Polaris to launch Indian Motorcycle in India by early 2014

It is now confirmed. Polaris, the parent company of the Indian Motorcycles, will launch the iconic American motorcycle brand for the Indian market in early 2014. The development was confirmed by Pankaj Dubey, managing director, Polaris India.

The company will be bringing in the recently launched Chief range – the Chief Classic, the Chief Vintage and the Chieftain. All the motorcycles will be powered by 1.8-litre Thunder Stroke 111 engine. The company didnt reveal the power figures but said that the engines will produce 161Nm of torque at 3000rpm. The engine has been mated to six-speed sequential gearbox.

The entry level Chief is priced at $18,999 (Rs 11.72 lakh) which makes the legendary motorcycle accessible to many buyers. The Chief Vintage and the Chieftain have been priced at $ 20,999 (Rs 12.96 lakh) and $ 22,999 (Rs 14.20 lakh) respectively.

Polaris will be getting the Indian Chiefs through completely-built-up (CBU) route and might sell through exclusive Indian Motorcycle outlets instead of regular Polaris showrooms. The company also plans to get the Victory brand in India but they will take a call depending on how well the Indian Motorcycle does. If it does, the Indian Motorcycle and Victory brand will share the same showroom.

Pricing will play a key factor for the company. Its rival, Harley Davidson is doing some really nice sales numbers in the country as most of the motorcycles are assembled here because of which they are able to give the consumers an attractive price. When launched, the Indian Chief range will compete with the Road King whose price starts at Rs 22.81 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).