Is India ready for the big daddy of bikes, Harley?

The big daddy of bikes, Harley Davidson has finally entered India. But are Indians physically fit and filthy rich to lay hands and own one? Is India ready for the bikes’ big daddy Harley?

In a couple of months from now, i.e., in June 2010 the roads in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chandigarh will wear a new look. The Harley Davidson India has overwhelmed the Indian bike riding connoisseurs with launch of HD bikes in India with not just a couple of HD bike launches but a huge crop of 12 bikes. The company is working on its dealerships with Indian companies in the major cities and the bookings for the same would commence from April 2010 and they will be delivered per se (built in imported bikes from the US).

As of now, Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc is the finest and the biggest bike in India, and the launch of 12 HD’s devils will make the big brother Royal Enfield Bullet look pretty much stunted and small in front of them; because the minimum sized bike will be from the Sporster family which displace an average of 883cc power which is almost double that of the Bullet Classic. The Dyna family of Harleys is much bigger, and the bikes and have a power displacement as high as 1600cc.

The 12 bikes, all from the global range of HD bikes of 34 are launched with hefty (read really huge) price tag; the least price being Rs. 695,000 and the highest being Rs. 3, 495,000. This could be the money one will be willing to pay for a C category four wheeler. So if you are filthy rich you can afford to own one and ride for some leisure pleasure (you know anyway that HDs are not meant for serious commuting). The average weight of these machines is about 419 kg which sounds really heavy.

So the 12 bikes (FLHR Road King, FLHTCUSE CVO Ultra Classic Electra Guide, FLSTC Heritage Softtail Classic, FLSTF Fat Boy, FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom, VRSC™DX Night Rod Special, XL 883L Sportster, XL 883R Roadster, XL 1200N Nightster) that were launched at the recently concluded Auto Expo at New Delhi, comprise of 5 Harley Davidson’s popular range of bikes– The Dyna, Softail, Sportster, VRSC™ Nightrod and the Touring.

Dyna
Dyna family of HDs was born during the 60s, the non-conformist time period and customization was the order the day with stripping and ripping the parts and chopping off the frames changed the look of the bike. Dyna was that friendly HD bike range for that time. Being powerful yet enabling easy ride with low center of gravity Dyna runs on a powerful Twim Cam 96 engine and has a 6-speed transmission.

Softail
Looks plus technology is what comes as a package with this family of bikes. The beast like machines with lowed seat promises great ride even for the short people. Maybe the mounted engine and hidden rear shocks give it a hardtail look though. The Twin Cam 96B engine generates road pounding torque and with a 6-speed drive transmission the ride experience would be no less than awesome. The new 5th gear (helical cut) transmission promises very smooth delivery of the power.

Sportster
This is a race-inspired model and features classic looks. While the frame appears a little narrower than other models, the styling is definitely quite appealing as it is raw. The core of Sportster family bikes are made of cast aluminum and high-strength stamped steel. The bike runs on fuel injected innovative evolution engines with dual adjustable shocks (dual mode) and the bike comes with 5 preloaded settings. It also sports high-performance carbon fiber belts. The V-Twin performance engine offers no nonsense but awesome power as well as agility. The bike continues to evolve with time while firmly adhering to its roots.

VRSC Nightrod
The trademarked Nightrod family of HD bikes offer amazing blend of style and power. The engine technology of this family is inspired by the racing bikes. The V Rod, as they are popular is characterized by bold styling, being low profile and sleek lines. The Nightrod sports liquid-cooled Revolution engine. The race-inspired slip-per-clutch technology and Brembo Brake System gives the bike an unimaginable stopping strength.

Touring
Timeless styled, this family of bikes is for the true long ride lovers. Keeping that in mind, the bike is designed to render comfort kilometer after kilometer to the rider as well as the pillion. The large windshields with huge saddles offer comfort to both rider and the passenger. The V Twin Cam 96 engine with 6-speed cruise drive transmission with the helical cut 5th gear promise smooth power delivery.

The bikes in this family though evolved with time with new re-designed frames, stronger chassis and also the Brembo Brake System. So now take the road to nowhere and still enjoy your ride to the hilt on the HD Touring bikes. We will discuss at length about 12 bikes separately during the later time.

With all being said, please bear in mind that Harleys are certainly bigger and bolder and are only for the richer and the fitter type.

So, are Indians up for the Harley’s motley?