New Delhi, Aug 12 - A niche market for superbikes is quietly picking up pace in India, with enthusiasts increasingly seeking that tantalising rush of adrenaline, undeterred by the high prices of these roaring mean machines.

Yamaha, the Japanese biggie, alone has sold about 125 superbikes, YZF R1 and MT01, since its launch in December 2007. Suzuki with masterpieces like Hayabusa and Intruder has sold about 100 of them since 2006, while Honda and Ducati are others in the market.

While the regular models on offer have engine powers ranging from 100 cc (Bajaj Boxer) to 350 cc (Royal Enfield), the superbikes on Indian roads start from 1,000 cc (Yamaha's YZF R1) to 1,300 cc (Suzuki's Hayabusa).

Incidentally, the 350-cc Royal Enfield has for long been India's answer to the Harley Davidson that has a cult following worldwide.

'It's like an addiction, an adrenaline rush,' says Arun Thareja, a head and neck cancer surgeon at the Maharaja Agrasen Hospital here. 'You literally feel you're a cheetah as these machines are awesomely powerful,' Thareja, 46, told IANS.

Little wonder his passion has made him president of a club called Group of Delhi Superbikers, which has 25 members ranging from doctors like him to businessmen and students.

The superbikes also have cult status in the country since most of them are imported. Indian manufacturers are yet to enter this elite segment as they are more focussed on delivering what is most in demand than in catering to a niche segment.

As a result, auto majors like Bajaj and Hero Honda have not gone above a 250 cc bike.

The positioning of superbikes is for a limited segment as they cost between Rs.125,000 and Rs.5 million - some custom-made machines can even go higher.

Says Sanjay Tripathi, head of product planning and brand management with Yamaha India:'The customers of superbikes already have two-three cars.