Thursday, August 13, 2015
Has Harley-Davidson mistimed Fat Boy launch?
Harley-Davidson may have launched its Fat Boy Special motorcycle in India, priced at a whopping Rs 19.7 lakh, but considering the US downgrade by Standard and Poor’s (which has sparked fears of a slowdown across the globe) coupled with firming up of key bank rates and an unprecedented slump in auto sector sales, the iconic bike maker has probably mistimed the launch.
Harley-Davidson’s Fat Boy has been launched in select markets and the growth potential of superbikes in India has prompted the motorcycle major to bring the coveted bike to India.
Last year, the superbikes market in India logged sales of a mind blowing 1,000 units and it is believed that this figure could surge 10-fold in the next five years.
But owing to the current slump, Fat Boy sales could be dented in the short term. However, with the festive season just three months away, Harley-Davidson’s Fat Boy Special could witness an uptick in demand.
The Fat Boy model will be imported as a completely-built unit and will be parked in all Harley-Davidson dealerships.
The bike major offers 14 models from its stable currently, according to the company.
The bike major offers 14 models from its stable currently, according to the company.
Harley-Davidson India began operations in August 2009 and appointed its first dealer around July 2010.
Speaking on the Fat Boy launch, Harley-Davidson India managing director Anoop Prakash said “We have now rolled out the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Special, offering a special take on the motorcycle that embodies Harley-Davidson’s rich heritage.”
The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Special comes with a low seat (the height being the lowest in the Harley-Davidson family) and the hand bar is also low, making way for a very easy and comfortable ride.
The engine has been dubbed Twin Cam V-Twin Unit, which Harley says has lower friction parts to pave the way for more durability and better performance.
The torquey motor has a 125 Nm peak torque that allows you to not ride but cruise on the bike and the primary auto chain tensioner that the engines use spur the comfort level substantially.
The 6-speed cruise drive transmission comes with a new helical-cut fifth gear for smooth operation.
The Fat Boy Special also has a satin chrome finish that redefines the colour aspect of the bike.
There is also black powder coating on the Twin cam air-cooled V-Twin engine’s air cleaner and the frame refurbishes the Fat Boy Special’s looks.
To maintain continuity in the colour scheme, the exhausts also come with a powder-coated black finish and even the mirrors have it.
The company had tied up with ICICI Bank for financing its bikes. Now, it is also in a pact with HDFC Bank and will offer a slew of services such as consumer financing, dealer financing and banking services, it added.
“This arrangement will pave the way for more motorcycle enthusiasts to fulfil their dreams of joining the Harley-Davidson family,” Prakash added.
But the Fat Boy Special has been launched when there is gloom everywhere amid fears of another downturn, and with customers shying away from bank loans owing to the high interest rates, premium bike Fat Boy’s sales may be affected but with the high-end category usually unfazed by any slowdown or banks firming up rates, the superbike could wade through the slump to a certain extent.
That brings us back to the question: Has Harley-Davidson mistimed the Fat Boy launch?
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