Big news could be brewing for Harley-Davidson fans in India. If all goes according to plan, prices of certain Harley bikes might drop significantly in the coming months. The Indian government is reportedly in talks to reduce customs duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles — possibly bringing it down to zero for bikes imported from the US.
Background
After Harley-Davidson officially exited the Indian market, Hero MotoCorp took over the reins for the brand in the country. Currently, Hero imports most of the Harley-Davidson lineup from Thailand. Thanks to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Thailand, these imports are already duty-free.
However, the larger, more expensive cruisers — usually brought in as Completely Built-Up (CBU) units from the United States — still attract hefty import taxes. These taxes often push prices well beyond the reach of even hardcore enthusiasts.
Now, if the proposed tax cut goes through, these big bikes could become much more affordable.
Policy Shift
This potential tax cut isn’t coming out of the blue. Over the last few weeks, the US has been rolling out reciprocal taxes against several countries, including India. The idea is simple: level the playing field and encourage mutual trade benefits.
India, it seems, is open to making the first move by slashing customs duties on premium American motorcycles — like those from Harley-Davidson — as a goodwill gesture. This could be a strategic play to ease trade tensions and strengthen bilateral ties.
Current Scenario
Here’s a quick look at where things stand with Harley imports:
| Source Country | Import Method | Tax Rate | Affected Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | CKD (FTA in place) | 0% | Most popular models |
| USA | CBU | High (approx 50–75%) | Big cruisers and tourers |
So while the entry-level and mid-range Harleys are already well-priced, the full-fat cruisers — like the Road Glide and Street Glide — are still very expensive. A zero-duty policy for US imports would change that overnight.
What to Expect
If the new policy is implemented, the price drop for US-imported Harleys could be dramatic — potentially shaving off several lakhs from the final sticker price. This would make heavyweight American motorcycles much more accessible to Indian buyers.
But don’t hold your breath just yet. There are no confirmed dates or official announcements. Still, the mood around these talks is positive, and a decision may not be far off.
Broader Impact
This move could open the door for other premium American motorcycle brands as well. It might also prompt more bikemakers to consider bringing larger displacement bikes into the Indian market with less hesitation.
On the flip side, this could raise concerns among Indian and Asian manufacturers who might fear losing their edge in the premium segment. However, for bikers who’ve always dreamed of owning a true American cruiser, this development is nothing short of thrilling.
FAQs
Will Harley-Davidson bikes get cheaper in India?
Yes, if the zero-duty policy is approved.
Which Harleys are affected by import duties?
Big cruisers imported from the US as CBU units.
Why are Thai Harleys cheaper?
Thailand has an FTA with India, so no import duty.
Who sells Harley bikes in India now?
Hero MotoCorp manages Harley-Davidson sales in India.
Is the policy confirmed?
No, it is still under discussion.
