Kawasaki Estrella

Kawasaki Estrella a.k.a BJ250 imported to India for R&D, should Royal Enfield be worried?

Kawasaki Estrella - 2

Import/Export data portal Zauba reveals that Kawasaki has imported a single unit of its retro-styled quarter-litre motorcycle, the Estrella a.k.a the BJ250 to India for R&D purposes. The motorcycle, if launched in India, will be a direct rival to the Royal Enfield motorcycles, especially the Classic 350. The Estrella, visually, with its round chrome-bordered headlight, engine layout and the exhaust design, does remind us of the Indian thumper and if priced aggressively, this Kawasaki can easily eat into Royal Enfield’s share.

According to the import/export data website, the model imported to India costs a hefty Rs 4,02,353 via the CBU route but if the Estrella does make it to the Indian shores for sales, there is a good possibility that Kawasaki will import this model via the CKD route. If it does come to India, it will be assembled at Kawasaki’s Pune plant and will carry a relatively affordable price tag.

Kawasaki Estrella BJ250 - Import

Mechanically, the Estrella is propelled by a 249 cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected engine that delivers 17.4 PS of power at 7,500 rpm and 18 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm.

But should Royal Enfield be concerned about this quarter-litre?

It all depends on how well Kawasaki prices the Estrella. The Royal Enfield Classic 350, probably the closest competitor for the Kawasaki Estrella, retails at Rs 1.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and reaching that mark seems highly unlikely for the Japanese two-wheeler maker. But money not being a concern, the Estrella does look the part and we are pretty sure the quality backed by the brand will definitely work in favour of this retro-styled quarter-litre. Won’t you agree?

Share your views about the Kawasaki Estrella with us through the comments section below.

Source: Zauba

5 thoughts on “Kawasaki Estrella a.k.a BJ250 imported to India for R&D, should Royal Enfield be worried?”

  1. Hi Suvil, good to see such maturity in thoughts and writing. I am glad that finally motor journalists are not panning a product just because it will be relatively more expensive than the competition. They have started to see things like quality, and are slowly moving away from Rupee to Bhp ratio. Anyways, I loved Classic 350 & 500’s design and have always wanted one. But I wont buy a RE in my life time due to reasons like poor quality, reliability etc (may be its in my head and they have improved). Hence, this quarter liter from Kawasaki suits my bill, and being a Kawasaki owner (300 & 650) I would not mind paying extra premium for their quality and bullet proof reliability. I just hope Kawasaki brings this baby to India soon.

  2. Kawasaki must be appreciated for the initiative. RE 350 is selling like mad, and there are no alternatives in that category. May be Kawasaki wanted to tap that kind of customer- this bike will definitely help. There is nothing special about RE350 engine and dynamics, classic looks are selling.
    This is the problem with Indian automobile journalism, why should Kawasaki try to fit this into Royal Enfiled pricing ? as if RE is gold standard !
    unlike other brands Kawasaki has bought new models with good quality (engine, body panles etc) on-par with global standards.
    for Eg the NINJA 300 Special edition – Green/White is very nicely finished and it is same bike world over!
    compare this to recently launched Yamaha Yzf-R3 – I feel poor body panels (finish of panels, paint quality, metal plates is not the same as it is internationally) – don’t believe me visit any nearest showroom and see it in real light, do not go by photos on internet (high contrast – edited)
    Next visit Yamaha Europe or Australia website and see how the biked is finished there
    At 4 lac on road I feel is taking Indian customers for a ride.
    R3 sells for approx 5000 USD – so it is not cheap in India

  3. Prabodh Wagadre

    I would love to buy this one..and if priced around 2Lacs..this gonna beat RE…and for sure quality from Kawasaki will be unmatchable

  4. Prabodh Wagadre

    I would love to buy this Kawasaki as I already have RE classic 350.. But quality is very poor and the engine is not refined with loads of vibrations..
    If Kawasaki bring this to India ..I am sure it’s gonna be a big hit if priced around RS.2 Lacs.

  5. Please bring in the Vulcan S. Not these ones where Kawasaki will quickly lose its identity!

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