@mindspinn311

3 years ago

The changes he pointed out are mostly universal for the Euro5 and BS6 (new Indian emission standard) models. They also include a rear disc brake and ABS. Yes export models have small differences, but that doesn’t account for the significant cost difference overseas. The new 650 Interceptor is the same in every country save for very insignificant differences like turn signal shape or sari guards. It’s $5800 in the US and $3500 in India. The Indian market also has a few more basic domestic models (usually 350cc) that are meant to be very affordable for the home market and aren’t like the more expensive models that are exported as well as sold domestically. BS6 is changing much of that now and I don’t know if those models will still be available by a “grandfather” standard, forced to be updated, or discontinued. Motorcycles have to be affordable in India because of how many are sold every year and the median annual income is about $3200. Import taxes are very high so more and more motorcycle companies are manufacturing in India to save cost for that market and then also export those models. The KTM 390 and BMW 310 are examples. That still doesn’t explain why once in the US and Europe the prices jump significantly. The truth is that because of their low production cost they can mark up the price and still be significantly less expensive than Japanese and European motorcycles. Import taxes are also part of the price increase. That said, I can’t really complain about the price of the new 650 for what you’re getting, especially compared to everything else on the market that is significantly more expensive. The Bullet/Classic 500’s are a bit overpriced but they are getting another significant redesign and that’s why they’re not available currently overseas.

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