The Rolls Royce of bikes is all set to cruise into Kolkata. Harley-Davidson, the iconic American brand that has a cult following the world over, has booked a Poila Baisakh entry date with a dealership near Rajarhat.

Harley-Davidson currently sells 15 bikes in India with engines that range from 883 cc to 1,802 cc. The lineup includes Heritage Classic Softail, Road King, Street Glide, Night Rod Special, Ultra Classic Electra Glide, Iron 883 and Street Bob, apart from Fat Boy, which former Hollywoodstar Arnold Schwarzenegger rides. The bikes are priced between Rs 5.5 lakh and Rs 35 lakh.

The big-bang launch will comprise a Harley Founders' ride around the streets of Kolkata. "Existing owners of Harley-Davidson will ride across the city to make sure everyone knows we are here. Thereafter, we will have a series of events, including rock music that is an integral part of the Harley-Davidson culture," said Anoop Prakash, managing director of Harley-Davidson India, the wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson Inc.

The company has already appointed a dealership in Kolkata and construction of the showroom is already underway. "Hopefully, it will be ready for launch in April. The showroom will be unique like all Harley-Davidson brand spaces are and represent the culture and lifestyle associated with the brand," Prakash said on the sidelines of the India Auto Expo.

The motorcycle showroom, spread luxuriantly over 3,000 sqft, will be larger than many a car dealership in the city. it will also retail its equally popular merchandise and accessories. "The service centre will be located next to the dealership, making it extremely convenient for customers," he said.

The entry of Harley-Davidson will not only bring to the city some of the meanest and most expensive motorcycles, it also promises to herald a whole new culture that is high on adventure.

"There was a time when one of the original social networks didn't require you to log in. It required you to get on and ride that get-up-and-go thrill of hitting the road with other riders who share that same independent spirit. Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners have been gathering on and off the road for decades as members of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) because they know what riding can do to a person's soul. Kolkata has a HOG comprising around a dozen or so members and is raring to grow. The dealership will enhance that spirit of adventure in the city," the official said.

Prakash expects a good number of Harley-Davidson customers in Kolkata to be high-net worth professional executives in the 35-45 years age group. "The city had a tremendous biking culture in the 1950s and 60s when bike races were held at the Barrackpore airfield. Those who watched the races as kids back then are top executives now and would love to rediscover the passion by owning a Harley-Davidson bike that is a ticket to a whole new way of life," Prakash added.

Source: TNN, Jan 6, 2012