As per Zauba.com, the Kawasaki Estrella retro classic quarter-litre motorcycle which is also called as the BJ250 has been imported into India for R&D purposes. This strongly indicates that the Japanese automaker is studying our fast growing 250-350 cc market.
Royal Enfield motorcycles like the Bullet 350 and Classic 350 would emerge as the perceived rivals if the Estrella does go on sale here. Kawasaki India is on a product offensive off late. The company which launched the Versys 650 adventure tourer recently is gearing up to launch the single-cylinder Z250 SL in the coming months.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 would be the primary rival.If the two wheeler maker decides to launch the Estrella it is most likely to be assembled locally at the Pune facility. The motorcycle is powered by a 249 cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected motor which has a rather modest 17.4 PS at 7,500 rpm and 18 Nm at 5,000 rpm on tap. Transmission is a 5-speed unit.
The bike employs a telescopic front fork and regular twin coil-spring shock absorbers. The front and rear spoke wheels are retarded by a disc brake each. A simple circular headlamp, slender fuel tank, leather saddle and several chrome elements are the design highlights.
The motorcycle is most likely to be assembled locally if it launches in India.Also, after their split with Bajaj, it has been reported that Kawasaki is working on setting up their own independent plant here in India. If that does happen, the Kawasaki Estrella could be the most affordable offering in India.
