Yamaha, Suzuki reduce superbike prices

The revision of import duty structure brings some good news for potential Yamaha and Suzuki superbike buyers.

Following the recent reduction in CBU motorcycle import duties, Japanese bike companies Yamaha and Suzuki have slashed prices of their certain big bikes.

Starting with Yamaha, the company’s YZF-R1 and MT-09 have been made more affordable – the former now costs Rs. 18.10 lakh and the latter Rs. 9.50 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). Launched at Rs. 20.70 lakh and Rs. 10.80 lakh, respectively, the R1 and MT-09 were only recently updated for the 2018 model year. Coming to Suzuki, the company has slashed the price of its sinister GSX-R1000R by Rs. 2.2 lakh. Now, the bike is priced at Rs 20.30 lakh.

Both the Yamaha R1 and Suzuki GSX-R1000R are litre-class supersport bikes with inline 4-cylinder engines, producing monstrous power – the former pumps 197.2bhp, while the latter makes 199.2bhp. With so much firepower to play with, these two bikes qualify as two of the fastest machines you can buy in India.

The Yamaha MT-09, while not as savage as the two supersports, is not slouch by any means either. This high capacity street fighter draws its power from an 847cc, 3-cylinder engine that produces 112bhp. For 2018, the MT-09 was given a thoroughly refreshed design, making it look much sharper than its predecessor.

After the recent change in import duty structure, all CBU bikes attract an import duty of 50 per cent. Previously, an import duty of 60 per cent was levied on motorcycles displacing less than 800cc, while those displacing more than 800cc were taxed at 75 per cent.