Big Harley Davidson Motorcycles To Get Up To Rs. 12 Lakh Cheaper In India: Here's Why

Indian motorcycle enthusiasts may soon find Harley-Davidson's legendary cruisers within reach, as the government explores scrapping import duties on high-capacity motorcycles above 750cc. The move, part of a broader trade negotiation with the United States, could bring down prices of models like the Road Glide and Nightster by as much as 20–30 percent, while leaving the India-assembled X440 unaffected.

Why This Move Could Change the Game

For over a decade, Harley’s powerful V-twin engines and chrome-heavy design have captivated Indian riders. But steep prices kept most models firmly in the “dream machine” category. A Road Glide, for example, currently starts at ₹41.79 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Nightster begins at ₹13.39 lakh. If duties are scrapped altogether, these bikes could become significantly more affordable—possibly ₹12.5 lakh cheaper for the Road Glide and ₹4 lakh lower for the Nightster—giving many enthusiasts their first real shot at ownership.

Understanding the Tariff Timeline

This development builds on the 2025 Union Budget, which already offered some relief for superbike buyers:

• Import duty for motorcycles up to 1600cc was reduced from 50% to 40%.

• For those above 1600cc, it dropped from 50% to 30%.

Now, negotiators are reportedly discussing zero tariffs on motorcycles over 750cc—a move that would directly address long-standing US demands for better access to India’s two-wheeler market. Harley-Davidson, which had exited the Indian market in 2020 before returning through its local tie-up with Hero MotoCorp, stands to benefit the most.

What Will Change—and What Won’t

The locally manufactured Harley-Davidson X440, priced between ₹2.39 lakh and ₹2.79 lakh, won’t be impacted, since it already escapes import duties. However, full-import models or CBUs (Completely Built Units) could see major cuts:

• Road Glide (1868cc): Could drop from ₹41.79 lakh to around ₹29 lakh

• Nightster (975cc): Might come down from ₹13.39 lakh to approximately ₹9.4 lakh

• Street Glide (1923cc): Could see a fall from ₹38.79 lakh to about ₹27 lakh

These estimates exclude GST and state-level road taxes, which would still apply. Nevertheless, the reduced ex-showroom prices could make these bikes far more attractive to Indian premium buyers.

Will It Move the Needle?

Not everyone’s convinced this will be a game-changer. Superbikes still make up less than 0.1% of India’s two-wheeler market, which sells over 16 million units a year. Additionally, Harley will need to invest in expanding its 33-dealer network to cater to new customers across the country.

The competition at lower price points is also heating up. Triumph’s Speed 400 (₹2.23 lakh) and Royal Enfield’s Super Meteor 650 (₹3.49–₹3.79 lakh) are already luring customers seeking affordable entry into the premium biking world. But Harley’s legacy, larger displacement engines, and distinctive design could help it retain a loyal niche.

A Trade Deal with Bigger Implications

The possible elimination of duties is not just about bikes—it’s part of India’s larger trade strategy. The goal is to improve relations with the US and avoid retaliatory tariffs, such as the previously proposed 26% duty on Indian steel exports. With US Vice President JD Vance recently visiting Jaipur and underlining the importance of bilateral trade, both sides appear motivated to seal a deal before elections on either side make negotiations harder.

In the long run, cheaper imports could even prompt Harley-Davidson to restart local assembly. The brand had earlier operated a facility in Haryana, and with increased volumes, industry insiders believe it might return to Indian manufacturing.

What to Watch Out For

As talks progress, Indian buyers should keep an eye on:

• Government confirmation of the zero-duty proposal

• Revised price lists from Harley dealerships

• New model introductions tailored to the tariff shift

While Harley-Davidson may not become a volume player overnight, the shift could bring these aspirational machines within reach for a wider audience. For those who’ve always dreamed of cruising on a Milwaukee-Eight, that iconic Harley growl might soon be more than just a fantasy.