NEW DELHI: Japanese bike major Yamaha on Wednesday drove in its 1,680cc super bike VMAX, priced at Rs. 20 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the most expensive bike so far launched in India. Notwithstanding this steep price, which can buy a premium luxury car, the company has already got nine bookings and hopes to close the year with 25."India is one of the key markets for Yamaha. We are constantly shifting gears to transform the market from utility to pleasure and lifestyle. With the launch of all-new VMAX, Yamaha brings a new credo for the bikers in India," Yamaha Motor India CEO Yukimine Tsuji said after unveiling the bike in the presence of the company's brand ambassador & Bollywood actor John Abraham.
Yamaha already sells two expensive bikes — 1670cc MT01 and 998cc bike YZF-R1 —both priced above Rs 12 lakh. Tsuji said the company has sold 100 units of the R1 and 50 units if the MT01 so far. "While we do not expect sale of many units, we believe there is a set of enthusiasts in India which is interested in brands like the Yamaha VMAX. This is like a dream bike for them, something like a Porsche is in cars," Tsuji said.
However, he admitted that poor road infrastructure was a stumbling block to the sale and acceptance of such products. The entry of Yamaha VMAX comes days after Harley Davidson announced plans to drive in its cruisers next year. "Given rapid development of Indian economy and physical infrastructure, this is the right time to bring the world's greatest motorcycles to one of the world's largest motorcycling nations," Harley-Davidson president, COO Matthew Levatich said earlier.
While India is the world's second-biggest motorcycle market after China, it is primarily a low-cost bike nation. However, a niche segment appears to be developing in the expensive segment, prompting companies like Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki to launch their premium bike range here, all costing around Rs 10 lakh and above.
Courtsey: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
