Harley-Davidson has recently unveiled entry level bikes, Street 500 and Street 750 at the 2013 EICMA Motorcycle Show. The American motorcycle maker is betting big in the Indian market, as it plans for heavy localisation of the bikes in India for domestic as well as export markets. The Harley-Davidson Street motorcycles will be manufactured in India with an expected price range of Rs. 4-5 lakhs. These entry level bikes are aimed towards the young audience offering good city performance. Similarly, the company is considering an entry into the 250-300cc bike segment.
Harley-Davidson will be aiming for heavy localisation for the lower displacement bikes in order to get aggressive with the pricing. The all-new motorcycles will be built involving Indian component makers, using heavy amount of locally sourced parts to control costs. The company is aiming for significant volumes with the entry level bikes that are expected to hit Indian dealerships next year. Harley-Davidson will source the headlamps, tyres, cowls, shock absorbers and similar parts from local vendors.
The signature design, engine and gearbox technology of the baby Harley-Davidson bikes will be done by the company experts themselves. According to the company, they don’t have any strategy to develop market-specific motorcycles. They are striving to build a strong customer base in India as the competition is rising. The 250-300cc Harley-Davidson motorcycles will compete head on with Royal Enfield. For the time being, Harley-Davidson is all set to introduce the Street 750 in February at the 2014 Auto Expo. The bike will make its public appearance at India Bike Week in January. The Street 500 will be launched at a later date.
Source – The Economic Times
