I just read an interesting article about the owner of Eicher Motors, the Delhi-based maker of Volvo trucks, buses and Royal Enfield motorcycles, which enjoy a cult status among India’s motorbike enthusiasts. Stocks in this company have risen 46% in the recent past and, owner and controlling agent in the family business, Vikram Lal has been propelled into the billionaire class.
More interestingly, there is a 9 month waiting period for Royal Enfield bikes and Harley Davidson obviously recognizes an opportunity to tap into the huge market there, hence their introduction of the new line of 500c.c. and 750c.c. bikes just recently unveiled. There are over 10 million bikes sold annually in India and even a 1% share of a market place comprised of a population of 1.5 billion is one hell of a lot of bike sales! Having travelled through India, I could see that the smaller c.c.bike is more of a staple, as much for maneuverability as for price range. Of course, as disposable income grows in India, so too does the market for bigger and more expensive bikes. Obviously, Triumph also recognized the trend, as they intended to enter the India market in 2012 but were held off until this year and join Harley Davidson with 2014 manufacturing and sales.
Of course, the new Harley class of bikes is also a great way to build some brand loyalty here in North America. New riders and owners can get started on the smaller c.c. bike and work their way up to the big machines as they gain some experience. The Street models won't hit the dealerships here until 2015, so we'll have to wait and see just how that will play itself out!
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| 2014 Harley Davidson Street |
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| Royal Enfield Continental GT |
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| The old Royal Enfield |
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| Triumphs base model Bonneville T100 |
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| Modified T100 |
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