Suzuki is expected to launch its famed 1340cc Hayabusa, GSX-R 1000 and Bandit 1250 bikes in September, Honda will introduce two models — the CBR 1000 and the GLX 1 — in October.

“There was always a demand for superbikes, or high performance, costly motorcycles. With an increase in disposable income among the youth, companies are keen to tap this niche segment,” said automobile analyst Ranojoy Mukherji. “This is a trend. It may not yield much money but it is high on the image it gives to these companies.”

According to N.K. Rattan, divisional head, sales and marketing, Honda Motorcycles Scooters India, “There will be one or two more launches in this financial year. We also expect to launch our bikes above the 800cc category in this fiscal, which will be priced above Rs 10 lakh.” Honda will import these bikes as completely built units, he said.

Kawasaki, too, is preparing for a rollout, with plans to sell through Bajaj Auto’s network. It will import knocked down kits from Japan starting with the heavier Ninja 250.

Suzuki’s Hayabusa is expected to cost up to Rs 11 lakh. The bike will be launched in the first week of September but its retail price will be high because of its high 105 per cent import duty.

“The demand for big bikes is actually more of a hype. Cumulatively, these bikes sell only about 400 units per annum and we don’t expect volumes as well. Along with the GSX, we will probably do 150 units per annum,” said Atul Gupta, vice-president, sales and marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India.

Other bike manufacturers such as Yamaha and Ducati have made their presence felt in the sports model segment. — (telegraphindia.com)