BREAKING: Hero MotoCorp Will Handle Harley-Davidson India Sales

Hero MotoCorp will also develop and sell a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley-Davidson brand name 

Service for all Harleys to be handled by Hero MotoCorp in India. Hero will take over distribution of Harley parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel.  Will also take advantage of its existing dealership network in India to do the same.

Iconic American bikemaker Harley-Davidson and Indian two-wheeler giant Hero MotoCorp have announced a distribution agreement for our market. As per the agreement, Hero MotoCorp will sell and service Harley-Davidson motorcycles in India. It will also handle the distribution of genuine Harley parts, accessories, riding gear, apparel and general merchandise through brand-exclusive Harley-Davidson dealers and via its existing dealership network in India. Current Harley dealers will continue operations until 31, 2020. Harley will communicate its updated dealer network and service points by the end of December 2020. Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) activities, import services, warranty and motorcycle services are currently active and will continue from January 2021 onwards.

The contract also says that Hero will be solely responsible for developing and selling a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley-Davidson brand name. This could open up new horizons for the Indian bikemaker, as it did for Bajaj when it tied up with KTM. 

Back in 2012, Bajaj procured the licence to manufacture the KTM 200 Duke in India. Soon after, it introduced the first liquid-cooled Bajaj, the Pulsar NS 200, based on the same 200cc engine thanks to technology transfer. The same game plan was then applied to the rest of KTM’s model lineup which gave birth to a range of new performance-oriented Bajaj bikes. 

Whether Harley and Hero have similar plans is something only time will tell. Both brands haven’t divulged much right now. If it’s true, the new agreement will help Hero to tap into the classic motorcycle segment which has been dominated by Royal Enfield for over two decades. Honda too recently debuted in this segment with the H’ness CB 350.