Yamaha India to launch 250cc motorcycle in 2014

Few weeks back we had reported that Yamaha will be concentrating on scooters till 2015 and won’t be launching any new motorcycles. Of course with a note that it won’t mean that the Japanese two-wheeler maker won’t expand its existing range. And now we have a confirmation from them that they will to launch a 250cc motorcycle in 2014.

“We will focus on the scooters category for next two years, but in 2014 we will launch powerful sporty 250cc bike in the Indian market. There is a good market for this premium segment which we would like to tap,” Hiroyuki Yanagi, CEO, India Yamaha Motor, said.

Company is currently concentrating on scooter segment and with the launch of Yamaha Ray the company took the first step in the scooter segment. But the company has now decided to entre the 250cc segment, which is currently dominated by Kawasaki Ninja 250R and DSK Hysoung GT250R.

We need to wait and watch if the new 250cc will be based on their hot selling R15 or will be developed on a completely new platform. But considering their idea of not launching a new bike till 2015, we expect it to be bigger version of the R15 – may with R25 badging.We expect the new 250cc motorcycle to be launched during the 2014 Auto Expo, which will be held in Greater Noida.

Hero MotoCorp is also working on a 250cc motorcycle with their technology partner, Erik Buell Racing. Expect it to directly compete with this new Yamaha.

Source: mydigitalfc