Harley-Davidson
India considers eliminating import duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles: Sources
The Indian government is considering eliminating import duties on high-end motorcycles with engine capacities of 750cc and above, in a bid to ease market access for iconic American brands like Harley-Davidson. This move is part of a broader strategy to strike a trade deal with the US without compromising India’s protectionist stance. The proposal aims to build on earlier concessions that reduced duties on motorcycles up to 1600cc from 50% to 40%. If implemented, this policy shift could make Harley-Davidson motorcycles more affordable for Indian consumers, who have long been deterred by high prices due to import duties.
The Indian government believes that the impact on domestic manufacturers will be minimal, as high-capacity motorcycles account for a small slice of the country’s nearly 16 million annual motorcycle sales. Additionally, India is open to a reciprocal zero-tariff arrangement for auto parts, a sector where it sees strong export potential and limited domestic opposition. This comes as US Vice President JD Vance visits India, highlighting the country’s strategic significance in ongoing trade talks.
The tariff concession is also seen as an attempt to ease tensions and avoid 26% retaliatory tariffs imposed by the US, which are currently paused for 90 days. However, it may not be enough to prevent the US from pressing India to open up tightly protected sectors like e-commerce, electric vehicles, and agriculture as part of any broader trade agreement. The Indian government’s trade and heavy industries ministries have declined to comment on the tariff discussions, but the move is expected to have a significant impact on the Indian automotive market.
The elimination of import duties on high-end motorcycles could lead to an increase in sales for brands like Harley-Davidson, which have struggled to gain traction in the Indian market due to high prices. This could also lead to increased competition in the Indian automotive market, with other foreign brands potentially entering the market or expanding their product offerings. Overall, the proposal to eliminate import duties on high-end motorcycles is a significant development in the Indian automotive market, and its impact will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and consumers alike.
Write Notes, Harley-Davidson: The Global Blueprint for Selling Motorcycles
Royal Enfield, an Indian motorcycle manufacturer, has reportedly set a new annual sales record of over 1 million motorcycles in 2024. This marks a significant 11% year-on-year increase and cements the company’s presence in the global market. According to reports, the sales figure is 10 times higher than that of Harley-Davidson in 2024.
Royal Enfield’s success can be attributed to its extensive mid-capacity lineup, which includes six bikes powered by a 648cc, parallel-twin engine. This offers a range of riding experiences for different types of riders, making it an attractive option for many. The company’s affordable pricing strategy, with aggressively low prices, has also contributed to its success.
The brand has seen a significant 37% rise in global sales, with sales figures reaching 107,143 motorcycles outside of India. This is a testament to the company’s expanding global presence and its ability to attract riders from different regions.
Royal Enfield’s CEO, B Govindarajan, credits the company’s journey as “incredible,” stating that the 1 million annual sales milestone is a result of the company’s efforts to expand its global presence.
In the near future, Royal Enfield is planning to introduce new models, including a 750cc platform and a 450cc liquid-cooled lineup, which is expected to give the company a strong competitive edge in the global market.
As the company looks to continue its growth trajectory, it seems likely that its sales record will be broken in the near future. With its focus on mid-capacity motorcycles and affordable pricing, Royal Enfield is well-positioned to continue its success in the global motorcycle market.
From the iconic Honda CB350 to the revamped Jawa 350, and many more models.
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Royal Enfield’s Classic 350 is a popular model in India, known for its retro-style design and affordability. The bike is equipped with a 349cc, single-cylinder engine, producing 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque, and achieving a top speed of 115 kmph. With a starting price of Rs 1.93 lakh and going up to Rs 2.30 lakh (ex-showroom), the Classic 350 is a great option for those looking for a cruiser bike.
However, if you’re looking for a similar bike with different looks, there are other options available. The Honda CB350, for instance, is priced between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 2.18 lakh (ex-showroom), and features a 348.66cc, single-cylinder engine, producing 20.8 bhp and 29.4 Nm of torque. Another option is the Jawa 350, which starts at Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 2.15 lakh (ex-showroom), and features a 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
For those looking for a more premium cruiser bike, there’s the Harley-Davidson X440, which starts at Rs 2.40 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 2.80 lakh (ex-showroom). The X440 features a 440cc, single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled engine, producing 27 bhp and 38 Nm of torque, and can achieve a top speed of 135 kmph.
Finally, for those who want a bike with a powerful 650cc engine and a retro design, the BSA Goldstar 650 is an option. With a starting price of Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and going up to Rs 3.35 lakh (ex-showroom), the Goldstar 650 features a 652cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC engine, producing 45.6 bhp and 55 Nm of torque, and has a top speed of 160 kmph.
Meet the Mightiest of Them All: Harley-Davidson’s New Record-Breaking Production BikeLet me know if you’d like me to make any changes!
Harley-Davidson has unveiled the limited-edition CVO Road Glide RR special-edition motorcycle, with only 131 units available worldwide. This powerful motorcycle is powered by a 2,147cc, Screamin’ Eagle 131 engine, making it the most powerful production motorcycle by Harley-Davidson. The engine produces 152bhp and 204Nm of peak torque, and revs up to 6,500rpm. The motorcycle has a reduced curb weight of 356kg, achieved through the use of carbon fibre components in its bodywork, making it 22.7kg lighter than the CVO Road Glide ST.
The bike features premium hardware components, including Brembo GP4-RX CNC calipers with T-Drive rotors for braking, and fully adjustable, race-spec Ohlins suspension for shock absorption. The bike also has a billet aluminium swingarm and footpegs, and cast aluminium wheels. The CVO Road Glide RR comes with a host of advanced electronic features, including Track and Track Plus ride modes, cornering traction control, vehicle hold control, TPMS, cornering ABS, and electronic link braking. The motorcycle also features a 12.3-inch TFT screen to monitor and tweak these electronic aids.
Additionally, the bike comes equipped with a Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 audio system, making it a perfect choice for music enthusiasts. The CVO Road Glide RR has been priced at USD 110,000 (approximately Rs. 95.77 lakh), making it a luxurious and powerful motorcycle. With its unique blend of performance, features, and style, the CVO Road Glide RR is sure to appeal to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts worldwide.