Meets the latest government-mandated emission norms, ensuring road legality
Lowers environmental pollution with reduced CO, HC, and NOx emissions
Improves fuel efficiency with refined injection systems
Delivers smoother engine operation and reduced vibrations
Extends engine life due to cleaner combustion
Keeps your vehicle compliant with future emission regulations
BS6 implementation has influenced both fuel economy and performance in the following ways:
Slight improvements in mileage from precise fuel metering and optimised combustion
In some cases, marginally lower peak power to meet emission targets
Smoother engine performance with less mechanical strain
Longer engine lifespan due to reduced carbon build-up
Higher initial cost reflecting advanced emission-control components
The BS6 full form in bike terminology is Bharat Stage 6. It is the latest emission standard in India for two-wheelers, designed to cut harmful pollutants.
What is BS6 in bikes? It is a stricter emission norm compared to BS4, with up to 80% lower limits for pollutants and mandatory technologies like electronic fuel injection, larger catalytic converters, and onboard diagnostics.
Yes. From 1 April 2020, all new two-wheelers sold and registered in India must be BS6 compliant as per the Central Pollution Control Board’s mandate.
In most cases, yes. The shift to precise fuel injection and optimised combustion improves efficiency, though the actual mileage depends on the model and riding style.
Some of the top new BS6 bikes in India are the Hero Splendor Plus BS6, Hero HF Deluxe BS6, Honda SP 125 BS6, Bajaj Pulsar NS200 BS6, and TVS Apache RTR 160 BS6.
Yes, existing BS4 bikes can still be used on the road. However, no new BS4 models can be sold or registered in India after April 1, 2020, as they do not meet the current BS6 emission norms. If you already own a BS4 bike, you can continue using it; however, you will need to ensure it passes the pollution control checks to comply with local laws.