News Approved

Interesting!

Seems like a solid team, but I'm not very confident about how their business will head considering the prices. Under the current tariffs, HD's will be restricted to only the wealthy, and only a small percentage of them will prefer to ride a bike instead of the air-conditioned comfort of their 5 series.

There will be middle class enthusiasts who will take loans and buy a HD, but that number will be minuscule. As far as I can see, the dealers might burn their fingers trying to sell HD's - the dealer prospect handbook states a liquid asset requirement of 1.4 crores, and I assume the building cost and operating expenses will be much higher than an average car dealership.

If I were Anoop Prakash, I would also start focussing on opening HD merchandise stores in places like 1) Select city walk, Saket, Delhi 2) Atria and Inorbit mall, Mumbai and 3) Other malls/high streets in Bangalore and Pune. With these stores, HD India might generate equal or higher revenue when compared to selling motorcycles. This is under the assumption that there are 10 HD merchandise stores generating a retail revenue of 15 lakhs a month. Annual turnover of those stores would be a combined INR 18 crores, which translates into 150 bikes at an average selling price of 12 lakhs.

After all there would be more people interested in buying HD merchandise likes Jackets, belts, caps, boots than buying an actual motorcycle.

Samarth, thanks for the info, but I think you have forgotten to post the news source and/or the link to this.

Oh Sorry. After I typed my comments, I just missed it. Here they are:-->

Harley?s Indian Team Announced (1st post's text is extracted from this link)

Harley-Davidson announces leadership team for India operations - dnaindia.com
...
Thanks Sunny bhaiya for approving (without source that is).

just saw on times drive that the harley range will be priced between 7 to 25 lakhs. what is the roadster comes at 7 lakh how many will go for it

Just wondering if we will get to see custom choppers built on the Harley Twin-V platform like most American Choppers, in India also?

I've interacted with Mr. Tripathy on a couple of occasions and Rossiter has also interacted with him a lot and I think he will agree when I say that HD will benefit greatly from his involvement.

IIRC the CBU and R15 launches were to his credit. He also kicked off the motorsports activities for Yamaha in India.

Good guy to have on the team...wishing HD all the best in India.

From what I knew from some source, Mr. Tripathy was set to move to Audi.... this is news and good news!

hi..
do mr.sanjay tripathi has a xbhp account..is he on xbhp .......any other way to contact him on net/mail id

Bro, I'm sure Mr. Tripathi's here... Even John Abraham is present on Xbhp, as someone posted before. But, we never know their ID's.

The best thing I like about Mr. Tripathi, is the respect he gives to present owners. That's simply unheard of in Indian 2-wheeler market ...

That's great news. When are the bookings going to start?

Here's an e-mail from Harley Davidson

On 30th August 2009, Harley-Davidson created history with the first India Founders' Ride in Delhi. On 15th November, we come to Mumbai, a city whose drive and energy matches our own. Here, a group of riders with a shared passion will ride together from Kala Ghoda to the Mahalaxmi Racecourse on the world's most iconic motorcycle.
We invite you to witness the historic ride that our Founder Riders will take between 10 am and 12 noon on Sunday. Look out for them at the Gateway of India at 10.15 am, at Marine Drive at 11 am and at the Worli Sea face at 11.30 am.
It's your chance to watch dozens of Harley-Davidson bikes go by (and believe us, the sound that goes with that sight is unlike anything you've heard before!)
We hope very much to see you there. Feel free to forward this to all your contacts. And to bring your friends along.

The Harley-Davidson India team.

its gonna to be a great sight ...........

Saw this on hindustan times today in Delhi:

"Suprotip Ghosh, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, November 16, 2009
First Published: 21:56 IST(16/11/2009)
Last Updated: 22:00 IST(16/11/2009)

Now you can own a Harley Davidson jacket, or a pair of sunglasses, even as you dream and save up for the real McCoy.
Harley, makers of America’s most recognisable motorcycles, will launch its vaunted brand of clothes and accessories in India soon. It is evaluating partners to manufacture them, along with parts for its motorcycles, in India.
Globally, Harley sells leather jackets, light outer clothes, boots, eyewear, caps and collectibles like keychains and rings.
This range of merchandise will be available in shopping malls and arcades, away from bike showrooms, said Anoop Prakash, managing director, Harley Davidson India.
“Our showrooms will keep some product lines. But apparel and accessories will also be available at locations other than the showrooms. We are currently evaluating partners for this venture,” Mathur told Hindustan Times.
Globally, about five per cent of Harley’s revenues come from its apparels and accessories business. The company’s official website lists hundreds of such products available for sale, some of them only available in shops and stores. Mathur declined to give out the price range.
In terms of component sourcing, the company is looking at opportunities from India. Harley already sources the speedometer for one of its cruisers from an Indian vendor, Mathur said, adding this could expanded to include other parts."

Touche.