To the uninitiated, Harley Davidson is coming to India. Here is the official press release. Bless them mangoes and the trade negotiation gurus. India, imposes the most stringent emission standards in the world in its Bharat Stage III norms, which most imported motorcycles don't adhere to. You heard me right on that one. Not withstanding the huge hue and cry over the 'India is the most polluting country in the world' statement issued by the west(which is not true statistically anyway, and is something I would like to dedicate a whole post to), the Indian government requires all new CBU vehicle imports, to adhere to the Bharath Stage III norms, which however does not come into effect until April 2010. The vehicles manufactured in India have to conform to Bharat Stage II which is a notch up on the Euro II norms. Anyway, without digressing further, the crux of the matter is that, after a lot of bickering, trade gurus on both sides came to an agreement wherein India would allow the American icon to import its big thumpers conforming to Euro II, in exchange for mangoes that are irradiated, and not conventional-pesticide-treated.
These are good time for Indian motorcycling enthusiasts, no doubt. But again, here comes my pet peeve. I would really love to see Harley build these hellraisers in India and not CBU them. You see, the Harley 883 Sportster, is the entry level Harley. It would set an American back by $7000. Add to that import duty and operational costs, I doubt if we'll see the Sportster in India priced below Rs. 8 lakhs. Harley is bringing to India the Dyna Street Bob, heritage Soft Tail Classic, the V-Rod and the Electra Glides as well, none of which could be priced below Rs. 13 lakhs. Looks like the 'aam junta' will have to wait longer until Harley decides to establish a plant in India. Official Harley Davidson India website
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