Is there a market for 250cc+ class scooters in Bangladesh?

[Paul2]

So, that's the question.

Is there a market for 250cc+ class scooters in Bangladesh?

I doubt there are much good roads in the country to drive a scooter as such. From my research, scooters only dominate Dhaka, and the next 2-3 big cities, while rural areas remain on motorcycles.

Another moment, I believe women also make big scooter buyers, but probably not going to buy a 200kg+ scooter.

I also haven't seen much Bangladeshis looking to weight above 80kg, so I am also thinking if that may reduce the demand for bigger scooters.

 

[Valar.]

Last I heard, 150 cc plus bikes imports were banned in Bangladesh.

Gotta go for local assembling. Even in that case, demand would be low just like Pakistan especially if its scooters(much much low, almost negligible)

 

[Michael Corleone]

Last I heard, 150 cc plus bikes imports were banned in Bangladesh.

Gotta go for local assembling. Even in that case, demand would be low just like Pakistan especially if its scooters(much much low, almost negligible)

We’re making 500cc engines but have to export them to India and Nepal as it’s banned in our country. Although they’re planning to ease restriction to 365cc now

 

[Valar.]

We’re making 500cc engines but have to export them to India and Nepal as it’s banned in our country. Although they’re planning to ease restriction to 365cc now

Wait, so you're telling me not only import of 150cc+ bikes are banned in BD but even locally you cannot make them? There's a blanket ban on 150cc+ bikes? Why?

 

[Michael Corleone]

Wait, so you're telling me not only import of 150cc+ bikes are banned in BD but even locally you cannot make them? There's a blanket ban on 150cc+ bikes? Why?

We can make locally. But consumers can buy 165cc max. Last I heard earlier this year, they increase the engine output limit to 360cc.
anyways Indian bikes have taken control of our market with domestic production and local companies do not make convincing products. Well off people buy Japanese like Yamaha and Honda.

 

[PoondolotoPandalum]

Japanese big 4 have expressed their interest in setup up production plants in Bangladesh multiple times, but they have stated it's only worth it if they're allowed to make and sell at minimum 500cc-class motorcycles. They display their flagship models, like their 200hp litre bikes, at Bangladeshi bike shows, to wet our appetite.

Local motorcycle manufacturers, who put together 150cc lawnmower engines with a seat, are also responsible for lobbying the government to enforce the 165cc limit for their self-interest, at the behest of the Bengali consumer.

Wasn't always like this. My dad owned a 500cc Royal Enfield Bullet (original British one) in Dhaka, which he bought off an army auction ages ago. That thing was a head turner! Even though it's not that much more powerful than a modern 160-200cc learner bike

 

[Michael Corleone]

Japanese big 4 have expressed their interest in setup up production plants in Bangladesh multiple times, but they have stated it's only worth it if they're allowed to make and sell at minimum 500cc-class motorcycles. They display their flagship models, like their 200hp litre bikes, at Bangladeshi bike shows, to wet our appetite.

Local motorcycle manufacturers, who put together 150cc lawnmower engines with a seat, are also responsible for lobbying the government to enforce the 165cc limit for their self-interest, at the behest of the Bengali consumer.

Wasn't always like this. My dad owned a 500cc Royal Enfield Bullet (original British one) in Dhaka, which he bought off an army auction ages ago. That thing was a head turner! Even though it's not that much more powerful than a modern 160-200cc learner bike

Man army has an exception though. Seen militsry police BMW bikes. Awesome machines

 

[PoondolotoPandalum]

Only Police and army are allowed large capacity bikes.

I believe I saw a picture of RAB riding around in Honda Goldwings xD

Huge lauggage capacity

Man army has an exception though. Seen militsry police BMW bikes. Awesome machines

Official reasons are said to be "safety" and impossible to catch/intercept by the police.

The first part is hilarious. If Bangladesh wants to be a nanny state, the CC and output of motorcycles should be the least of concern. Like not letting gangster bus companies operate with their nasty, unsafe, brocken and polluting death machines

The second part is true anywhere. Superbikes are impossible to catch pretty much anywhere. That much speed for that little money is one of the reason folks like me are drawn to them so much

 

[DalalErMaNodi]

Only Police and army are allowed large capacity bikes.

I believe I saw a picture of RAB riding around in Honda Goldwings xD

Huge lauggage capacity

Official reasons are said to be "safety" and impossible to catch/intercept by the police.

The first part is hilarious. If Bangladesh wants to be a nanny state, the CC and output of motorcycles should be the least of concern. Like not letting gangster bus companies operate with their nasty, unsafe, brocken and polluting death machines

The second part is true anywhere. Superbikes are impossible to catch pretty much anywhere. That much speed for that little money is one of the reason folks like me are drawn to them so much

The goldwings aren't for Rab.. it's for the SSF, I believe they have 6 of them..

 

[Michael Corleone]

I believe I saw a picture of RAB riding around in Honda Goldwings

Overkill to intercept 160cc bikes no?

 

[Paul2]

Overkill to intercept 160cc bikes no?

I have a smart idea, what about an electric 100hp bike?

No cylinder volume, no problems.

 

[Destranator]

Wait, so you're telling me not only import of 150cc+ bikes are banned in BD but even locally you cannot make them? There's a blanket ban on 150cc+ bikes? Why?

The rationale was our cops can't chase fast bikes down. Welcome to Bangladesh - we tax SUV import at rates of up to 800% to arrest increase in traffic congestion.
Lazy, shortsighted policies.

 

[Bilal9]

Last I heard, 150 cc plus bikes imports were banned in Bangladesh.

Gotta go for local assembling. Even in that case, demand would be low just like Pakistan especially if its scooters(much much low, almost negligible)

Women in Bangladesh prefer scooters for obvious physical reasons. But scooter adoption is still in its infancy (but increasing). Scooter riding on open roads for women is still unsafe and risky as their reaction time (braking, maneuvering) is not optimally fast.

 

[bluesky]

Japanese big 4 have expressed their interest in setup up production plants in Bangladesh multiple times, but they have stated it's only worth it if they're allowed to make and sell at minimum 500cc-class motorcycles. They display their flagship models, like their 200hp litre bikes, at Bangladeshi bike shows, to wet our appetite.

Where did you find this small story that Japanese companies want to produce 500cc motorbikes in BD where roads are not capable to support even 90cc bikes? Japan itself has a little market for big ones.

Japanese people are not fond of big motorbikes because they have no use for big bikes. Very seldom, I see big ones on the streets but small bikes, 50cc to 120cc, can be seen all the time. Someone who wants to buy a big one usually buys a foreign brand.

 

[Michael Corleone]

I have a smart idea, what about an electric 100hp bike?

No cylinder volume, no problems.

One day when Elon musk makes an electric motorcycle maybe