Harley-Davidson introduces two bikes at lower price

New Delhi, Jan 5 (PTI) US cult bike maker Harley Davidson today launched two Indian-assembled models at a price starting from Rupees 995,000 (about USD 19,000) which is much lower than that of the imported motorcycles. FXDB Street Bob and FXDC Super Glide Custom, previously offered as Completely Built-up (CBU) imports, will now be available at all the seven dealerships of Harley-Davidson in India. The two bikes belong to the company's Dyna family of motorcycle. FXDB Street Bob will be available for Rs 995,000 as against the earlier Rs 1,395,000 (about USD 26,800). The FXDC super Glide Customs will be retailed at Rs 1,150,000 (USD 22,100) as against Rs 1,545,000 (USD 29,700) (CBU). The assembly plant is at Bawal in the northern state of Haryana. Bookings for these two motorcycles at the new prices has started, Harley-Davidson India Managing Director Anoop Prakash said. Announcing the expansion of complete knock down (CKD) production of Harley-Davidson India at the Auto Expo 2012, Prakash said, "The first time enthusiasts will be (now be) able to lay their hands on a 1,600cc bike for under Rs 10 lakh". (One lakh = 100,000). With about 1,000 Harleys already on Indian roads, the company is expecting greater demand for the iconic bike in India and would be opening three more showrooms at Kolkota, Kochi and Jaipur. The company commenced its India CKD assembly operation in January last year and has been assembling three motorcycles -- Harley-Davidson Superflow, Harley-Davidson Iron 883 and Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight. With the introduction of two more motorcycles in its CKD line-up, the company now assembles five motor bikes in the country, out of its total line up of 15 bikes being offered. The company also unveiled five customised bikes at the Expo. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson Inc, produces heavyweight Custom, Cruiser, and Touring motorcycles. Its India operation started in August 2009. PTI