Harley-Davidson Street 500 Unlikely for Indian Market

The American motorcycle manufacturer, Harley-Davidson has no plans to launch the Street 500 in India. The company does not feel that there is a need to introduce a 500cc motorcycle in the Indian market as its 750cc model is doing quite well here. Street 750  is currently the lowest displacement motorcycle by Harley-Davidson in the country. It was launched back in 2014 and is priced at Rs. 4.52 lac (ex-showroom, Delhi). If Harley would have introduced a 500cc bike, it would have directly locked horns with the segment leader, Royal Enfield, whose 500cc offerings have proved themselves unbeatable so far.

Speaking about Street 500, Mr. Marc McAllister, MD, Harley-Davidson Asia Pacific, said, "It doesn't fit in the Indian market. The Street 750 is doing so well. It really is attracting the customers we are looking for so there is no need." He added, "We are building the Street 500 in our Indian plant for Indonesia and Australia because it fits a riders need, because of displacement rules in those two markets. At the moment, we continue to evaluate where the right place for the product is."

"In the Asia-Pacific scene, India is tremendously important. It's a big part of our growth. It continues to drive our growth in Asia-Pac so it is key for us," said Mr. McAllister, talking about the sales in India. About H-D Steet 750, he said,  "The Harley Street 750 was launched to be a more accessible Harley for the younger urban rider all across the planet, but here in India it is perfect for the large urban areas. It represents and helps people ride here. Lighter, nimbler and water cooled and so in 33 degrees doesn't get too hot. It has gone out and taken strength to strength not only here in India. We ship that bike all across Asia, Europe and it has been tremendously successful everywhere we have launched it."

Harley-Davidson is expanding its foothold in India as it has recently opened its 21st dealership in Coimbatore. H-D presently has 13 motorcycles in its Indian line-up.

Also Read: Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom Launched in India Starting at Rs. 8.90 lac