No Harley-Davidson Street 500 for India
Harley-Davidson is viewed as a uniquely American product and company, but the U.S. is not the only place in the world to find, buy, and enjoy the company’s bikes. In fact, certain countries have their own factories and special models. India is a great example of a market that is rarely thought of by most U.S. Harley riders. However, the populous country has not only its own factory, but its own models that only that facility produces.
Currently, the manufacturing plant in Bawal, Haryana is home to the creation of the Street 750 and the Street 500 models. Visually, the bikes are nearly identical; they vary in the size and power of the engines they use. When the Street 500 was first announced, the collective nation of India’s Harley fans was overjoyed, as this meant that soon there would be a smaller and more affordable Harley that would allow younger or less affluent riders to experience the Harley magic.
Sadly, that isn’t that case. H-D has said that, despite being built in India, the Street 500 will be for export only, and will not be sold in the land of its creation.
While there’s a lot of politics going on here, the basic reasoning is this: in India, you can’t ride a larger bike until you’re more experienced. Also, a smaller bike means a lower price tag and Harley doesn’t want that. In India, a Harley-Davidson is an aspirational item. The brand carries a very premium appeal, so H-D doesn’t want to dilute that with cheap bikes and hundreds of inexperienced riders terrorizing the roads.
I can respect the business decision, but it still sucks for the young Harley fans of India. Keep your heads up, guys, and start looking into import laws.
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photos [Harley-Davidson 1] and [2]
