Kawasaki bets big on India; Launches Ninja 1000

India Kawasaki Motors (IKM) launched two of its globally renowned motorcycles – Z1000- the first naked bike in India, and Ninja 1000 to strengthen its presence in India’s high end motorcycle market. These high performance bikes combine the finest of power, torque, dexterous handling and super-sport styling. IKM is all set to inaugurate its exclusive dealership in Delhi to expand its footprint across North India.

In India, the new bikes will be imported as completely built units (CBU) from Japan and will be retailed through the existing standalone showroom of Kawasaki in Pune and in Delhi after the launch.  Both models – Z1000 and Ninja 1000 will be priced at Rs. 12, 50,000 (ex-Showroom, Pune & Delhi) respectively.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Yuji Horiuchi, Managing Director, India Kawasaki Motors said, “The Indian high-end motorcycle market offers tremendous growth opportunities. We had recently launched two of our flagship models and received impressive response for these products. To further strengthen our presence in the country, we are now launching two more global products targeted at specific audiences. We are also launching our first exclusive showroom in North India, to strategically expand our national footprint. With incessant support from our long-standing partners, Bajaj Auto, we look forward to taking the Kawasaki brand in India from strength to strength.”

The Z series of Kawasaki street-fighters has a strong legacy of more than four decades. Z1000 is not just another naked street fighter by Kawasaki Motors, given its new age design and specifications. It is a four-cylinder high performance motorcycle in the street-fighter segment, exemplifying unparalleled power and impeccable naked design. The Z1000 is an evolution of the dynamic super-naked bike series by Kawasaki engineers, who were determined to take the overall riding impact to the next level. The new-engine and chassis settings are crafted seamlessly to deliver a stiffer, more direct ride feel, which will certainly appeal to experienced bike riders. There is a significant transformation in this model, both in terms of design as well as riding experience. With these features Z1000 is touted as being India’s most advanced super-naked bike currently available.

Ninja 1000 from the legendary Ninja stable, will offer bikers with the finest combination of comfort and control. The sportier handling features of the bike do not compromise on its comfort. The well balanced platform benefits from new integrated panniers, the flagship-level technology 3-mode KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) and customizable power modes. These innovative features add to the Ninja 1000’s unrivaled all-round performance. The bike also offers an upright seating position, large fuel tank, and adjustable windscreen among its features, as well as a transmission exclusively geared for street-riding.

In the steady super-bikes market of India, India Kawasaki Motors’ initial target for sales is 100 units per model per year. India Kawasaki Motors will expand its business territory in a phase-wise manner. With its focus on Maharashtra and NCR; the expansion will follow in the rest of the country.

IKM is looking at carefully selecting and training staff that can work on the complete portfolio of motorcycles. The Ninja 1000 and Z1000 along with Ninja ZX-14R and ZX-10R (and Ninja 650R and 300) will be sold and serviced through the exclusive showroom of Kawasaki in Pune and soon to be launched showroom in Delhi.