Harley Davidson​

Harley-Davidson motorcycles in India start at ₹2.40 lakh, with the Harley-Davidson X440 being the most affordable model. On the other end of the spectrum, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide is the priciest, commanding a hefty ₹41.79 lakh. The brand’s lineup in India features a diverse selection, including 9 Cruisers, 1 Roadster, 2 Tourers, 1 Adventure Tourer, and 1 Sports Tourer.

Enthusiasts can also look forward to upcoming launches in 2025, including the Harley-Davidson X 350, Harley-Davidson EDT600R, and Harley-Davidson X 500.

The Story of Harley-Davidson’s Entry into India

Harley-Davidson’s journey in India dates back to 2007, with an interesting backstory. A trade agreement between the U.S. and India paved the way for the brand’s entry, wherein the import of Harley-Davidson motorcycles was permitted in exchange for the export of Indian mangoes to the U.S. However, India’s high import duties and unclear emission regulations for motorcycles above 500cc created initial roadblocks.

Despite the challenges, Harley-Davidson officially established its Indian subsidiary in 2009, headquartered in Gurgaon. The brand then launched 12 motorcycles across five categories—Sportster, Dyna, VRSC, Softail, and CVO—all of which were fully imported (CBU), attracting over 100% import tax. Sales commenced in 2010 through five dealerships, expanding in the years that followed.

The Rise, Fall & Return of Harley-Davidson in India

To improve affordability and expand its presence, Harley-Davidson inaugurated its CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly plant in Bawal, Haryana, in 2011—its second facility outside the U.S. This move enabled local assembly of certain models, reducing costs. The real breakthrough came in 2014 when Harley-Davidson began producing the Street 500 and Street 750 in India, with the latter being available for both domestic and international markets.

However, 2020 marked a major setback, as Harley-Davidson decided to exit the Indian market, shutting down its Bawal plant due to declining sales and financial losses. But the brand’s departure was short-lived. It soon re-entered India in partnership with Hero MotoCorp, which now manages sales, service, and distribution. This collaboration also led to the development of the Harley-Davidson X440, a budget-friendly motorcycle designed specifically for emerging markets like India.

Harley-Davidson’s Origins & Manufacturing

Who Founded Harley-Davidson?

The roots of Harley-Davidson trace back to 1901, when two American childhood friends, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, set out to create a motorized bicycle powered by a 116cc engine. Their first prototype was completed in 1903, but it lacked sufficient power for hilly terrains. This prompted them to refine their design, ultimately leading to a 405cc engine motorcycle in 1904—a turning point in their journey. By 1906, Harley-Davidson had officially emerged as a brand.

Where Are Harley-Davidson Bikes Made?

In 2011, Harley-Davidson set up a production facility in Bawal (Haryana), India, where it manufactured the Street 500 and Street 750, while also assembling select Sportster, Dyna, and Softail models via the CKD route. Following its market exit in 2020, this facility was shut down. However, Harley-Davidson made a strong comeback through Hero MotoCorp, which now manufactures the X440 at its Neemrana (Rajasthan) facility.

Are Harley-Davidson Bikes Still Made in the USA?

Apart from the India-made X440, all premium Harley-Davidson models continue to be manufactured in the U.S. and imported into India via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route. The imported lineup includes models from its Grand American Touring, Cruiser, Adventure Touring, and Sport categories.