KARACHI, Oct 13: The assemblers of Japanese motorcycles have further increased the prices by Rs1,000-1,500. It was the second rise in one month as they had pushed up rates by Rs1,500-Rs2,000 in September.

Makers of Honda and Suzuki bikes in letters to their authorised dealers had not mentioned any reasons for this hike.

Atlas Honda has pushed up the rate from October 10, while Pak Suzuki Motor Company (Motorcycle Division) has also enhanced the rate effective from October 15.

DYL Motorcycle Limited, maker of Yamaha Motorcycle, has yet to come out with any fresh price increase. They had pushed up the rates on September 16 by Rs1,550.

The Japanese motorcycle manufacturers since May 2008 had jacked up the prices by at least by Rs7,000-Rs10,000 in various engine capacities.

Similarly, the Chinese bike makers had also pushed up the prices by Rs5,000 in the same period.

The price of Japanese bike Honda 70cc had been raised to Rs59,900 from Rs58,400, while it was available at Rs50,890 on May 7, 2008. The CG-125 was now priced at Rs79,900 as compared to Rs78,400.

The CD-100cc and CG-125 Delux Model (with Euro II engine) were now tagged at Rs65,900 and Rs85,900 as compared to Rs64,400 and Rs83,400 respectively.

After the increase in prices, the new retail price of Suzuki Sprinter, Sprinter Eco, GS-125 and GS-125 would be Rs61,900, Rs58,400, Rs70,900 and Rs76,900 respectively.

According to dealers, the bike manufacturers had been passing out the impact of the falling rupee value against various currencies which resulted in pushing up the cost of imported parts followed by impact of increase in utility charges and labour cost.

Dealers said that the bike sales had been depressed due to rising prices and high cost of living.

However, the reports of bumper cotton and rice crops have enlivened hopes for better sales prospects in rural areas in the next three months when growers will be purchasing new bikes after getting good price of their crops.

Out of total annual consumption of about 1.5 million tons of petrol, the share of motorcycles stood at 55 to 60 per cent.