However, citing weak demand and sales, Harley-Davidson decided to discontinue its manufacturing and sales operations in India in September 2020 as part of a global restructuring strategy. This involved closing their Bawal plant and significantly reducing their sales office in Gurgaon.
Despite ceasing independent operations, Harley-Davidson has maintained a presence in India through a strategic alliance with Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. This partnership, formalized in late 2020, involves Hero MotoCorp handling the sales and service of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, as well as selling parts, accessories, and merchandise through a network of exclusive Harley-Davidson dealers and some of Hero’s existing dealerships.
More recently, the collaboration has expanded to include the co-development of new motorcycles. The first product of this joint venture is the Harley-Davidson X440, manufactured by Hero MotoCorp at their Neemrana facility in Rajasthan. This model aims to compete in the mid-size motorcycle segment in India. Additionally, the two companies are expected to introduce more Harley-Davidson models in the future, potentially including models manufactured in India for both domestic sales and export. This new chapter signifies Harley-Davidson’s continued commitment to the Indian market through a collaborative approach.
Latest News on Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson hikes prices by as much as Rs 3.45 lakh.
Harley-Davidson’s motorcycle lineup in India has been significantly impacted by the revised Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. Every model in the brand’s portfolio, except for the X440, now exceeds the 350cc threshold and is subject to a 40% tax rate. As a result, prices have increased across the range, with the Premium touring range bearing the brunt of the GST revision.
The price hikes vary significantly, with the flagship touring models seeing the biggest increases. The Road Glide, for instance, now costs Rs 3.45 lakh more, with its ex-showroom price rising from Rs 42.30 lakh to Rs 45.75 lakh. Other popular models, such as the Street Glide, Street Bob, Breakout, Fat Boy, and Heritage Classic, have also become considerably more expensive.
The Sport and Cruiser families have also seen significant price increases, with models like the Pan America 1250 Special, Nightster, Nightster Special, and Sportster S experiencing hikes ranging from Rs 1.03 lakh to Rs 2.57 lakh. The updated price list for Harley-Davidson India is as follows:
* Street Glide: Rs 39.30 lakh to Rs 42.50 lakh (Rs 3.20 lakh increase)
* Road Glide: Rs 42.30 lakh to Rs 45.75 lakh (Rs 3.45 lakh increase)
* Street Bob: Rs 18.77 lakh to Rs 20.23 lakh (Rs 1.46 lakh increase)
* Breakout: Rs 31.79 lakh to Rs 34.36 lakh (Rs 2.57 lakh increase)
* Fat Boy: Rs 25.90 lakh to Rs 28.03 lakh (Rs 2.13 lakh increase)
* Heritage Classic: Rs 23.85 lakh to Rs 25.71 lakh (Rs 1.86 lakh increase)
Notably, the Harley-Davidson X440 will maintain its current price, despite the tax increase, with the brand absorbing the additional burden rather than passing it on to customers. The X440’s price will remain between Rs 2.40 lakh and Rs 2.80 lakh. Other premium motorcycle brands, such as Ducati and BMW Motorrad, have also adjusted their pricing in response to the GST revision. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Hero Launches 125 Million Edition Models for Splendor, Passion, and Vida VX2
Hero MotoCorp, a leading two-wheeler manufacturer in India, has achieved a significant milestone of producing 125 million units in just 41 years since its inception. The company, formerly known as Hero Honda Motors, was established in 1984 and started production of the CD100 in 1985. Over the years, the company has undergone significant transformations, including its rebranding as Hero MotoCorp in 2011 and strategic partnerships with other manufacturers, such as Harley-Davidson in 2020.
To commemorate this milestone, Hero MotoCorp has launched special limited edition versions of its popular models, including the Splendor+, Passion+, and Vida VX2. The Splendor+ and Passion+ 125 Million Editions feature a new grey color scheme, reminiscent of the Nardo Grey used by other manufacturers, along with attractive graphics in black, brown, and gold shades. A 3D plaque on the fuel tank bearing the “125M” logo signifies the special edition status of these models. There are no mechanical changes to these motorcycles, and they retain their existing componentry and powertrain combinations.
The Vida VX2 125 Million Edition, on the other hand, does not feature a unique color scheme but carries forward the same colors as the standard model. However, it also gets a 3D plaque on the front apron with the “125M” logo to denote its special edition status. Like the Splendor+ and Passion+, there are no other changes to the Vida VX2.
Hero MotoCorp’s journey to producing 125 million units has been marked by several significant milestones, including the launch of its best-selling Splendor model in 1994, the achievement of 1 million units rolled out in the same year, and the expansion of its operations to 48 countries globally. The company achieved 25 million units rolled out in 2009, 50 million units in 2015, 75 million units in 2017, and 100 million units in 2021. With its latest milestone, Hero MotoCorp has cemented its position as a leading player in the two-wheeler industry.
Harley-Davidson’s X440 pricing remains stable as the company takes on the increased GST itself.
Harley-Davidson India has announced that it will absorb the 9% GST increase on its X440 motorcycle, which falls under the new tax reform where two-wheelers over 350 cc are taxed at 40%. As a result, the prices of the Harley-Davidson X440 will remain unchanged, ranging between ₹2.40 lakh and ₹2.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The motorcycle is available in three variants: Denim, Vivid, and S.
Harley-Davidson is not the only manufacturer to absorb the GST hike. Other brands such as Bajaj, Triumph, KTM, and Aprilia have also announced that they will absorb the price increase on their premium bikes in the 350-500 cc space. However, Royal Enfield has taken a different approach and has increased prices on its 350+ cc motorcycles, including the Scram 440, Himalayan, Guerrilla 450, and the 650 range.
The Harley-Davidson X440 is a significant model for the company, as it is the most accessible motorcycle globally and has been developed in collaboration with Hero MotoCorp. The motorcycle is powered by a 398 cc single-cylinder air and oil-cooled motor that produces 27 bhp and 38 Nm of peak torque. It features a 6-speed gearbox, inverted front forks, and twin shock absorbers at the rear, as well as disc brakes with dual-channel ABS as standard.
It remains to be seen how long manufacturers will be able to absorb the GST hike, but for now, prices for Harley-Davidson, KTM, Bajaj, Triumph, and Aprilia’s bikes between 350-500 cc remain unchanged. Royal Enfield, on the other hand, has increased prices on its 350+ range. Harley-Davidson is expected to introduce a new iteration of the X440 later this year, which will be a significant addition to the Hero-Harley partnership.
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