Jamie

The Motor Company will start CKD (complete knock-down) assembly operations in India next Spring. Apart from the usual, "strategic" hype, the announcement expresses concerns about the "tariff burden" associated with the importation of complete motorcycles in India. As if Harley had just discovered it, upon appointing a number of local dealers

Jamie

The Prophet

I am still trying to imagine the average, "smaller in stature" Indian guy trying to wrestle a fully laden 700 Lb.+ hog through New Delhi's traffic jammed, pot-holed, pedestrian - as well as various animal cart - filled streets. Thus far, not a pretty, nor a pragmatic picture.

They traditionally ride tiny, lightweight, manueverable little 50cc bikes for a very specific reason, which apparently HD didn't realistically consider either. Royal Enfield as well would be very tough to beat in India, factoring in service, availability, familiarity, etc.

The Motor Company wizards also didn't factor in "Palm Greasing" when dealing with 'less than' fully developed countries. If the top brass aren't going to get a significant piece of the monetary pie... well, there won't be any pie!

We wish 'em well, as always, but it reeks of a poorly executed plan... or desperation. At best, they may sell a dozen or so to overly moneyed shieks seeking to overcompensate for manhood concerns, but even that would be slightly doubtful considering the eastern Man/women culture scenario.

I smell a dud.

Ride Safe,

Bob

__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Motorcyles are not my whole life, but they make my life whole. ` me

motowebmaster

I was pricing a new rear tire at the Honda Dealer today and saw a black and white HD Hardtail with an impressive setup; but it was also noticeable that it was smaller than most bikes I see - even though it wasn't a sportster. At the actual HD Dealer, they are usually larger models.

It may be the same for the Indian Market, selling smaller (or at least mid-size) bikes to the masses, and keeping a few premium bikes for those that wish to forgo their Muslim or Hindu beliefs and make a self-serving statement