[TorqueyTechie]

New Indian brand called Avantura is planning to launch 2000cc high-end choppers bikes.



Quoting from the article in TOI :

Avantura Choppers, co-founded by bike enthusiasts Gaurav A Aggarwal and Vijay Singh, has signed deals with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) S&S, Mustang & Kellermann, to import components for the models it intends to launch next month.

With 2,000-CC engines, these bikes will come at a price point of above `20 lakh each. At present, only Indian, Harley-Davidson and Triumphs have costlier options.

"I am a chopper lover, and I have been researching about these bikes since the last seven years. Two years ago, I decided to launch Avantura to make these bikes in India, which are made for Indian roads," said Aggarwal, who heads the venture as its chief executive. He claimed that his company would be the first organised player, with relevant certifications.

"There are 29 tests to clear before we can launch. This included 16 component tests and 13 motorcycle tests. We have carried noise and emission tests and other important tests and await certifications," said Vijay Singh, chief revenue officer, Avantura.

Chopper is a design style used in bikes where steering angles are modified heavily & along with lengthened forks which gives it a stretched-out appearance.

[v12]

This seems to be a nice initiative - but is there a market for choppers in India? They are impractical on our roads - be it within city or outside the city.

They seem to be using one of the best OE parts on their bikes - Avon tires and Mustang seats.

[abhishek46]

I wonder, from where they are going to source the 2000cc V twin, and the frame of the bikes.

Wont be surprised, if this turns out to be a Harley/Indian Mod-Job company (like the ones showcased on Biker Build Off TV shows).

[MadRasTan4986]

Originally Posted by abhishek46

I wonder, from where they are going to source the 2000cc V twin, and the frame of the bikes.

Wont be surprised, if this turns out to be a Harley/Indian Mod-Job company (like the ones showcased on Biker Build Off TV shows).

S&S is their source of engines. They make huge v-twin engines specifically for choppers. Most of the custom bike builders in USA use their engines.

If I'm not wrong even Confederate uses their engines.

[GTO]

Can a newbie just come in & build high-end motorcycles like this? Saying because there is no way a newbie can just walk in and build cars (Tesla is an exception). There's a lot of engineering that goes into the vehicles of today. A 2000cc motorcycle would require talented engineering to ride competently & safely.

And at 20 lakhs, they don't exactly have any brand pull either.

[timuseravan]

Originally Posted by GTO

Can a newbie just come in & build high-end motorcycles like this? Saying because there is no way a newbie can just walk in and build cars (Tesla is an exception). There's a lot of engineering that goes into the vehicles of today. A 2000cc motorcycle would require talented engineering to ride competently & safely.

And at 20 lakhs, they don't exactly have any brand pull either.

Cannot agree more! A lot of chopper customizers in USA get the frames, engines and transmission from Harley or some such third party OEM vendors and assemble and customize the rest.
Looking at their press release, I think they are going to do the same.

[ashwinprakas]

Being from a land where owning a poorly built machine with prehistoric technology is seen to be manly I have no doubt that a 20L chopper would sell as long it appeals to the eye and feels well endowed on paper.

Every time I witness form prevail over function I feel a void deepen inside of me, but all is good as long as anything is fueled by passion and not greed.

[abhishek46]

Originally Posted by timuseravan

Cannot agree more! A lot of chopper customizers in USA get the frames, engines and transmission from Harley or some such third party OEM vendors and assemble and customize the rest.
Looking at their press release, I think they are going to do the same.

There are some reputed names, like Rajputana customs etc, who have already produced some amazing work.
It would have probably helped, if they could have included already established names/brands, in their venture.
As it stands today, they have no brand identity in the market today, and it is hard to build one, especially with a Rs 20 Lakh price tag and single digit sales.

[The_Mad_Hatter]

I may be biased because I absolutely detest choppers, but if there would be any takers for these it would likely be from the "more money than brains club". 20L for a relatively no-name brand seems like they're making a huge markup on the prices, looking to ripoff some vulnerable buyers seeking the "macho" feel.

[n.devdath]

Originally Posted by GTO

Can a newbie just come in & build high-end motorcycles like this?

I dont think they will "manufacture" them here, that is in no way viable. It could be an assembly attempt by mixing and matching various parts or a kit from some unknown manufacturer, like UM for example.

Selling them is going to be a completely different challenge that will need a much larger displacement, of gut and grit, 2000cc won't suffice...!!!

[vjkamal]

Even if they assemble and sell it at 20L+ pricetag, I just hope this won't turn out to be another scam in the industry like the previous incidents from Eider motors and Terra motors.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...ver-fraud.html

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/superb...superbike.html

[narayan]

Originally Posted by GTO

Can a newbie just come in & build high-end motorcycles like this?

I think it should be do-able because this is not ground up design. They are after all buying all parts from various tested OEs. If you see some of the popular TV shows on Discovery/History around chopper builders, all they customize is the fuel tank, seat, fenders, handle bar and paint job. Chassis, engine, transmission and brakes are straight lift from reputed OEs.

Question remains though on how big this market is especially when there are quite a few folks out there who can churn out cheaper choppers on a RE chassis/engine combo.

Personally, I hate these choppers and I find them just another expression of American eccentricity for the sake of it.

[VW2010]

Can a newbie just come in & build high-end motorcycles like this? Saying because there is no way a newbie can just walk in and build cars (Tesla is an exception). There's a lot of engineering that goes into the vehicles of today. A 2000cc motorcycle would require talented engineering to ride competently & safely.

Motorcycles are not complicated. Customs are fairly simple in design and follows buy components and assemble. Customs fundamental needs are a proper work shop which has a strong fabrication team, painting team and quality governance. The main work is probably in creating custom orders where the frame may need some customization. The ones they are building now and testing will go through enough testing to buy with confidence.

I am happy they decided to go S&S for engine. They are pretty reliable engine in that segment and fairly reputed.

These are perfect bikes for the weekend mudhalayarkuppam rides. The engine is well reputed. How they mate it with a transmission and complete the build cycle will decide.

@20L i think they can provide quality and to an extent reliability. Afterall we have HD fairly doing well inspite of buyers confidence on their reliability.

[sub.g84]

I agree. A totally unknown brand launching a bike at 20 lacs gives me serious doubt on the success factor. Also isn't the brand name a tad too similar to Avventura by Fiat? Won't it give rise to trademark issues?

[MartinVirage]

Originally Posted by sub.g84

I agree. A totally unknown brand launching a bike at 20 lacs gives me serious doubt on the success factor. Also isn't the brand name a tad too similar to Avventura by Fiat? Won't it give rise to trademark issues?

Totally, Would like them to make one in The ABAARTH state of tune *pun intended*

Jokes Aside, Yup would really like to know the regulations put by the RTO on this one; Never seen a custom chopper 2000 cc with a Saree guard