UM Motorcycles is developing an all-new powertrain in 300-500cc space that will be launched on the new cruiser set for launch in the second quarter of 2015.
American manufacturer UM Motorcycles will be arriving next on Indian shores with a new flagship motorcycle in the 300-500cc medium displacement motorcycle segment during the second quarter of 2015. UM had originally announced that the company will enter the Indian market in the 200-230cc segment, but the manufacturer seems to have shifted its priorities otherwise. This also hints that the company is developing an all-new high displacement powertrain that could be exclusively offfered in India on the new cruiser.
Having partnered with Indian manufacturer Lohia in a 50:50 joint venture, UM plans to locally manufacture the new model at Lohia’s Kashipiur facility in Uttarakhand and has announced investments of up to Rs. 120 crores in a phased manner. The plant will have a production capacity of 1,00,000 units per year. Furthermore, the American bike maker plans to start with about 50 dealers that will be operational from next year as part of the first phase, with most of the dealers located in major metro cities.
UM Motorcycles had showcased its product portfolio at the Auto Expo in February this year including a range of offerings comprising of street bikes, sport bikes, on-off roaders as well as cruisers. The company’s current flagship offering is the Renegade Commando cruiser that draws power from a 223cc engine. Details on the new high displacement motor is still unknown, but the model will be competing against the offerings from Royal Enfield in terms of engine displacement, with prices expected to undercut the competition.
