Kawasaki Estrella 250 Imported to India for R&D

Kawasaki has imported the Estrella 250 to India for R&D purposes; it could be a competitor to Royal Enfield motorcycles.

Kawasaki has not confirmed the possible launch of the Estrella 250 in India. However, the Japanese automaker recently imported this retro-styled cruiser to the country. According to an import/export data provider website, the automaker has bought the 250cc motorcycle as a CBU unit in India for R&D purposes, with the model name BJ250 LGF. The bike has been styled like the Triumph Bonneville. However, the features and equipment make it a close competitor to Royal Enfield motorcycles. 

Born as a sports classic model to bring the retro back, Kawasaki Estrella 250 offers a pure classic charm and is sold mostly in the Japanese market. The bike gets a well-contoured fuel tank, an elongated classic single seat, retro-styled mudguards. spoke wheels, and many other features, giving it a nostalgic appeal. The round headlight, rear-view mirrors, tail lamp housing and the bullet indicators get a chrome finish to gel with its sparkling paint job. Other parts of the bike -- including engine, muffler and wheels -- come finished in black or chrome, depending on the colour scheme.

Propelling the Kawasaki Estrella is a 249cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which comes mated to a five-speed gearbox and uses a fuel injection system. The motor produces up to 17.1bhp at 7500rpm and delivers torque up to 18Nm at 5000rpm. 

The cost of the CBU unit of the Kawasaki Estrella 250 imported for R&D is more than Rs 4 lakh, which is much too high for a 250cc motorcycle. If the company brings it via the CKD route for local assembly, the price could be around Rs. 3 lakh. However, it will still be too expensive compared to RE bikes. The estimated CKD price of the Estrella 250 is closer to that of the Hyosung Aquila 250 that comes with some extra premium equipment and a more powerful V-twin engine.

Source: Zauba