Z1000, Ninja ZX10R Price Drop Possible as Kawasaki Plans More SKDs in India.
Kawasaki stunned everyone by launching the 2017 Ninja 1000 in India at a massive price drop which was made possible because the motorcycle is now being assembled in India through SKD (semi-knocked down) kits. Previously, like other big capacity motorcycles it was being imported into India as a CBU (completely built unit) attracting heavy taxes.
More motorcycles are, hence, expected to get the same treatment now that Kawasaki is on its own (they have left Bajaj’s factory and set up their own plant at Chakan) and free to take care of its own production/assembly. Bikewale reports that the next motorcycles to get the SKD treatment will be the naked flagship Z1000, liter class ZX10R and even the mothership – the ZX14R! They say that the flagship adventure tourer Versys 1000 is not a part of this plan for now.
Also Read: Kawasaki Slashes 1.32 Lakhs Off Z900; New Price Rs 7.68 Lakhs
They elaborate that Kawasaki India wanted to sell their bigger bikes as local assemblies but the permission from the headquarters was not there as they did not want to compromise on quality. However, it appears that the Indian officials have convinced the company’s top most honchos at Japan and they now have reportedly given a nod for the local assembly of big capacity motorcycles.
Converting the liter class motorcycles to local assembly units will mean a lot lesser taxes and massive price reduction of many lakhs is guaranteed! So, good times ahead, indeed!
Next Read: Kawasaki ‘Keen’ to Launch 300cc Adventure Motorcycle Versys X300 in India…