Yamaha sells about a half million motorcycles annually in India, but that number will soon rise thanks to an accessible new bike that will cost the equivalent of $500. The Indian market consumes a staggering number of motorcycles; 10.1 million were sold there in the fiscal year through March, and though roughly one in 25 Indians are on two wheels, that number is still growing. Motorcycles sold in India tend to be smaller (70 percent are between 100cc and 125cc), and they're a potentially lucrative spot for manufacturers; Honda, for instance, developed a low-priced model three years ago tailor made for the market, and even Harley-Davidson has entered India to capitalize on demand.
In a land where motorcycles can compete with rock bottom cars for transportation, a $500 bike makes a lot of sense... but would it work in the U.S.? Methinks our riders are a bit too persnickety (not to mention displacement obsessed) for small-bore starter bikes.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Related:
- Honda Hits India with $900, 164 MPG CB Twister; U.S. Market is Spared
- Kawasaki Will Shift Some Motorcycle Production to Thailand, Honda Might Follow Suit
- Harley's Next Stop: India
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Source: http://motorcycles.about.com/b/2012/06/26/yamaha-builds-500-motorcycle-for-india.htm
Javier Arumi Sadao Asami Giuseppe Ascareggi Franz Aschenbrenner
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