Pune has seen a rise in sale of super bikes like Harley Davidson and Hyosung in the past few months
Pune: Looks like cruiser bikes are the new 'in' thing with bikers in the city as over 100 Harley Davidson bikes been sold in the past four months alone.
Puneites seem to have warmed up to the cruiser motorcycle line up, as the brand has brought up 12 models between the price range of Rs4.10 lakh and Rs29.61 lakh.
From the city of bicycle to a city of two-wheelers, Pune's fascination with cruiser bikes isn't very surprising. Despite the economic slowdown, on an average 25 Hyosung bikes hit the roads every month. These Hyosung bikes cost between Rs2.74 lakh and Rs5.30 lakh, making them a tad more affordable in the range.
Shirish Kulkarni, chairman of DSK chairman, DSK Hyosung said, “In the past two years, we have seen a positive growth in sales which proves that the city has potential buyers. Most of the businessmen and top-management professionals in and around 35 years of age, show interest in the cruiser-segment bikes. The city indeed has a lot of potential and the way it is growing, the future looks bright.”
The US-based company has not only carved a niche in India, but has also managed to outsell competitor Harley Davidson, that too in a short span of time. Apart from building a strong fan-base for the American brand, the company has successfully translated the affection into sales.
Anoop Prakash, managing director, Harley Davidson India said, “Since we inaugurated our dealership in November 2013, we have received a very encouraging response from our customers in Pune. Pune has always had a strong riding culture. Prior to our local dealership, we already had an existing base of 150 Harley Davidson owners in Pune. Since then, this number has grown considerably. A lot can be attributed to the excellent road infrastructure connecting the city to other cities in the region like Mumbai, Goa and popular holiday destinations such as Khandala and Lonavala. The serene Western Ghats connected via NH4 are ideal to cruise on your Harley Davidson motorcycle.”
Even Suzuki's cruiser bikes are picking up fast, with the price ranging between Rs10.05 lakh to Rs16.45 lakhs.
Sales manager of Suzuki, Sunny Kidwani, said, “In the past six years, we have witnessed a huge change in the sales of cruiser bikes. We have 80 per cent businessmen and 20 per cent working class people purchasing cruiser bikes. Majority of the customers are above 40 years age who want comfort and luxury when it comes to two-wheelers. The way the city is growing, the love for cruisers bikes is also picking up pretty fast.”
The cruisers
I have travelled to China and the kind of comfort I had with my bike was amazing. I do not own a car because of my love for the cruiser bike.
Rahul Deshmukh (44), architect
Apart from the comfortable ride and luxury, it creates a great platform to meet people form cruiser bikes community. There is no cast or creed. The only thing that creates a strong bonding is enjoyment and passion for the bike.
Elroy Peters (43), self employed
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