EXCLUSIVE: Yamaha Big Bikes To Soon Land In India

In a recent interaction with Yamaha India’s chairman, Eishin Chihana, we have learnt that the Japanese marque has not given up on its big bike programme for India. Now, before you get the chequebook out, you should know that Yamaha intends on bringing select models in very limited numbers.

Yamaha used to retail a number of big bikes in India over the years via the Completely Built Up (CBU) route like the R1M superbike as well as the MT-09 streetfighter. In fact, it was the first company to officially bring big bikes, like the R1 and MT-01, to India. As they were directly imported into India, they commanded a premium. However, the company also offered the R3 supersport via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route.

• EXCLUSIVE: Yamaha RX100 Will Make A Comeback, But Not Like You Expected
• Upcoming Yamaha Bikes in India
• Yamaha R15 V4 Price in Your City

These bikes were taken off the Indian lineup since the incorporation of BS6 emission norms from April 2020. And while many have been waiting for Yamaha to bring back these bikes, the company has since shifted its focus to its mass-market models like the Fascino 125 as well as premium 150cc - 250cc offerings like the MT-15 Version 2.0, R15 V4 range and FZ 25 range.

Based on our exclusive interview, Yamaha looks to be all set to introduce India to its acclaimed middle-weight models like the MT-07, MT-09 and the new R7 in select batches sometime next year, enough to please its high-end clientele. Would the Tenere 700 also be part of this list? We really, really hope so.