Bajaj Auto has earned its reputation by being ahead of the curve. It introduced the Bajaj Pulsar twins (150 & 180) when the market was adept to commuter bikes. To make strides in the commuter and the premium segments, Bajaj Auto is developing products that will be launched starting this year through to 2020.
Here’s a list of upcoming Bajaj motorcycles to be launched in India and globally that includes the new Bajaj Dominar 400, next-gen Bajaj Pulsar range and Bajaj Avenger series models, pulled out from media reports.
2019 Bajaj Dominar 400
Bajaj Auto’s MD, Mr Rajiv Bajaj, had said in an interview with Forbes that the company would market the new Bajaj Dominar 400 soon. Last week, the updated Dominar 400 was spied testing on the outskirts of Pune, and the bike is expected to launch in India this year.
The 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 will receive inverted front forks, redesigned front fender and a new dual-barrel exhaust with an in-built catalytic converter. The motorcycle is also expected to feature a DOHC setup for the engine and a ride-by-wire system. The new bike could retail at a premium of around INR 15,000.
The Bajaj Dominar 400 is powered by a 373.2 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. The fuel-injected motor produces 35 PS of power and 35 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a standard slipper clutch. We do not expect changes in the power figures on the updated model.
Bajaj Platina 125 (For Mexico)
Bajaj Auto's Mexican partner has confirmed the Platina 125 as a future product for that market. The Bajaj Platina 125 Comfortec was first spied testing near Pune in August with a front disc brake. The Platina 125 could borrow the 124.5 cc, single-cylinder motor from the Bajaj Discover 125. Rajiv Bajaj had revealed in the Forbes interview that the company wouldn't open sales of the Platina 125 in India.
The 124.5 cc, air-cooled engine produces 11 bhp of power and 11 Nm of peak torque on the Discover 125. It is mated to a 5-speed transmission. Besides vehicles from Chinese manufacturers, the Bajaj Platina 125 Comfortec will rival the likes of Hero Splendor, TVS Star and the Honda CB Shine among others in export markets.
Bajaj Pulsar 250
According to an August 29 report, Bajaj Auto is developing the next generation Pulsar range for the Indian as well as global markets. The Bajaj Pulsar family globally is likely to have engine capacities from as low as the just-launched 125 cc and will max out at 250 cc.
The new flagship Pulsar is expected to employ a bored-out 250 cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve, fuel-injected engine. The motor is likely to be more refined as compared to the current Pulsar range and is expected to produce power figures in the ballpark of 23-25 bhp. The Pulsar 250 will rival the Yamaha FZ25 and the Honda CBR 250R.
The Bajaj Pulsar 250 is likely to carry the classic design language, with sharp creases and angular lines. It could come with features like LED lights, the mandatory single-channel ABS and digital instrumentation. The Pulsar 250 will replace the current-gen Bajaj Pulsar 220 in the year 2020.
New Bajaj Pulsar 150
The new generation Bajaj Pulsar 150 will reportedly boast of segment-leading power output and features. The engine is currently under development phase and will be ready in time for the BS-VI norms, which kicks in April 1, 2020.
The next generation Bajaj Pulsar 150 will be powered by a 150 cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve engine with fuel injection. The motor will aim to offer better refinement, performance and fuel efficiency as compared to the current motor. It will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
The new Bajaj Pulsar 150 could come equipped with standard features like single-channel ABS, LED lights, digital instrument cluster and the works. The BS-VI compliant engine, standard safety net and new features could increase the costs by up to INR 20,000. We can expect the all-new Bajaj Pulsar 150 to retail at circa INR 90,000 (ex-showroom).
New 125cc commuter brand
Rajiv Bajaj recently revealed that the company won’t introduce a Bajaj Pulsar 125 in India and that the company is planning a new brand for the 125 cc segment. Nothing else is known about the next-gen Bajaj motorcycle, except that it will feature fuel injection but would not need ABS brakes. However, it would need a combined braking system (CBS).
With the V brand having faded away and the Discover and Platina models not posing severe threats to Hero and Honda offerings, Bajaj would be hoping to get it right in its third attempt at cracking the premium commuter segment.
Next generation Bajaj Avenger Series
Rajiv Bajaj has also revealed that the next generation Bajaj Avenger range could be introduced in India in 2020. As has been the case with the Avenger, it will share engines with the new Bajaj Pulsar line-up. Currently, the Avenger range consists of the 180 and the 220 variants.
The new line-up could feature a top-end Bajaj Avenger 250, while the lower end could have a Bajaj Avenger 150. The third generation Avenger models will feature a new 4-valve, BS-VI compliant engine with fuel injection and oil cooling.
As with other offerings, expect the next-gen Avenger range with single-channel ABS, semi-digital instrumentation, and LED lighting. The motorcycles will feature a contemporary neo-retro styling with modern features. As compared to the current models, the new Bajaj Avenger series could carry a premium of around INR 25,000.
