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
The Kneeslider: Harley Davidson in Vietnam
The Kneeslider: Harley Davidson Beijing Dealer Visit
Earl says
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!
Toddk says
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)
praths says
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.
Bajwa says
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?
TorqueMonster says
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..
Manash says
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.
Rohan says
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.
neeraj tayal says
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
brenden mathias says
i am longing for this bike to come to india, cant wait.
leon says
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!
Gitesh Biswas says
Its nice to know that HD is coming to INDIA….Im greatly excited about the V-ROD series…I hope the Government lowers the tax rates and HD comes to INDIA quickly…Lets hope HD doesnt customise its bike for Indian roads..We should get the bikes that are original HD monsters…..
yugandhar says
Hi ,
This is Yugandhar K .
Can you please provide me a small information about Harley Davidson bike.
Total number of people those who are owning harley davindson bikes in india and approximate cost of the bike in indian rupees?
Thanks and Regards,
yugandhar