Honda launches Rs 17.5 lakh bike in India

"This fun bike is manufactured at the Honda's most advanced facility and the mother plant of global motorcycles - the Kumamoto factory in Japan. VFR1200F  is a concept driven by extensive customer needs," Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) President and CEO Shinji Aoyama told reporters here.

The new bike from the Honda's stable is powered by a 1237 cc V4 engine. The delivery of the motorcycle will start from August 16.

HMSI, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda, currently offers two other superbikes in the Indian market. While CB1000R comes for Rs 9.5 lakh, the other bike CBR1000RR Fireblade carries a price tag of Rs 12.5 lakh.

"The demand for big bikes are gradually increasing. We are expecting to sell 100 units of the three bikes in this year," Aoyama said, adding HMSI had sold 65 units last year.
The high-end Indian motorcycle market has attracted many global players to introduce their products here.

The iconic US cult bike maker Harley Davidson has just started selling its marques in India for Rs 6.95 lakh-Rs 34.95 lakh.

Italian superbike maker Ducati offers its entire range of products such as Hypermotard, Monster, Sport Classic, Street Fighter and Desmosedici RR to Indian customer. The bikes, powered by 696-1,198cc engines, are available between Rs 10-45 lakh.

Last month, another Japanese two-wheeler maker Suzuki had launched its superbike 'GSX-R1000' in Indian market at Rs 12.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), making it the costliest product from the company's stable in the country.

Suzuki had launched another superbike 'Bandit1250S' for Rs 8.5 lakh. Last year it had introduced two premium bikes -- Hayabusa and Intruder, costing Rs 12.5 lakh each.
Yamaha is also offering three superbikes -- MT01, YZF-R1 and Vmax, in India. These are priced at Rs 10.5 lakh, Rs 12.5 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, respectively.