Buraq Automobile’s plan to produce locally assembled Italian bikes in Pakistan is the biggest shift the country’s premium motorcycle segment has seen in years. The company, which currently brings in Benelli, Moto Morini, and QJMOTOR motorcycles as fully imported units, has confirmed it will set up a local Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly plant. CEO Mobeen Ahmed said the plant is expected to be ready by December, with production scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Why Locally Assembled Italian Bikes Matter for Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the biggest motorcycle markets in the world. The two-wheeler industry just posted its highest-ever sales volume in fiscal year 2026, with motorcycle sales across the country surging to an all-time high of 1.93 million units. Yet almost all the premium, high-displacement bikes on sale today arrive as Completely Built Units (CBUs). That means buyers pay full import duties on a finished bike, pushing prices well beyond what most enthusiasts can afford.
For years, motorcycle enthusiasts in Pakistan have faced steep prices for imported brands such as Benelli, CFMoto, Lifan, Zongshen, and Keeway, largely because these motorcycles arrive as Completely Built Units, attracting substantial import duties and additional costs. Buraq’s move to shift to local assembly is a direct answer to that problem.
Which Models Will Be Assembled First
In the first phase, the company will assemble two brands: Benelli, a premium Italian bike brand owned by QJMOTOR, and Moto Morini, a high-displacement adventure bike manufacturer from Italy.
Moto Morini will lead the first phase, starting with the Alltrhike 450 adventure bike, followed by a 300cc model. The company also plans to assemble another international brand, whose name remains confidential. So Pakistani riders can expect at least three brands eventually rolling off the local plant floor, though only two are confirmed for now.
How Much Will Prices Drop
This is the part most riders will care about most. CEO Mobeen Ahmed said the Alltrhike 450, previously offered as a CBU at around Rs 26 lakh, is expected to cost Rs 19.95 lakh once assembled locally. That is a saving of roughly Rs 6 lakh, or about 23%, on a single model.
And prices could fall even further. The government’s draft Auto Policy 2026-31 proposes lower duties on internal combustion engine motorcycle kits. If the government approves further concessions, Buraq Automobile intends to pass the resulting savings on to customers. So buyers who wait a little longer could find themselves getting an even better deal.
Pakistan Gets Its First Locally Assembled EFI Bikes
Beyond pricing, there is a bigger technological story here. Buraq Automobile will become the first manufacturer to locally assemble Electronic Fuel Injection motorcycles in Pakistan.
EFI, or Electronic Fuel Injection, replaces the older carburetor system in a petrol engine. Instead of manually mixing fuel and air, a computer does it automatically and more precisely. The result is better fuel economy, smoother acceleration, and more power, especially useful on a larger-displacement adventure bike. Buraq also plans to introduce locally assembled EFI motorcycles, and Ahmed expects their improved fuel economy, acceleration, and power to attract buyers despite limited EFI repair facilities in Pakistan.
That last point is an honest admission. EFI systems need specialist mechanics and diagnostic tools that are not yet widely available at roadside workshops across Pakistan. Buyers considering these bikes should factor in where they will get them serviced, particularly outside major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
A Growing Market With New Players Entering
Buraq is not the only new entrant shaking up the motorcycle space. Royal GPX began local production in 2026, introducing Thai-branded motorcycles aimed primarily at smaller-displacement market segments. The market is clearly attracting fresh competition at multiple price points.
If this plan goes ahead, Buraq Automobile will be one of the first in the country to locally assemble high-displacement premium motorcycles, setting a benchmark that could push other importers to follow the same path. When one player proves local CKD assembly works for a premium brand, others typically take notice.
Pakistan’s proposed automotive policy could also make the timing ideal. If duty concessions for CKD motorcycle kits come through, the business case for local assembly gets even stronger, and more brands may accelerate similar plans.
What This Means for Pakistani Riders
For adventure riders and enthusiasts who have long admired bikes like the Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 but could not justify the fully imported price, January 2027 is a date worth watching. A 23% price cut on a premium Italian adventure bike is not small. And if the government also reduces CKD duties, further savings could follow.
For the broader industry, this move signals that Pakistan’s premium motorcycle segment is maturing. Riders no longer have to choose only between budget commuter bikes and eye-wateringly expensive full imports. A middle ground of locally assembled, internationally branded, high-quality motorcycles is taking shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buraq Automobile?
Buraq Automobile is a Pakistani company that is the official importer and distributor of Benelli, Moto Morini, and QJMOTOR motorcycles in Pakistan. It is now planning to move from importing fully built bikes to assembling them locally from CKD kits.
When will locally assembled bikes be available?
The company expects its new assembly plant to be operational by December 2026, with the first locally assembled premium motorcycles entering the market in January 2027.
What does CKD mean and why does it lower prices?
CKD stands for Completely Knocked Down. It means the bike arrives in Pakistan in parts and is assembled here. Because the government charges lower import duties on parts than on a finished motorcycle, the final cost to the buyer is significantly lower than buying a Completely Built Unit (CBU) imported bike.
What is EFI and will it need special maintenance?
EFI stands for Electronic Fuel Injection. It is a smarter, computer-controlled system for mixing fuel and air in an engine, giving better performance and fuel economy than an older carburetor. However, Ahmed expects EFI bikes to attract buyers despite limited EFI repair facilities currently available in Pakistan, so riders should check for trained service centres near their city before buying. You can learn more about how fuel injection works on Wikipedia.
