Yamaha is finally taking the bold step to launch an all new 250cc bike for the Indian market. Bajaj was the first to tap this segment with the launch of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, but the steep price did not allow attracting masses. Honda used this opportunity and launched the CBR250R with jaw dropping price of Rs. 1.5 lakhs for the base version.
This is what the officials at India Yamaha Motor has to say
Roy Kurian, national business head, India Yamaha Motor, said, “The market for 250cc is growing and we are studying that. There are a couple of models in that segment and people are upgrading to 250cc bikes. We will do 100 per cent localisation of that bike…we will manufacture it here.”
Talks about Yamaha launching a 250cc bike has been doing the rounds for several months, but the company has only delayed its entry into the segment. “We have taken the feedback from people who have bought 200-250cc bikes and our feedback says they are not fully ‘satisfied’ with their products. So there is a need for a better bike than what is available today. Internationally, we have the Fazer 250, but I cannot comment when we will launch a bike in that segment,” added Kurian
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has been clocking an average of 3,000 units every month on the CBR250R sports bike and will soon launch the 2012 model.
Hyosung will also bring its 250cc motorcycle to India which will also be assembled to keep costs low.
This year, Yamaha has decided to focus on scooters, which is scheduled for launch in the second half. “While we are focussing on scooters this year, it does not mean we are moving away from bikes. The bikes will remain as our main stay in the longer term,” added Kurian.
So 2013 could certainly see the launch of the 250cc bike? Can we have a FZ250, Fazer 250 or YFZ R250?
