Classic Bike Guide - Real rides, real riders

The Indians Are Coming

The UK saw 111,513 registrations in 2009, Hero Honda saw 415,137 in August alone – that’s how big they are. India thrives on lightweight machines and the demand is growing. For example, India’s second biggest manufacturer Bajaj Auto, saw sales increase last year by 86 per cent, Hero Honda by 74 per cent and demand continues apace.

India currently has 17 per cent of the world’s population, and is expected to top 1.5 billion within the next 20 years. The Royal Enfield is classed as a superbike in India and with 50,000 units made in 2009, an investment of £8 million in the Chennai plant will soon see that number doubled.

Cheap transport is the key for many in a poor country but these businesses, by their very success, are creating a wealthier class.

Car makers Mahindra moved into two wheelers last year and are allegedly looking into superbike and cruiser manufacture in collaboration with Triumph. So, as the major Japanese manufacturers are stalling, will the Indians see an opportunity to pull the rug from under them, not unlike the manner in which the Japanese blew away the British manufacturers half a century ago? Could we see a new generation of Indian made motorcycles in the UK befor too long? I wouldn’t bet against it.

On a different subject, I was reading recently where a respected journalist was grumbling about modern motorcycles. He spoke of unattractive angular styles, no centrestand, too high pillion pegs, no grab rail, poor fuel economy, expensive services, extreme riding position, too high saddle, rapid deterioration, no toolkit, impossible home maintenance and so on. I don’t know about you but I reckon he’s missing the obvious here, wouldn’t a classic fit his bill perfectly?