Yamaha launches premium end bikes
04 Dec 2007
New Delhi: Yamaha Motor India, the Indian subsidiary of Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, Yamaha, has launched two new sports bikes. These include the 1680cc MT 01 and the 998cc YZF R1, which would be brought in as completely built units and would be priced at a steep Rs 10.5 lakh each (ex-showroom price).
Tomotaka Ishikawa, CEO and managing director, Yamaha Motor India, said the company wants to re-establish itself as a company that delivers high quality and high performance products.
YZF-R1 is the flagship model of the company and comes powered by a 998cc engine that develops a power output of 176 bhp @ 12,500 rpm with a torque of 112.7 Nm @ 10,000 rpm.
The MT01, which is a cruiser style model, is powered by a 1.6-litre engine and has a power output of 88 bhp @ 4750 rpm and a torque of 150 Nm @ 3750 rpm.
The bikes would be retailed through dealers in New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Ahmedabad. The company has imparted special training to the dealers and their staff to deal with these high powered bikes. The company would increase the dealership network to 15 by 2008 and 50 by 2010.
Yamaha Motors India said it is not looking at volume sales for these two bikes and hopes to sell about 25 units a year.
Yamaha''s decision to launch these special bikes follows the government allowing for the import of motorcycles with engine capacities over 800cc. Yamaha''s competitors like Honda and Suzuki are also planning to sell premium bikes in the country.
Yamaha Motors India has about 3 per cent market of the Indian motorcycles market.