Yamaha INDRA patented, low-cost bike launch next year

Only a handful of Indian bikes have gained the reputation of attracting the middle folk and cementing its legacy. Back in the 90s, it used to be the Yamaha RX100 and Suzuki Samurai ruling the roads. Come the millennium, Hero Honda and Bajaj started owning most of the segment shares. One such vehicle to stand out was the Bajaj Boxer, which sells now as a revamped edition going by the name CT100.

The trendsetters really had just a simple, straight-forward formula that is to cater to the common Indian. Easy ergonomics, top mileage, minimal maintenance and cost-cutting price was all that really mattered when a buyer was ready to shed some cash. It is actually still a common sight in many households to have a secondary bike or as a retro collection, due to its sheer longevity.

Yamaha has recently patented a Boxer-esque model. The Japanese manufacturer may also start exporting the bike to high demand markets like South Asia. This bike is touted to be the much awaited Yamaha INDRA, which was earlier expected at the 2016 Auto Expo. The company’s production facility in Chennai can be used for rolling out the new bike in India. The bike also targets the Chinese market.

The Yamaha INDRA will come equipped with a 100-110cc engine that will be paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The entry level variant won’t be having electric start, alloy wheels or disc brakes.

As seen from Yamaha’s patent, it is clear that they are winding back the clock to conquer the entry-level segment once again. After all, the Indian public will be more than happy to see an improved commoner bike on the road once again. Yamaha recently opened its second R&D centre in India and plans to develop more bikes locally.