Hero Honda launches CBZ Xtreme in new avatar

Facing stiff competition from its arch rivals Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors, the biggest producer of two-wheeler in the world, Hero Honda Motors has unveiled 150 cc motorcycle CBZ Xtreme in a new avatar.

The company has taken CBZ off the market seven month ago, owing to its low fuel-efficiency and engine troubles and has now refurbished the entire bike.

The two variants "� kick-start and self-start models "� have been priced at Rs 54,500 and Rs 56,500 (ex-showroom Delhi), respectively. Disc brakes and alloy wheel have been made standard fitments on CBZ Xtreme, while the all new engine comes in dark metal grey colour for maximum efficiency on wet road conditions.

Hero Honda's market share has been slipping in the premium 150 cc segment, and its lone model, Achiever, has failed to project sufficient sales.

It had also launched a fuel injected variant (the first in the country) of its Glamour model in the 125 cc segment, in June this year but it failed to cover the vacuum in the 150 cc segment. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director and CEO, Hero Honda, said, "CBZ has remained a icon in the market and we expect to regain the same position enjoyed earlier. It is the fastest bike in class and comes with a three year warranty. We have added many features like a LED tail light, split rear seats and a pilot lamp, which are industry first in India."

This is second offering of the company this year and it will be launching six more motorcycle models in the remaining financial year. The company said that the premium bike market, comprising of 150-cc and above models, was around six lakh units or ten per cent of the total motorcycle market. To maintain its hold over this lucrative segment it will also be launching another 150 cc model by next year to consolidate its position. Hero Honda officials refuse to disclose their share in the premium segment.

"We expect to capture the top position in the premium segment with CBZ Xtreme and the new bike. We are working on its and the other bike in the premium segment will be out by next year," Pawan Munjal said.

CBZ Xtreme is pitted against Pulsar of Bajaj and Apache sold by TVS in the 150 segment and priced a shade high then the entry level models of both the competitors. Xtreme has been jointly developed by nine member teams of Hero Honda and Honda of Japan over a period of six months.