Harley-Davidson’s Street 750 coming to India soon
Harley-Davidson has had an immensely successful run in India and plans to increase its presence in the premium motorcycling space further. The 2013 Milan Motor Show had Harley showcase the made-in-India, for-India Street 500 and 750, but Anoop Prakash, MD, Harley-Davidson India has confirmed that only the Street 750 will be launched here initially. The 500 will be considered later depending on market response and demand. Prakash says the decision was reached after the company spoke to more than 500 of its customers in the country, most of whom voted for the Street 750.
The Street series aims to cater to a new breed of young adults shifting to motorcycles as urban as well as lifestyle products, and the 500 and 750 are thus based on an all-new platform and get liquid-cooled engines. Prakash has confirmed that the Street 750 will make its India debut at the 2014 Auto Expo, and will cost under Rs 5 lakh on-road, making its the most affordable Harley in the world. The pricing has been made possible thanks to the motorcycle and its engine being manufactured right here, at Harley’s facility in Bawal, Haryana. The Street 750 is sure to give a big boost to Harley’s sales and image as a lifestyle motorcycle brand.
Harley has also launched the 2014 Street Glide in the country that has received comprehensive updates such as liquid-cooling and enhanced ergonomics based on customer feedback. The Street Glide is Harley’s flagship product in India and retails at Rs 29 lakh, ex-showroom. The bike has already received several bookings which Prakash says is proof of rising demand for high-end touring motorcycles. He says, “A lot of our existing customers are graduating to the touring experience because they are doing enough riding. They want the comfort, power and stability that touring bikes provide.” That apart the Fat Bob is set to get a revised rear end design and a new colour option, Amber Whiskey. Updates for the Dyna and Sportster families are planned as well.
Harley also plans to open dealerships in cities like Surat, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Calicut and Lucknow this year.
H-D is equally focused on its merchandise business in India, which includes riding gear, fashion apparel, casual and sportswear. “It’s a way of getting people to have an affinity with the brand and Harley is focusing on merchandise as a growth area,” says Prakash. Under its customer engagement plans, H-D programs include weekend rides, zonal rallies, national rallies and a Harley Rock Riders event. Prakash says this promotes what Harley is all about — being on the road.
