We’ve mentioned many times how the major motorcycle manufacturers have been looking at the market in India which, though protected by high tariffs, could yield substantial sales. Ducati today announced a partnership with Precision Motor to import the Italian bikes for the Indian market.
According to the agreement, Precision Motor India will be the exclusive importer of Ducati motorcycles in India. Precision Motor India also sells brands like Porsche, Audi, NetJets, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana in India.
Link: Business Standard
Related: Harley Davidson Just One of Many Headed for India
Tom says
For many years, one of the few Ducatis in India was the personal bike of Ravi Bajaj, COO of the huge Bajaj motorcycle company.
Tom
Matt in NC says
I imagine that, even though India’s economy is doing well these days, the cost of even the 696 Monster will be out of reach for most Indians.
I would love to see Ducati develop a new Desmo single, perhaps a 500 based on half a SS 1000ie motor. The new SuperMono. Get down to under 300lbs. Now that’d be cool…
Nicolas says
The vast majority of Indians don’t have and will never have the resources to get even a baby monster, however I guess we can compare the situation to China where you see very (very) expensive cars everywhere … 99% of people there are poor but the top 1% has a lot of cash to spend on toys like ducatis.
I’m flying to India next month, I’ll keep you posted 😉
todd says
According to the release, Precision Motor India already sells Porsches and Jet air planes. To this sort of clientel, a Ducati would be easy pickins.
I agree with Matt, a Duc 500 single would be great. If Ducati had a mfg in India build one under license (Bajaj?) a lot more people there would be riding a Ducati. It would also have enough margin to sell in the US.
-todd
Alex says
Matt & Todd, it would have to be a 400cc, to enter the Japnese market as well. Ducati is damn famous here, but because of middle class bike license limitations (up to 400) barely bought amongst people with average income (the big class license is just too expensive and time intensive, test is usually taken 5 times before passing).
Ducati had a Monster 400 on sale here for a limited time.
Don’t know about other asian countries, though.
John says
I like the idea of a desmo single. make it like the yamaha srx600 but with modern suspension, modern brakes, wheels that use tubeless tires and keep the kickstart.
revhappy says
Im from India and a serious enthusiast & collector. You will be shocked out of er wits if you’d know the prices and models. The Italians have made themselves and us Indian bikers a complete joke. 5 models launched and ineptly priced 3-4 times the US MSRP. Even the line up is bad, the Monster 695/696 were left out due to homologation.
Multistrada @ US$52,000
848 @ US$53,000
S4RS @ US$55,000
1098@ US$64,000
1098R@ US$ 120,000
Agreed that duty is a 100% on motorcycles in CBU form into India but Ducati’s invoicing from Italy can be far cheaper than US MSRP as the US bikes too are imported from Italy. Even at a 100% on US MSRP thy could sell at a little over twice the price. Im sure all of u are aware of the Indian economy only a miniscule portion of the society can afford such extravagangnce & again how many of the rich are ardent enhusiasts?
A Mercedes E Class sells on road here for US$100,000 in India. A Lamborghini Gallardo sells for US$ 500,000 in India. The Porsche 911 starts from US$100,000 onwards. Though a thorough biker, i would rather sepnd my money wisely on the Porsche.
Honestly, the pricing is akward and against true motorcycling.