Though the 250cc segment is under some strong invasion from the Japanese manufacturers and the other manufacturers alike, the 600cc segment is completely untapped in India. The homologation problems and the economic infeasibility of a 600 have been the primary factors for the manufacturers to overlook this segment.
But now, Hyosung, the Korean manufacturer who introduced the first twin-cylinder 250s in India in association with Kinetic, has initiate efforts to launch two superbikes in this segment – the 647cc GT650R and the 678cc ST7FI.
The GT650R is a track-bred sportsbike whereas the ST7FI is a classic cruiser. Both the machines have twin-cylinder powerplants in V-configuration and are fuel injected. Given the fact that there are no sportsbikes between 300cc and 1000cc, the GT650R has a considerable edge. For the ST7 though, the Harleys provide stiff competition considering the close pricing of the Harley Super Low to that of the ST7.
The Garware-Hyosung combine is also planning to stretch it’s portfolio in the coming months by adding a naked edition of the Hyosung GT650, and pricing it a touch under the GT650R sportsbike. In the coming years, based on the response of the new Hyosungs, there could be 250cc and 125cc motorcycles but expect nothing till the end of next year.
There has been news that Bajaj will launch the Ninja 650R, which if turns out to be true will affect the sales of the GT significantly. The Hyosungs will be assembled at the Pune facility of the Garware motors which has a capacity of rolling out 10 bikes per day.
The Garware motors have announced that the bookings for both these bikes will begin in early March. Though Garware plans to sell 2,000 locally-assembled bikes in a year, we doubt it will happen. The market climate is very much towards the 250cc segment now and it will take some more time for the Indian motorcycle industry to mature for the 600cc superbikes. Whichever way you look at it, this move is a bold step forward from the Garwares. Let us hope this initiative tempts the major manufacturers to launch their 600cc motorcycles in India soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment