Introduction

The two-wheeler market in India is the biggest contributor to the automobile industry
with a size of Rs.100,000 million. The two-wheeler market in India comprises of 3 types of
vehicles, namely motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds.
Foreign collaborations have been playing a major role in the growth of the Indian
two-wheeler market, and most of them are Japanese firms. The modern two-wheeler firms in
India have been manufacturing new categories of two wheelers such as Step Thrus and
Scooterettes. These have been produced by combining two or more two-wheeler segments.
Foreign firms have already taken initiatives to own their two-wheeler subsidiaries in India.
Among the 3 segments of the Indian two wheeler market, major growth trends have
been seen in the motorcycle segment over the last four to five years. One good reason for
such increase in demand for motorcycles is due to its resistance and balance even on bad road
conditions. Most of the rural areas in India do not have decent roads and hence the need for
good, shock-resistant, and steady two-wheelers such as motorcycles had been felt.
India rides on 2 wheels and this is supported by the fact that the worlds largest 2
wheeler market continues to post a growth of 10% amongst the downturn. With 7 auto majors
fighting it out for a bigger share of the pie, the competition is all set to get hotter. The
recently concluded Auto Expo 2014 was abuzz with a slew of new launches lined up to excite
the ever demanding Indian consumer. 2014 is surely bound to be a defining year for the
Indian 2 wheeler industry.
While the focus of the Indian automobile industry remains on the passenger car and
commercial vehicle segmentwhere sales have been dwindlingthe two-wheeler industry has
quietly been shouldering the weight of the sector. Auto industry body SIAM (Society of
Indian Automobile Manufacturers) attributes the growth in the auto sector, if any, to
increased two-wheeler production.
The segment produced 18,11,276 vehicles in February 2014 compared to 17,34,851
units in February 2013. That is a 4.41 per cent increase. The segment registered 6.11 per cent
growth between April 2013 and February 2014. Compare this with the passenger vehicle
segment which registered a de-growth of 5.91 per cent and the commercial vehicle segment
decline of 19.71 per cent.
Indias biggest two-wheeler-maker Hero continues to sell over 5 lakh units a month.
We have been consistently selling over 5 lakh units every month, and this is clearly
indicative of the inherent market demand for our products, says Anil Dua, VP (Sales and
Marketing). Bajaj says it aims to grow by 25 per cent in FY15, with a sales target of 2.5
million.
The major two-wheeler players believe that 20 per cent-plus growth will return within
the next couple of years. The slowdown is a temporary phenomenon. Eventually we have to
get back to growth, says Roy Kurien, vice-president (Sales & Marketing) at Yamaha. The
Japanese companys sales grew by over 32 per cent in February 2014. Given the size of the
Indian market, he says there is huge potential for all players to grow here. The ratio of
people to two-wheelers in Indonesia is 6:1. In India, it is 24:1. So there is huge room for us to
grow.
Buoyed by a good monsoon last year and a booming rural market, two-wheeler
makers are not letting any opportunity go by to ensure high sales. To start with, they are
encashing on the recent excise duty cut from 12 per cent to 8 per cent. In rupee terms, this
translates into the price of a two-wheeler dropping by `1,500-`2,000. The dealers are also
looking to minimize the waiting at points of sale, thereby not allowing the customer to
change his mind. Finally, they are trying to incentivize buyers with easier insurance and EMI
options.
Though volumes are smaller in scooters than motorcycles, the segment too has seen
growth. According to SIAM, scooters and motorcycles grew at 21.43 per cent and 2.88 per
cent respectively, while mopeds declined by 9.16 per cent in April-February 2014 over April-
February 2013.









Bike Modification

Modified bikes have been a craze for younger people from the very decade of the
invention of this wonder machine. Unlike any other vehicle, bikes are being modified into
different shapes and looks. There are certain reasons behind the tendency of bike
modification. Bikes, most of the times, are meant for younger people who always prefer
changes and are eager to look different. Another reason behind bike modification is bikes are
comparatively cheaper to modify.
It is a fact that most of the modified bikes are imitations of super-bikes. Younger
people like to grab the attraction from the society, riding super-bikes. But the price stretching
into few lakhs, results many of the super bikes out of reach to the middle class men, and the
only option left out is to modify a cheaper bike into a super bike. Also the influences from
entertainment industry and motor sports tempt people to modify their bikes to resemble that
of their heroes.
There are two types of modifications, performance or looks. People can also go for both at
the same time. Performance modification could no way give guarantee that it will imitate,
superior bikes while looks modifications may give perfect satisfaction of a super bike. There
are several modification kits available for each and every part of your bike. You can either
alter the shapes or replace body parts with new moulded ones. If one is creative enough, he
can have his own design and there are certain companies who will execute your ideas on your
bike.
The body works are mainly done by using fiberglass reinforced plastic. This material
offers you the quality of parts, perfect finish and a glazing surface. A majority of
modification kits include clip on handlebars, stylish graphics and stickers, mag-alloy wheels,
rear view mirrors, tuned exhaust silencer, specially designed seats etc... Also one can avail
modified petrol tanks and mudguards.
It is always better to approach any experienced bike modifier than a local mechanic.
Modification is not a change over from a cheaper bike to super bike, but it is just faking the
physical appearance of super bikes. Thus even though you are riding a bike that resembles a
highly superior bike, always aware of the limitations of the basic model.
Performance modification can increase the efficiency of the bike, to a limited extent, while
body modification decreases millage and performance.
The most common modifications include removing the saree guard, rear view mirrors,
increasing the size of the rear tyre, changing the handle bar, using alloy wheels and changing
shock absorbers etc... Some people even go for an entire body alteration while keeping the
engine as it is. You can also work on the sound of the bike.