Benelli and Adishar Auto Ride International to partner up to come up with smaller bikes

Michelle Liew

August 23, 2018

The hustling and busy streets of India indeed provides the biggest market for the two-wheeler industry in Asia. As such, variations of bikes often play a big role in ensuring the industry keeps evolving to ensure the riders are satisfied and are able to have a wider range of options. Recently, motorcycle giants Harley-Davidson and Ducati had announced their plans to downsize their lineup. Ducati has already partnered up with Hero MotoCorp for its take whereas Harley is still looking for a partner. Joining the bandwagon this time is Benelli.

Benelli is one of the oldest Italian motorcycle manufacturers of this day and have been producing many different bikes throughout the years, ranging from scooters to motorcycles. It was formerly associated with DSK Group but its official new partner is none other than Mahavir Group’s Adishar Auto Ride International (AARI).

One of the advantages borne by Benelli over Ducati and Harley is that Benelli has been building small motorcycles hence they do not need any expertise in this particular field. What the Italian firm would need is a partner with experience in the Indian market, such would help with reducing cost of production.

Benelli has set sights on producing 12 new models to the Asian market, particularly in the 300 an 500cc department. The brand new Imperiale will be making its debut by 2019 and will be making an entire lineup of motorcycles with varying displacements. First to be launched is the 400, which features a 373.5cc single-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed gearbox. The TNT and 302 are already available and the standard Leoncino and adventure TRK will coming up soon with a smaller displacement.