Yamaha recently revealed the new XSR 155 – an entry level motorcycle in the sports heritage category. This motorcycle was unveiled in Thailand – one of Yamaha’s biggest market. But we think this Yamaha will make its way to a few more South East Asian markets, and we think India could be one of them. Yamaha India hasn’t spoken about bringing a motorcycle like this to India in the past, but we think there’s a good potential for a bike like the XSR 155 in India, and we bring you four reasons why Yamaha should bring this bike to the largest two-wheeler market in the world.
No competition
India is home to a lot of 150-160cc motorcycles. But most of these bikes are either naked streetfighter or fully-faired motorcycles. There’s not a single motorcycle in this segment that has retro or classic design elements. And we believe there’s definitely a market for such bikes in this segment. The closest option is the Jawa range of motorcycles, but that is priced a bit on the higher side. A sub Rs 1.5 lakhs XSR 155 will surely entice a lot of Indians.
Cost effective
Yamaha doesn’t need to start from ground up for the XSR 155. Majority of the components are shared with the YZF-R15 and the MT-15, which are manufactured in India. That means, it becomes a cost effective affair if and when Yamaha plans to bring the XSR 155 to India.
We need one
A very few two-wheeler brands are creating new segments. Majority of them are just following each other. A motorcycle like XSR 155 is likely to create a new segment, and there’s a high chance that a lot of other brands would want to make their presence felt as well. Plus, like Yamaha, there are a few more brands that are focusing a lot on the premium motorcycles. So if the XSR 155 comes to India, it’s good for the Indian motorcycling fraternity
Brand Identity
Yamaha still sells some mass market two-wheelers in the country. Due to this, Yamaha as a brand isn’t still known the way it is in other markets – Stylish, racing and fast. That’s why we see some marketing campaigns like ‘The Call of the Blue’. Yamaha India wants to change the way the country perceive the brand. A motorcycle like XSR 155 will definitely help build a new perception.
