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Yamaha Motor India (YMI) has rolled in a pair of big-bore superbikes to whet the appetites of starved motorcycle enthusiasts here.

The Japanese giant becomes the first two-wheeler company to bring in such technologically advanced motorcycles.

Customers can now walk into five exclusive outlets — one each in Delhi, Chennai and Ahmedabad and two in Bangalore — where they will be guided by trained staff to choose between the YZF R1 and MT 01. The fully-faired R1 requires little introduction, a sharp-handling super-sports bike that deploys a parallel four, 180bhp engine, capable of propelling the bike to 285kph.

The flagship MT 01 on the other hand is a 1670cc, V-twin-equipped naked motorcycle.

Yamaha is taking no shortcuts in India, where all bikes sold will be current 2008 models. While each will cost an eye-popping Rs. 10.5 lakh (ex-showroom) — due to heavy government duties — Yamaha will back its exotic bikes with complete after-sales service and spares support, including an exclusive telephone hotline as well as dedicated website.

Expect a slew of built-for-India smaller-capacity Yamahas to follow shortly.

RISHAD COOPER

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