Latest Bike News

InterGlobe Aviation, popularly known as owners of Indigo Airlines, brings in Vyrus, Hollister custombikes and Grinnall trikes to India

InterGlobe General Aviation transfigured its identity as InterGlobe Established Products PrivateLimited – THE ESTD and has brought a bunch of luxury and lifestyle products for the growingpopulation of high net worth individuals (HNIs) in India. The portfolio includes Italy based Vyrusbikes, Germany based Hollister Custom Motorcycles and U.K. based Grinnall. Nigel Harwood,President and CEO, THE ESTD, informed that he wishes to cater to the growing number of youngHNIs in India who seek thrill and adventure by representing a number of global luxury productmanufacturers in the country. Commenting on the arrival of Hollister bikes in the country, Harwoodannouced that its time for the current Harley Davidson bike owners in India to switch over to evenheavier Hollister custom motorcycles. Volker Sichler of Hollister Motorcycles expressed his happinessover being represented in India under the brand, THE ESTD. He disclosed that around 90 percentHarley owners in Europe spend an average of 10,000 euros in customising their bikes besides the costof the bikes. A handmade, base model of Hollister custom bike costs roughly 30,000 euros in Germany.Hollister displayed their Custom Twin Special which sported a stretched 16 liter fuel tank with a singleseat. According to Sichler, the bike could be customised and delivered to the customers in India within6 months of order. The Custom Twin Special is likely to cost over Rs 38 lakh including the importduties.

 

 

Also on the display was a Vyrus. They are known as a small scale sports bike manufacturer whichproduces only 2 models namely 984 and 985. The maker sources engines from Ducati (a 2 valve 992 ccand a 4 valve 999 cc for 984 and 985 respectively, both mated to a 6 speed gear box). Both the modelswould be available for sales in India and are expected to cost over Rs 20 lakh. Further, the brand wouldalso represent Grinnall trikes in India which are known to be built using engines from BMW. The trikescome with the options of 2 front wheels and a rear wheel as well as 1 front wheel and 2 rear wheels.Besides the bikes, brand The ESTD would also offer select super cars such as Koenigsegg, Gumpert,Deronda and luxury yachts and boats.

 

Words: Amit Panday

Harley Davidson has announced an addition to its present range of models this year

US motorcycle major Harley Davidson will be launching one more model in India, the Forty-Eight . With this addition the company will be to able cater to its ever growing fan following in India even better. The urban brawler will surely woo the customers with its power and performance. Introduced to the Indian market at Rs. 8,50,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) the motorcycle is available across all Harley Davidson dealerships in India.

 

 

The new Harley is a factory custom motorcycle on the lines of the traditional Sportster but with an appeal of the Dark Custom bikes. The bike sports a traditionally styled “peanut” tank exposing more of the rubber-mounted Evolution 1200cc V-Twin engine. The low solo seat, under-mounted mirrors, side mount license plate, clear rear fender all emphasize the Forty-Eights chiseled customization and add to the minimalistic look even as old school look meets the new school technology. Along with custom cool styling the motorcycle also has new front fork sliders, a beefy front tire provides a dominating front end with smooth ride and solid handling whereas slammed rear suspension gives confidence to riders of all sizes and experience. The forward foot controls will give an opportunity to kick back and stretch your legs as you cruise across the highways.

Extremely radical, expensive and exclusive Italian motorcycles are here to loosen your purse strings

Be it cars or bikes, India is the new battlefield for almost all the manufacturers in the world, no matter how big or small they may be. Vyrus (no typo there) Motorcycles, an extremely small and exclusive motorcycle manufacturer from Italy, has tied up with InterGlobe Enterprises to market its motorcycles in India. The company, based in Rimini, Italy, is primarily known for its collaborations with Bimota and Ducati, but also manufactures its own line of motorcycles which are sold to an exclusive clientele at a stratospheric price. In India, that translates to a possible sticker price anywhere from Rs. 12.5 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh, depending on the level of customisation.

Vyrus is just one of the exclusive marques that InterGlobe Enterprises, owner of Indigo Airlines, is bringing to India. The company is also in talks to usher Koenigsegg, Grinnall and Hollister motorcycles on Indian shores. 

Words: Saeed Akhtar

Two wheeler sales in India rises in the 2^nd month of 2011 too

India’s two-wheeler market is showing no signs of slowing down as the sales momentum was kept going in the month of February, with all the three major manufacturers, Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor, recording better growth than the previous month. Bajaj topped the list of companies exporting their vehicles followed by TVS, while Hero Honda made four lakh plus sales.

The Pune based company, Bajaj Auto, sold a total of 286,657 units resulting in a 22% increase since last year. Exports of the company too rose by 32% as they sold 102,433 units. Hero Honda, India’s largest two wheeler company, posted a 24% growth whereas TVS’s sales of two wheelers grew to 23 % in the month of February. Hero Honda sold 472,055 units, crossing the 4 lakh mark for the 10^th consecutive month.

 

Despite the hike and import duty for CKD bikes, Harleys will maintain their current prices.

US based cult bike maker, Harley Davidson, has announced that they will not be raising the prices of their two models, which are assembled in India even as the government has increased the import duty for completely knock down bikes (CKD). 

In the recent budget proposal the government had changed the definition of CKD’s where automobile imported might end up paying 30% import duty instead of the regular 10%.

The company has been evaluating different options, in wake of the new rules imposed for the import duties for CKD. The Superlow and the 883 Iron will be the first two bikes to roll out the CKD facility unit is Bawal, Haryana. Harley Davidson MD Anoop Prakash told the media that the company is committed to their customers, dealers and enthusiasts.

As mangoes were allowed to be sold in the US market, India relaxed the emission norms on bikes above 800cc allowing the Harleys to start assembling and selling their bikes in India.

 

Words: Raymond Raj

Honda CBR 250R to reach the showrooms by the first week of April

 

Any major launch in this year cannot come close to the eagerness with which bike enthusiasts are waiting for the Honda CBR 250R and much to their relief, the bike isn’t that far now. Recently launched in Thailand, Honda’s latest single-cylinder, 250-cc offering will reach the showrooms across the country by the first week of April. Due to the unfortunate catastrophe and loss of life in Japan, the company has planned not to hold any formal launch event. The bike will be available in standard and combi-ABS variants and has been priced at Rs 1.51 lakh and Rs 1.77 lakh respectively (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

 

Talking about the company’s future plans, Shinji Aoyama, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd, said- “ In India Year 2011 marks beginning of a new Era for Honda. With new aggression, Honda has set up plans for rapid expansion to serve customers better. To meet the expectations of existing customers, our second manufacturing facility at Tapukara, Rajasthan will soon be operational from early 2nd half of 2011 taking our total production capacity to 22 lakh units in FY 2011-12.”,

 

Words: Gasha Aeri