Kawasaki is contemplating on assembling its two litre-class bikes – the Z1000 and the Ninja 1000 in India. Currently, both these bikes are sold as a completely-built-up (CBU) unit from Japan.
While the Japanese manufacturer feels that the pricing of both these bikes are not on the higher side, it could reduce the price considerably by importing all the components and assembling at their Akurdi facility. Currently, the Z1000 and the Ninja 1000 retails for Rs 12.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and with the assembly being done in India, we can expect a price reduction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh.
Recently, Suzuki started assembling its flagship motorcycle – the Hayabusa in India. This development resulted into a price drop of close to Rs 2.5 lakh, making this super sport motorcycle a lot accessible to the Indian consumers. Kawasaki wants to be a part of the same bandwagon and is currently in the process of setting things up for this plan. Interestingly, not a single Indian component will be used on these bikes and all of it will come from Japan.
As per our source, the assembly will start in the next two to three months. Kawasaki wants to make their bikes more accessible, especially the Z1000 as a lot of Z800 owners wants to upgrade to this litre-class naked, however, it is out of reach for most. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t plan to assemble the Ninja ZX14R or the Ninja ZX10R in India.
