Pricing will decide Harley's way forward

News of the arrival of Harley Davidson in Bangalore have thrown the local harley cult into a tizzy

News of the arrival of Harley Davidson in Bangalore have thrown the local harley cultu00a0 into a tizzy

Get ready to welcome the Harley Davidson to Bangalore next January. But before the cult bike is launched, there's another treat in store the Harley show.



After the Founders ride held in New Delhi on August 30, the city's Harley freaks are getting ready for the show in December.

The bike, to make its foray into the Indian two-wheeler segment with more than one variant, will race along with high-end bikes like Royal Enfield's Bullet Machismo, Suzuki's Hayabusa, Suzuki's Intruder and Kawasaki's Ninja.

"We are awaiting the launch and hope to participate in the Founders Ride in Bangalore," said Rohit V Katti, CEO, South India, Topsgrup and a 2003 Dyna Low Rider 1450 CC, 100th anniversary model Harley owner from Bangalore.

Easy rider: Enthusiast Rohit V Katti on his 100th anniversary model Harley

Harleys to cruise in

Over 20 from the Harley Owners Group (HOG) took part in the New Delhi ride to mark the entry of the bike in India.

And now they are gearing up for the Bangalore ride.

"Also, many bike freaks are looking forward to the bike," added Katti.

Highway hogs: Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG) members gather for a photo shoot after a group ride

The threat

Though news of Harley Davidson's entry is sweet music to Harley lovers, it's been worrying high-end bikers in Bangalore.

"Harley is one brand well known world wide," said Gunjan Shah, director, Thirumala Race Tech. "Its entry will certainly pose a challenge to existing high-end bikes."

However, the customised bike segment doesn't see a threat.

"It's not a threat to our segment," said Akhil, an automobile expert who specialises in customisation, Skini group. "It's a different bike entirely. Its entry will not affect the customised bike segment, as Harleys are a brand by themselves. However, customising a Harley will be an interesting assignment."



Price factor

Pricing will also play a key role to decide the winner in the race. While variants of Harleys are said to cost from Rs.6-16 lakh, a Hayabusa is priced Rs 13.63 lakh (approx) and an Intruderu00a0 Rs 12.5 lakh. On the cheaper end are those like Kawasaki's Ninja, said to cost Rs 2.10 lakh (approx) and Royal Enfield Bullet Machismo that cost Rs 1.18 lakh (approx).

"Pricing of Harley Davidson in the Indian market will decide its way ahead," added Gunjan Shaw. "If the variants are priced reasonably, then it will certainly affect other high-end bikes."