Speaking to Autocar Professional, Roy Kurian, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, India Yamaha Motor, states that due to the impending BS VI emission norms and new safety laws, entry-level midsize models such as the Yamaha FZ 25 and the Yamaha Fazer 25 will attract many first-time motorcycle buyers.
In a conversation with Autocar Professional, Kurian said:
The midsize segment customer today is upgrading from the typical 125cc-150cc motorcycles. More customers will step into the midsize motorcycle territory in the next three years and after that, thanks to the new emission and safety norms. Further, the disposable incomes among the buyers are on the rise too. Hence, they would like to have motorcycles with bigger powertrains. Although not everyone can afford a big muscular superbike, a motorcycle smaller in size, stylish and performance oriented and offering value for money will see many first-time buyers.
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Due to the upcoming BS VI norms and mandatory safety laws (By April 2019, compulsory ABS for two wheelers of 125cc and above), industry experts opine that these changes will potentially raise the price of two-wheelers by more than INR 10,000 across the segments.
Also Read: Yamaha Fazer 25 vs. Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 – Spec sheet comparison
Interestingly, the 150cc segment taken the premium route with various features such as stylish design, digital instrumentation, combi brakes, etc. The price gap is reducing in the advent of affordable higher capacity motorcycles.
Recently, Suzuki launched the Gixxer SF ABS at a price of INR 95,499, ex-showroom, Delhi. In comparison, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Pirelli tyre variant commands a premium of only INR 2,416. The bigger Yamaha Fazer 25 costs INR 1,29,335 while the price of FZ25 stands at INR 1,19,335. The FZ25 is currently the most affordable quarter litre motorcycle in the country.
Triumph and Bajaj have also partnered up to grab a share of the mid-size motorcycle segment, which is currently ruled by Royal Enfield.
[Source: Autocar Professional]
