India Kawasaki Motors (IKM) is eyeing a one-fifth share of the superbike pie in the country in two years, and plans to add new showrooms as well as new models to its portfolio, which stands at four after the launch of two new 1000 cc bikes on Monday.

The Japanese motorcycle maker says it will introduce another bike in this segment next month, and is studying the market for off-road bikes.

The new products introduced on Monday are the Ninja 1000 and the Z 1000. Both are being brought in from Japan as completely built units and have been priced at Rs 12.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

The large bikes will be retailed through the existing standalone showroom of Kawasaki in Pune and a second showroom in Delhi due to open later this month.

IKM’s initial target for sales is 100 units per model per year.

Currently, with its focus on Maharashtra and Delhi, the company plans to expand its business territory in a phased manner.

“We will focus on the very large CC bikes, and are targeting 20 per cent of the market share in the segment by the end of 2015,” said Shigeto Nishikawa, Deputy MD, IKM.

It may be added that the total Indian market for over-500 cc bike stands at around 3,000 units a year, including 500 in the 1,000 cc plus category, and is estimated to be growing at 30 per cent a year.

During 2013, the company’s sales will stand at around 1,000 units, mainly accounted for by the two Ninjas — 300 and 650.

These are assembled locally at a unit within the Bajaj Auto premises in Pune, and the rest by the (imported) Ninja ZX 10R and 14R launched earlier this year.

To push sales of larger bikes, IKM will definitely need more showrooms, and is also look at adding one more exclusive dealership, Nishikawa said.

Related Topics