More than 50 yrs of its existence in the Indian automobile industry, two wheelers has become more popular commuter in Indian roads. Today, India is the second largest two-wheeler producer in the world. Even though, after the invention of motorcycle in 1885 by Gottlieb Daimler in German, it had taken seven decades to reach India. Now, after China, India stands next in two wheeler production and in sales next to Japan. Two-wheeler industry has witnessed a spectacular growth in India.
As Indian government needed powerful and reliable motorcycles for its Army and police to patrol in the craggy and rocky highways, the first batch of 350cc Royal Enfield Bullets entered in India. Even before, in 1949 Automobile Products of India had launched in India. We are here today with more efficient and advance technology bicycles for the ease of our travelling. When we look back to the older times, those two-wheelers were symbolized the luxurious life and the Bullet was only a dream for most youngsters. Check back to the old Indian two-wheeler trends which we lost today.
The Italian born motorscooter, Lambretta was bought by Indian government immediately after independence. Incorporated with Automobile Products of India, they began assembling Innocenti-built Lambretta scooters. And after getting the licence of the model 2 Li150 series in the early sixties, India started manufacturing its own. After Scooter India Ltd acquired the brand name Li150 had renamed as Lamby 150. Lampy Polo was the last remodeled version by API. After Scooter India Ltd bought the entire manufacturing rights of the last Innocenti-built Lambretta, GP 150, they had renamed it as ‘Vijay Super’. After British Leyland bought, they closed manufacturing units. Today, the brand name Lambratta/ Lambro owned by SIL.
The Yamaha had come up with Rajdoot 350 in the year 1983 to compete with Royal Enfield Bullet 350 which was the biggest capacity bike in India at the time. The bike was manufacture by Escort Groups. Due to its high fuel consumption Rajdoot could not survive in Indian market for long time. By 1990, company had ended up the production. Rajdoot 350 was also known as RD 350. As Today the bike history tells the story “Yamaha once upon a time were found in India with a 350cc two stroke engine that roamed on the streets” as it was mentioned in the website indiandrives.com.
Yezdi Classic
Ideal Jawa Ltd, the French company had produced Yezdi classic and it initially known as Jawa. Yezdi was the name of craze in India for two decades beginning from 1960s. Even Bollywood featured Yezdi in most of the films of those years. Competing with Bullet bikes, Yezdi could win young hearts. Both the bikes stand as synonymous for majestic. Manufactured without a plastic or fiberglass, Yezdi called as the all-metal bike. From the year 1978, Yezdi was leadying in motorbike market. Even today, this two stroke 250 cc air cooled Yezdi bike has so many fans around.
Hero Honda CD 100
The joint venture of Hero India and Honda of Japan came up with Hero Honda CD 100 in 1985. It became popular cost-centric market for being the best mileage bike. It was a big hit in India where CD 100 suited for Indian men’s pocket with less fuel consumption. It charted in the executive class. With its affordable prize and durability, Hero Honda CD 100 was known as the decent bike where Yamaha stands for younger generation. This 100 cc air cooled and single cylinder bike was powered with 4 stroke engine. Today this joint venture Hero Honda has become the largest two-wheeler manufacturer.
Bajaj Chetak
Bajaj Chetak was termed as ‘humara bajaj’ in India. It was one of the popular Indian-made motor scooter by Bajaj Auto. It was even affordable for millions of Indian families in the 1980s. Based on the Italian Vespa Sprint, Chetak was manufactured in India. The name Chetak was after the legendary horse of Indian warrior Rana Pratap Singh. The competition with advanced model bikes and cars, Chetak lost its ground in 2000s. And it ended up the production in 2009. Its chief competitor was LML NV in the earlier days.
Yes I agree with that two wheelers has become more popular commuter in Indian roads. Today, India is the second largest two-wheeler producer in the world. Bajaj Chetak was termed as ‘humara bajaj’ in India. It was one of the popular Indian-made motor scooter by Bajaj Auto. It was even affordable for millions of Indian families in the 1980s.Today we definitely miss Lambretta, Rajdoot 350, Yezdi classic, Bajaj Chetak but everything change according to time.I think Bajaj Auto is one of the best Two Wheeler Manufacturer Indiain India.
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