Hyosung is planning to launch an off-road motorcycle, specific for the Indian market. This off-road motorcycle will be called the Hyosung RT250D and will be a bigger version of the RT125D, which is currently sold in global markets. This new off-roader will be launched around April 2013 and will be assembled in Wai, near Pune. The company has invested close to Rs. 65 crore in setting up of a second assembly facility, which will have three assembly lines producing 10 bikes per line, per shift every day. This assembly line will be operational soon and will also churn out the upcoming Hyosung GT250R and the GV650 cruiser.
While off-roader motorcycles have not really taken off in the Indian market, one can expect the Hyosung RT250D to create a niche for itself. Power will come in from the same 250cc V-twin motor which does duty in the GT250R, so don’t expect pricing to be below Rs. 1.5 lakhs. The 250cc engine produces close to 26 BHP of power and has good top end punch. Honda is planing to launch the CRF250L motorcycle in the Indian market as well, which would go head on with the RT250D. Do we really need off-roading motorcycles in India, just because our roads look off-road!
Source – Autocar India
