Let’s take a look at other players in two wheeler industry in the country. All of them are hunting for the top spot in the segment. In this article, we would be checking out few more favorites of the country in the segment.
HERO
When it comes to Indian two wheeler market, Hero MotoCorp (or Hero Honda to be more specific) is the most recognized manufacturer. In 2010, Hero Honda made a decision to split their ways, as a result of which Hero MotoCorp emerged. In 2011, after termination of their joint venture, the story for Hero MotoCorp has changed a lot. Fierce competition from rivals in higher range bikes was forcing the company to take immediate measures. Economical champs like splendor series, glamour series and the HF series, are still the strongest players of the company. But their most renowned offering, the Karizma is no more a match for the rivals.
In 2014, at Auto Expo, the company revealed two bikes namely, HX250 and Hastur. Hero motocorp had designed the bikes with the help of Erik Buell racing, which is one of their subsidiaries. In 2013, Hero MotoCorp had acquired 49.2% stake in Erik Buell racing. HX250 is soon to be launched around halfway of 2015 and is set to replace the flagship karizma. Hastur is company’s offering in the higher segment and would categorize as naked series. Hastur’s design is quite radical and is still in the concept form. Many have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of both the machines. Hope, company is able to realize the concept soon. It’s a tough way up for them.
HONDA
Honda the most loved & admired in the country. Honda entered the Indian scenario long back with Hero MotoCorp as their partner. In 2011, the two parted their way. Honda has been the hero of the market after the split. Honda being the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world never faced much trouble. The ride for them has been quite smooth.
After the launch of CBR250R and CBR150R, Honda gained a lot of momentum in the market and had brought the fight with their rivals on street. Honda CBR sport series speaks for itself. Honda also offers their top of the line bikes. The CB1000R & CBR1000RR form the naked and faired version, respectively, of the CB series. VFR1200F is more of a sports tourer. Honda Goldwing is company’s most refined touring bike and company has also offered the VT1300CX chopper.
Honda plans on offering a lot more in the segment. The first in line to be launched will be the CBR650 and could be followed by the successors to CBR150R & CBR250R. Many other offerings are in line but without any solid word much can’t be said. Honda has played it smart by taking in a substantial chunk of the economical section of the segment. Company’s ‘Dream’ series, CB series and recently launched Unicorn160 are the major products in economic section.
Honda is aiming for the top spot and even if it acquires it, it won’t be a surprise for many. But as seen it’s not that easy.
YAMAHA
Yamaha dates back to the time of Rajdoot’s in the country. Rajdoot was a tuned down version of Yamaha’s RD350B. Yamaha’s two stroke engines were a sensation in the country. The two most famous bikes of the time belong to the RX series, the RX100 and RX135. The RX’s are still loved by many biking enthusiasts and it won’t be a miracle to see them in a collector’s garage. The RX series phased out by the mid of 2005.
In current scenario, Yamaha has still maintained their portfolio by introducing their most famous sport series, the YZF and naked series, the FZ. Yamaha has been the first manufacturer to make bikes of such caliber available in the country. Almost everyone was left behind. Yamaha’s first two bikes in both respective series were, YZF R15 and FZ. The bikes turned things for the company in a great way. Many version and variations have been brought in the models. Yamaha also introduced the faired version of FZ badged as the FAZER. At the economical edge, Company’s offering such as the CRUX, YBR and SZ series are doing a fair job.
But it has been a long time since something new has been offered. Yamaha is all set to bring in the Yamaha R3 (or R25, yet to be confirmed). One could also expect a more powerful and brutal version of FZ and FAZER. An upgrade in the R15 could also be seen. At the top of the lineup, Yamaha offers YZF R1, FZ1 and VMAX. The latest iteration of YZF R1 has received great appreciation and would soon be making its way to the country. We hope Yamaha soon brings in the YZF R6, too.
Most of the major manufacturers have been covered, but the count is not yet over.
Related links:
http://auto.ndtv.com/news/hero-s-250cc-hx250r-might-come-by-mid-2015-747638
http://auto.ndtv.com/news/hero-motocorp-s-upcoming-bikes-scooters-in-2015-716250
http://auto.ndtv.com/news/new-honda-cbr-150r-launching-soon-in-india-734791
http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-news/honda-cbr650f-coming-to-india-this-march-393172.aspx
http://auto.ndtv.com/news/yamaha-to-launch-yzf-r3-instead-of-r25-in-india-728040
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