Pune based Garware Motors has already stepped into the superbike segment with a sportbike Hyosung 650R and a cruiser Hyosung ST7 exclusively for bike enthusiasts. But with the launch of Kawasaki Ninja 650R at a killer ex-showroom price tag of 4.57 Lakh Rupees, which makes the Hyosung GT650R overpriced considering the minimal brand recall and brand value Hyosung enjoys in comparison to Kawasaki.
By next year 2012, Garware-Hyosung is planning to introduce three more machines from the Hyosung stable, which would all have lower capacity then the current Hyosung bikes on sale India. Importantly, this time the bikes will have less powerful engines, probably in the displacement range of 250CC-400CC. The very first 250CC motorcycle from the brand is expected to be the Hyosung GT250R, a less capacity version of its elder brother 650R.
The above 250R is the most anticipated one as the market does demand cheap sports bike which fit in buyers’ pocket and yet manages to draw a lot of attention. Apart from the Full-faired version of the Hyosung GT250R Comet, Hyosung doesn’t have any other 250cc motorcycle in its global portfolio currently. Previously, Hyosung made its Indian entry with the erstwhile Kinetic Engineering Limited with the Hyosung Aquila 250 Cruiser and Hyosung Comet 250 sportsbike (naked version), we wonder if Hyosung may now relaunch a Comet 250cc Full-faired version to join the 250cc segment.
Coming to the 400cc category, a 2005 model called Hyosung XRX 400 enduro motorcycle could be brought to India. The bike looks like a dirt bike with huge tires and a tall riding height and is good at performance. Considering the limited potential of an enduro style motorcycle in the Indian market, we’re not too sure whether this motorcycle is what Hyosung will bring into India come 2012 or some other motorcycle with a multi-cylinder engine displacing 400cc.
“We will be launching three new models which may have engine capacity of 250 CC and 400 CC. This launch will happen next year,” Hyosung’s President Mr. Shrikant Patankar told. He also said that the company will look at sourcing components except engine parts from India as they are determined to expand their market share here.
At present Garware Motors plant assembly line has a capacity to produce 8-10 bikes a day. This could be expanded as per requirements. The company has invested Rs. 22 crores for this facility and is looking at sourcing components locally. The engine will continue to be brought from abroad. Garware Motors also plans to expand their dealership reach by opening new showrooms in Mahrashtra, Punjab, Hyderabad and Haryana.
Also see – Garware Motors launches Hyosung super bikes
