Hero MotoCorp To Launch A 180cc Dirt Bike

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Dirt bike in India? Well, dirt bike is not a new thing for the Indian two wheeler market. We’ve had Endura FX from Bajaj, but the market was not ready for it then. After the re-branding of Hero Honda to Hero MotoCorp, the company is all set to enter a new segment of biking, the dirt bikes. Hero MotoCorp is also planning to launch three new models out of which one would be a 180cc dirt bike. Other two models will be in 100cc and 125cc category, strengthening their already strong presence in the commuter segment . While the 100cc Splendor is selling really well, the same doesn’t hold good for the 125cc Glamour. Also owing to the fact that 1/4th of volume in the biking industry comes from the 125cc category, Hero should definitely launch a relevant product to go head on with the competition.

Dirt bikes, however, is a new segment all by itself, with zero competition as of now. Dirt bikes will do well with the help of youths, but the company cannot expect volumes from this segment, nevertheless, they can setup their image as a performance bike manufacturer in the country. The dirt bike will be Hero’s first product in the niche segment, and also the first launch from the company under its new brand name.

The dirt bike won’t be produced here, but will be imported in the CKD form and assembled later. The bike is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 1.1lac to Rs. 1.3lac. The decision for the dirt bike launch comes just before Bajaj’s plan to launch an off-road bike with help of KTM. The competition is heating up and we would like to see more manufacturers launching products in the performance biking segment.

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