Premium bikes, the two-wheelers which underpin the propelling motor in the displacement range of 250-750cc, caters this segment. Currently, the segment is next bet for almost every motorcycle manufacturer owing to it’s great demand not only in India, but also in export markets. Also, the total of 6,76,227 units sold in FY 2016-17 over the retailed units of 5,15,448 premium bikes a year back, consolidating the fact of growing demand of bikes ranging 250-750cc. It is an overall growth of 31 percent in a fiscal, which is comparatively higher than the utility vehicles segment in 4 wheelers.
Currently, the segment is being ruled by the Chennai based prominent cruiser bikes manufacturer, the Royal Enfield, with a 90 percent market share. Other than this, other famed home grown manufacturers such as Bajaj, Mahindra and TVS are also looking forward in the segment. Recently, Bajaj tied up with Triumph Motorcycle to develop motorcycles in the mid sized premium bikes. Acquired BSA, Mahindra two wheelers is also set to roll out the range of premium Jawa motorcycles. Last but not far least, TVS is in alliance with the German bikemaker, BMW Motorrad from few years and gears up to hit its joint venture product, the Apache RR310S in early 2018.
Moreover, under a major internal restructuring process, TVS has recently started a new division which will primarily take care the sales in the global market along with the bikes available and upcoming in the premium bike. As of now, the manufacturer has Apache brand in this segment.
Developed in collaboration of TVS and BMW Motorrad, the bikes such as BMW G310R and TVS Apache RR310S have time to mark their presence in India as their launch have been delayed. With the introduction of this new department we could hope the scenario will change and both the bikes emerged soon. Other than this, the ABS and FI variants of the Apache 200 are also lined up for launch but the Chennai based bike maker did not make any confirm announcement regarding.
