Biking scenario in India

The Indian automobile scene is always growing thanks to the increased awareness among people about the bikes due to intervention of the internet. People have become heavily reliant on the reviews and opinions of other such users on the internet. This has enabled any person to gain information about what’s happening around the world. Today everyone knows about the Lamborghini's and the Rolls Royce thanks to the internet. All the information is just a click away and people are becoming ever increasingly informed and are well aware about what’s happening.



Fortunately, people have also come to know the raw end of the deal they get here compared to other countries. They have come to know the cost cutting methodologies, substandard products that we receive compared to the other countries. It is a sad fact that the same companies that provide us the bikes here with all sub standard products promote their bikes with much better and superior products there. Yes, you may argue that it is done to reduce the cost and the maintenance but can’t that at least be kept as optional? For example the RTR150 sold abroad comes with much better tyres (Pirelli Sports Demon!!) compared to the one we get here. The tyres we get here are hard compound ones that last for more than 30k km but do they provide you the grip and control over dodgy surfaces? Hell no!

It is a sad fact that the most of the Indian automobile manufacturers concentrate on cost cutting tactics rather than providing quality products. Yes, we do lack the even decent roads to ride on but my whole point is can’t we even have this as optional? The general attitude of the Indian automobile manufacturers seems like they feel they can compromise on the quality always. With the introduction of bikes such as Yamaha R15, the Indian bike manufacturers are facing the heat to compete with them. Be it the aluminium forged pistons, aluminium die casting technology, the monocross suspension the R15 stands in a different league all together. That justifies the price of 1.09lac on road. People should stop looking it at just another 150cc bike, instead the quality and racing heritage the bike has. No other Indian bike is more forgiving in the track and performs better to its potential than the R15, just for the sole reason that its quality is not compromised. Our bike manufacturers must give us the flexibility to experience world class bikes made with quality elements. The bikes in the commuter segment such as the Splendors, Passions have already proven their mettle by lasting for many years with relatively low maintenance. These bikes are meant for plain commuting from place to place, no performance or looks. The bike manufactures need to understand the importance of giving us a quality product in the 150cc class and above. The CBR250R is on the way, with an expected price tag of around 1.6lac. These are good signs for the Indian bike market as the Indian manufacturers will be force to compete with them. It’s a sad thing to note that inspiration to provide a better bike comes by competing with other manufacturers and not by what the public want.