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.
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