The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Cult bike Harley ‘invades' town

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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Cult bike Harley ‘invades' town

Staff Reporter

Actor Junior NTR opens Harley-Davidson showroom in Banjara Hills

PHOTO: Satish H

Mean machine: Models posing with Harley Davidson bikes at the opening of its showroom in the city on Friday. —

HYDERABAD:Harley Davidson, the two-wheeled machine that could make even the most obsessed car-lover swoon, has finally landed in India.

The first showroom of the premium American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson that enjoys a cult following worldwide was launched here on Friday. Actor Junior NTR inaugurated the showroom, Banjara Harley-Davidson, on Road No.2, Banjara Hills.

First dealership in country

“We have opened the first dealership in India at Hyderabad. Get equipped for a Harley-Davidson experience,” Managing Director of Harley-Davidson India, Anoop Prakash said at a press conference after the launch. Coming next would be showrooms in Chandigarh, New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai.

The company has launched 12 models across five families of the cruiser bikes -- Sportster, Dyna, Softail, VRSC (or VROD) and Touring.

Oozing attitude, the heavyset bodies accentuating their brutality, the motorcycles bewitched those present at the launch.

For most this was the first glimpse of a Harley. Sculpted to perfection, the glittering chromes and masculine bodies kept them hooked.

Customisation

Priced from Rs.7 lakh for the 883 cc model to Rs.35 lakh for 1,800 cc model, the Harley-Davidson motorcycles come with 5,000 parts and accessories that help bikers customise their bikes.

“We are in the cruising segment. This is a riding style. Anyone of us of any shape and size can sit on a Harley-Davidson,” Mr. Prakash said, revealing the Harley's biker profiles to be in the range of 25 to 65 years.

Mr. Prakash has also outlined the company's plans to start Riders Edge, the company's motorcycling academy that helps motorcycle riders develop skills for riding a Harley-Davidson safely.

Milestone

“I am delighted to bring to Hyderabad the Harley-Davidson brand and culture. The establishment of Banjara Harley-Davidson marks an important milestone for leisure riding in Hyderabad and in India,” said K. Jairam, Managing Director, Banjara Harley-Davidson.

A world-class servicing workshop will also be launched shortly.

A 20-year-old veteran from the company's headquarters, John L McEnaney, has been brought in to train the technicians in handling the cruiser bikes.

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