2013 saw a number of bike models being launched in the Indian market. The list of bike launches in 2013 included the likes of Kawasaki Z1000, Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Hyosung GT250 R Limited Edition, Royal Enfield Continental GT, Bajaj Discover 100M, Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and 14R superbikes, Bajaj Discover 125T and Mahindra Centuro. Other models like 2013 Honda CBR250R, KTM 390 Duke and Hero Splendor Pro Gold Special Edition and Honda Dream Neo also entered the Indian market. In addition, Triumph, the iconic British motorcycle manufacturer, launched a total of ten bikes in India.
While this may not be the complete list of bikes launched in 2013, it does reflect the variety flooding the Indian market. Evidently, all two-wheeler companies that operate in India have tried to attract buyers through various strategies.
India Kawasaki Motors (IKM) expanded their product portfolio by launching Z1000 and Ninja 1000 at Rs. 12.50 lakh (ex-showroom Pune) in December 2013. These models were added to ZX-10R and ZX-14R models, which were launched in November. Yuji Horiuchi, Managing Director, India Kawasaki Motors, commenting on the launch, said, “The Indian high-end motorcycle market offers tremendous growth opportunities. We had recently launched two of our flagship models and received impressive response from these products. To further strengthen our presence in the country, we are now launching two more global products targeted at specific audiences. With incessant support from our long-standing partners, Bajaj Auto we look forward to taking the Kawasaki brand in India from strength to strength.” The bike company is now planning to chip in two more bikes, namely Versys 1000 and ER-6n. However, these two bikes are expected to be launched in the Indian market in 2014, hence not included in the above list.
In December 2013, Hyosung went ahead to launch the limited edition GT250 R with a new shade of hurricane yellow. The company, however, limited this bike model to just 50 units to make for an exclusive offer, marking celebration of first anniversary of HY Ryders (Hyosung owners club). Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Motowheels, speaking at the launch, reportedly commented, “Driven by popular demand from our discerning customers, we decided to introduce this signature edition of the GT250 R. What better way to introduce this faired beast than the 1st anniversary of our exclusive superbike club the HyRyders. We are overwhelmed by the support shown by the owners club, and are committed to delivering maximum value and excitement for them in the years to come.” The price of this limited edition bike is Rs. 2.97 lakh (ex-showroom Pune).
Royal Enfield launched its highly anticipated Continental GT in November 2013 with a retail price of Rs. 2.05 lakh (on-road Delhi) and Rs. 2.14 lakh (on-road Mumbai). This much awaited Cafe Racer from Royal Enfield was launched in Goa. Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eicher Motors Limited (the parent company of Royal Enfield), speaking at the launch, said, “As the world re-awakens to the sound of modern café racers, Royal Enfield is bringing back an icon that introduces the spirit of one of the most popular motorcycling cultures in history with the Continental GT – the lightest, fastest and most powerful Royal Enfield in production.”
Triumph also made its resolve clear by launching 10 new bike models across five categories in the country. The names of these bikes are Bonneville (Rs. 5.75 lakh), Bonneville T100 (Rs. 6.6 lakh), Thruxton (Rs. 6.75 lakh), Street Triple (Rs. 7.5 lakh), Speed Triple (Rs. 10.4 lakh), Daytona 675R (Rs. 11.4 lakh), Tiger 800 XC (Rs. 12 lakh), Thunderbird Storm (Rs. 13 lakh), Tiger Explorer (Rs. 17.9 lakh) and Rocket III Roadster (Rs. 20 lakh).
Bajaj Auto launched the Discover 100M in order to expand its market share and compete with Hero MotoCorp. This bike is a toned down version of 100T and has a price of Rs. 46,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). According to company claims, it delivers a power output of 7.3 bhp and mileage of up to 84 kmpl. Some other features of this bike are electric start, spider web alloys, gas filled Nitrox suspension, low maintenance battery, DC headlight and aluminium side sets. This bike is available to customers in five shades, namely Flame Red, Brilliant Blue, Midnight Black (Red decals), Midnight Black (Blue decals) and Midnight Black (Olive Decals).
