Harley Davidson in India
May 28th, 2006 by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider"
Harley Davidson is pushing into international markets in a big way. Just the other day we mentioned the new trade agreements hammered out with Vietnam to allow the sale of the big cruisers there and now we are hearing of similar moves to get the bikes into India.
India has had some very high import tariffs on bikes like Harley Davidsons, sometimes as high as 90 percent! By lowering tariffs and agreeing on emission regulations, the Milwaukee company can take a shot at introducing the Sportsters and Softails where the primary motorcycle is currently about 125cc.
With increased economic cooperation between India and the U.S. it’s only a matter of time before riders over there want to try out Milwaukee made cruisers. There’s certainly a growing community of potential riders with the economic wherewithal to buy Harleys, whether they will remains to be seen.
Link: Daily News and Analysis, Mumbai, India
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Posted in Economics and Politics, Motorcycle Business
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10 Responses to “Harley Davidson in India”
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May 28th, 2006 at 8:29 am
I’ve had some good times in India - but I wouldn’t want to ride an HD there. An Enfield single is the perfect bike for that country, but doubtless, there are many folks there who’d want an HD just to prove themselves. A good marketing move from Milwaukee!
May 28th, 2006 at 2:43 pm
I’m guessing that HD is going to do the same thing as Vento and jazz up a 300cc or so scooter to look like a cruiser and then slap an HD logo on it. (along with a nice premium for owning a geniune HD motorcycle err umm scooter)
June 6th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
It is the best the harley davidson is coming to india .
really it will get a good responce from those who are high
its a good chance who realyy want 2 prove themselves.
October 3rd, 2006 at 1:51 pm
I think Harley is going to do really well here, majority of the guys here dig big cruisers with lots of chrome. The 883 would be the model i think would sell the most here. All harley has to do now is make their engines cleaner to make it through the tough pollution norms, and get the enfield guys to market their bikes for them…. Any chance of an XR Harley?
October 7th, 2006 at 10:42 am
I cant wait to feast my waist on a harley…I have been a fan of this monster ever since motorcycling began in India..I would love to see a fatboy in town..So when are u guys showing up..
October 15th, 2006 at 6:18 am
I had been waiting for a Harley since I was ten years old kid. Fifteen years passed away and I am still waiting to put my hands on it.
February 15th, 2007 at 4:24 am
I have been in love with Harley since i saw it for first time in Terminator 2. I was 13 years at that time and now im 25.And i jus skip my beat when ever i hear HD comin to India. It wud b gr8 to see those Monsters on indian Roads.
February 18th, 2007 at 11:32 am
call me a pessimist but HD would have quite a job on its hands if it is to do well with in the indian markets. the main competition would obviously come from enfield which has quite a fan following in india. i have met a few of these guys and they would just not settle for anything else - diehard loyalists. The expensive variations should not be introduced as there is no market for them and everything wold probably hang on the price offered by HD to the market. Maybe something can be learnt from the superbike market in india
August 12th, 2007 at 11:12 am
i am longing for this bike to come to india, cant wait.
September 21st, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Its great when HD makes its foray in the indian mkt, its going to change Indian motorcycling forever….with this I must add that i hope Yamaha thinks of reintroducing the RD 350 , if given a choice I’d still go for the rd 350, the bike is truly one of a kind…you guys at escorts are u listening!