Bajaj has entered into a pact with KTM for rolling down global bikes in India. Notwithstanding the run away success of its indigenous brand Pulsar 220, Bajaj is keen on securing a brand image on par with Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki. The new deal is to come out with an entry level motorcycle – 125cc – 250cc which seem to have more potential in global markets. The company has slated the launch of 125cc bikes globally at the end of this year and in next year in India. The launch of 250cc would be in 2013, under Bajaj-KTM JV.
The high-capacity bikes will follow suit once the entry level bikes bring tempo, said the chairman of Bajaj. The bikes will come out from Bajaj’s Chakan plant and the 125cc engine will offer less cubics and power output but with better performance than the similar brands. The projected price of these bikes in the European markets may Rs2.3-2.4 lakhs and the Indian market would get the price when the bikes get shape. So far, Bajaj has not been able to penetrate the high-end platform and this 250cc is expected to boost its image in Europe and Japanese markets. The Indian two wheeler segment consists of just 5% of premium bikes, yet with possible growth rate. The bikes are in due demand at reasonable prices.
The Chairman of Bajaj accepted the view that Pulsar and Discover brands have taken the company on to the level of premium sports bikes from Japan. Bajaj gets the share of 31.92% in KTM, which is the top most manufacturer of superbikes in high-end in the world. KTM has less than 51% and Mr.Rahul Bajaj gets a berth in the supervisory board of KTM. Stunt and Race are the two bikes slated under 125cc due for formal launches in India with different style and common engine facility.