If you thought the Indian bike market was all about low-power big mileage bikes, check yourself. While the entry-level bikes still rule the roost in the segment, the market is witnessing a perceptible shift towards higher-power bikes that are gradually being accepted by commuters, many of whom would like faster bikes even though these run low on mileage.
The trend in perceptible and domestic companies like Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto and TVS have been quick to lap it up (though it is yet to account for significant volumes). All the major players in the Indian bike market are boosting presence in the segment and introducing new models as well as variants to woo customers to their products, that are priced in the Rs 50,000-80,000 range.
Not only do these bikes add to the brand value of the companies but also give them the much-required profitability, as they offer high margins.
Bajaj Auto has already built up a sizeable portfolio in the segment on its ?Pulsar? platform as it boasts of 150-cc, 180-cc, 200-cc and 220-cc variants of the model. Company Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said he expects a sizeable number to come from this segment and points out that customers were ready to shell out more for premium bikes. Bullish on the segment, the company has increased production of the Pulsar family and has also started a premium showroom concept ?Pro-Biking? dedicated to premium bikes.
Another company focussing on the segment is Hero Honda. The company re-launched the 150-cc ?CBZ Xtreme? in October last year and the model seems to be doing well. Other bikes in the company?s premium portfolio include the 225-cc Karizma and the 150-cc Achiever.
Not to be left behind, TVS Motors has also launched a sporty version of its ?Apache? bike that now comes with a 160-cc engine. The company?s senior vice-president (sales and service) R Chandramouli said that TVS was looking to move up to high- powered bikes and the new Apache RTR (Racing Throttle Response) would be a step towards it.