The 2014 Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 500 appear to be made in India and assembled in America. So what? The Subcontinent knows how to make a fantastic motorcycle. Here's five great bikes that are made in India.
There is seriously not one other bike coming for 2014 that I am personally more excited about or more likely to buy. With the possible exception of the last bike on this list... The RC390 pairs a very low weight with a high performance motor, a race-bred chassis and purposeful design. And, because it's made in India, all that is likely going to be available for between $6,000 and $7,000.
2014 KTM 390 Duke
Prefer an upright naked? It'll probably make more sense in the city. Very similar to the RC390, the Duke should be a little lower-spec, but likely a little cheaper too. Again, a uniquely appealing bike, especially considering it's likely $5,000 to $6000 price.
You're not going to find a more faithful recreation of the original cafe racer theme than you will in this new Royal Enfield. The 535cc, single-cylinder will go on-sale in the U.S. next year for an expected price close to $6,000.
Royal Enfield Bullet C5 Desert Storm
Dubbed "Desert Storm" for its matte khaki paint, there's a ton of visual appeal in this classic bike. And we do mean "classic," Royal Enfield has been knocking these out in India since the 1950s, updating them with electric start, unit engines and good reliability along the way.
"...we’re also developing a so-called dual-purpose or dual-sport version of ," stated KTM boss Stefan Pierer in April. "I would say it's a mix between supermoto and enduro. These will appear next, all made at the Bajaj factory in Chakan ." Expect similar specs to the 390 Duke and RC390 — 324 lbs (wet), 44 bhp, solid reliability and low maintenance requirements.
What other great Indian-made bikes can you think of in recent history?
Related Links:
MOar RC390: 2014 KTM RC390 High-Res Photos and Action Video
What It's Like To Ride One: Royal Enfield 500 Review
Discussing Design: How The Royal Enfield Continental GT Changed From Concept To Production