India and the surrounding markets have been a wealth of sales for motorcycle manufacturers, but historically the bulk of those numbers were for inexpensive and economical smaller-sized engine bikes.That trend has changed over 2008 with larger motorcycle manufacturers focusing on India's growing appetite for larger, more powerful models.
Recently, suzuki Motorcycle India launched its first performance motorcycles with the Hayabusa and Intruder M 1800 R (pictured below) for the Indian market, following in the tire tracks of Yamaha and Ducati.
Suzuki Intruder M1800R
suzuki Intruder M1800R
Yamaha launched the YZF-R1 and MT01 last year with Ducati rolling out its line this year, and while Yamaha's models are priced similar to the suzuki prices, the Italian motorcycles manufacturer are considered more expensive bikes.
Some say the high price point has limited Ducati's sales to fifty units being sold this year.
Speaking about the Hayabusa and M 1800 R, Atul Gupta, VP sales and marketing for suzuki Motorcycle India said, "These two are 2009 models launched this year. Once we see demand for these models picking up, we will launch more models from the GSX family in the next six months."
Honda will enter the performance range with its own 800cc motorcycles in the first quarter of next year for all of Southeast Asia.
