22-08-2013, 04:45 PM
Overview of the Two-wheelers segment
Two-wheelers segment.docx (Size: 995.28 KB / Downloads: 17)
Major types of two-wheelers:
Cruiser:
These are the motorcycles which mimic the design style of American machines from the 1930s to the early 1960s. A number of motorcycles manufacturers like Harley Davidson, BMW and Honda have come up with models evocative of the American Cruiser.
The riding position on a cruiser, usually, places the feet forward and the hands up, with the spine erect or leaning back slightly.
Sport bike:
The emphasis is on speed, acceleration, braking and cornering on paved roads while compromising slightly on comfort and fuel economy.
Typically have high performance engines resting inside lightweight frame.
They have high foot pegs to position the legs closer to the body so as to improve ground clearance when cornering, and a long reach to the hand controls, which positions the body and centre of gravity forward, above the fuel tank.
The windscreens effectively deflect the air at very high speeds so as to reduce the overall drag.
Dual Sport:
Dual-purpose on/off-road motorcycles
Typically based on dirt bike chassis, they have added lights, mirrors, signals and instruments that allow them to be licensed for public roads.
Luxury import buyers:
They are the motorcycle aficionados and make more than $100,000. They drive their motorcycles for vacations and for recreational drives, so security features assume primary significance. Performance, handling and safety would be a good campaign theme for targeting this consumer segment.
Honda:
Honda which controls 29% of the motorcycle market has been at the forefront with the design of elegant, contemporary and powerful scooters and entry-level motorcycles. It also came up with the world’s first motorcycle airbag system.
It tends to target college students or young women who do not want bulky bikes.
Honda consumers tend to be between 35 and 65 years old and have a middle-high household income.
The tradeoffs:
A two stroke engine can provide twice the power of a four stroke engine of the same size. This is because it fires once every revolution. Hence the power/size ratio for 2-stroke engines is better than that of a 4-stroke engine.
A 4-stroke engine, on the other hand produce less noise are more fuel-efficient and are more environment friendly .