DSK Motowheels will roll out at least 10 superbikes from the stables of its foreign partners, South Korea-based Hyosung and Italy’s Benelli, this year.

The company has lined up four new models from Hyosung to strengthen the brand’s India presence, while Benelli will make its India debut with five bikes. The bikes range from 250 cc to 1100 cc.

Racing bikes Sivapada Ray, Chief Operating Officer of DSK Motowheels, is now busy setting up dealerships to launch Benelli bikes. “In February, we will launch the Italian brand Benelli which are known for their racing background,” he told Business Line .

Benelli is among the oldest European bike manufacturers with whom DSK tied up to assemble its bikes at its Maharashtra plant. “We are looking at rolling out five bikes—a 300cc one, two 600cc bikes, an 899cc and an 1113cc. This will be the largest range offered in India by a European bike-maker, except KTM, which is made in India through its venture partner,” Ray said.

There have been a number of enquiries from potential buyers since DSK tied up with Banelli. It is proposed to have 20 dealers for Banelli, he added.

The country’s market for superbikes, estimated to be at 7,000 units a year, is growing at a robust double digit annually. This would only get bigger with manufacturers introducing new models. “At DSK, we expect to close this financial year with 3,300 to 3,400 units and to log about 7,000 units with the addition of the Banelli portfolio,” Ray said.

DSK has decided to opt for the completely knocked down route. This has been successful for the company so far. However, its medium term stated objective is to set up a manufacturing unit, he said.

For the Hyosung range, which offers six models from 250 cc to 650 cc, four more bikes are planned. These include two 200cc bikes, including a cruiser and one 250 cc bike, Ray said.

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