Japanese superbikes at Indian prices

In an attempt to steal the two-wheeler market from the three Indian giants Hero Honda, Bajaj and TVS Motors, which collectively account for almost 85 per cent of sales, Japanese bike manufacturers like Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki will launch scaled-down Indian versions of their international superbike models.

Superbikes are motorcycles that have 800cc engines and can cost upwards of Rs 10 lakh if they are bought in India. Japanese manufacturers plan to offer re-engineered versions with much smaller engines and fewer trimmings at prices ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.



The superbikes that are being considered for such an overhaul are Yamaha YZF R1, Honda CBR 1000, Suzuki GSX R and the Kawasaki Ninja.

The re-engineering exercise involves putting in a lower-capacity and fuel-efficient engine and building a new chassis on the lines of the parent model using cheaper, lighter material. Other components built by using best-in-class material in the high-end bike will be replaced by aluminum and rubber components for the Indian version.

Expensive meter console units, twin disc brakes and wide tubeless tyres all basic features that contribute the high price tag of a superbike will not be available in the cheaper version.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000

"There are some superbikes in our international line-up of motorcycles that can be fine-tuned for India," said Naresh Rattan, divisional head (sales and marketing), Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India.

HMSI and Yamaha Motor India launched a product each in the local market, CBF Stunner and R 15, respectively, which are directly inspired from their CBR 1000 and YZF R1. The Indian re-engineered versions, which were launched over a month ago, are up for sale at Rs 53,000 for the 125cc Honda CBF Stunner and Rs 97,000 for 150cc Yamaha R 15.

Suzuki Motorcycle India is also gearing up to launch a similar model, which will be based on the GSX R series (priced at Rs 13-14 lakh), before December this year. The Indianised version will have an engine capacity of about 250cc, and is expected to cost close to Rs 1 lakh.

"We will launch two bikes before the end of the calendar year, of which one will be a mass-market premium model and the other a superbike," said Atul Gupta, vice-president (sales and marketing), SMIPL.

"The premium model will be a model which will be inspired by the GSX R range of superbikes," he added.

Written by .
Last updated on 02-12-2016. Published on 08-08-2008.
Published by Bikes4Sale in category News
Latest Comments. Share Your Opinion
Sir i am searching for a 600cc bike like r6 in 2lakhs i am ok with grey market bike also please help me sir
By B G Vinith Naidu on 06-11-2015
Sir i am searching for a 600cc bike like r6 for around 2 lakhs can u just me a bike please
By B G Vinith Naidu on 06-11-2015
Dear Sir,
I Am Looking For a Hayabusa In A Range 8,00,000Rs But I Want New Conditions Pleased Reply Fast

thanks
By Adnan on 21-09-2015
good day sir.do u only import for yourself or do u import for diffrent ppl.what bike can u get im looking for a gsx 1000 but the black and yellow one2004 to 2007.can u plz let me know if u can get one
By Eugene on 07-08-2009
Dear Sir

I am an importer in South Africa, looking for 600cc to 1000cc superbikes. Could you let me know if anyone exports these superbikes.

Thanks
Veera
Zap Importers.
By Alveera on 30-06-2009
Mr. Veera

Do you import only bikes or other things too??

I'm looking forward to export TMT Steel bars to foreign countries. Please contact if interested...

Bars are of international standards.

Amit Dhiman
amit53480@gmail.com
By Amit Dhiman on 19-10-2009
hello sir, i am looking for a honda cbr 900 rr fireblade in any colour of 1988-1994. plz let me know if u know one.
By Aditya on 01-10-2009
hello,
i want to buy a superbike from 500-1000cc
in a range of rs200000.
is there any bike avialable??
By Viral on 18-11-2009
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