KTM’s engines have served as a platform for Bajaj to develop new motors for its own product range. The engine of the Bajaj Dominar 400, for example, is based around KTM’s 373 cc liquid-cooled motor from the 390 Duke. Thus, it is only a matter of time before we see a new Bajaj motor that is based on the KTM 250 Duke – and it may not be too far away.
Also read: Bajaj Auto could launch a premium Tesla-like electric scooter before 2020 - Report
Back in September, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, had confirmed that the new BS-VI emission norms would serve as an excellent opportunity to introduce the model range in a new avatar. He also stated that the new Pulsar range would arrive in 2020.
In the latest update, a report from Zigwheels states that Bajaj Auto is already working on a new 250 cc motor. The report further says that the Pulsar 250 is still in its early stages of development and should arrive in 2020.
Given that the Pulsar 250 will use an engine that will be based on the 250 Duke’s motor, expect it to feature liquid cooling and four valves that should deliver healthy performance numbers. For reference, the KTM offering's 248.8 cc single cylinder, liquid cooled, fuel injected motor delivers 30 PS of maximum power at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm.
The numbers in the Pulsar are expected to be in the same range, although marginally lower than in the 250 Duke. The engine will be tuned for better low- and mid-range performance. It will be paired with a six-speed gearbox, while a slipper clutch may be added to the mix.
Styling cues could be influenced by the Pulsar NS200 although the hardware list may receive a mild upgrade in the form of a LED headlight and a colour display with Smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth. That said, suspension setup would most likely comprise conventional telescopic forks at the front instead of upside down units on the 250 Duke. Stopping power will come from single discs at both ends while ABS will come as standard.
Expect the Bajaj Pulsar 250 to arrive in the INR 1.2 lakh to INR 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom) price range.
Also read: KTM 390 Adventure - First spy pics, expected price, features & specs
The motorcycle, as mentioned before, is still some time away. Meanwhile, Bajaj is preparing to introduce the upgraded version of its flagship motorcycle, the Dominar 400. The updated Dominar 400 will feature receive upside-down telescopic front forks, a redesigned exhaust and enhanced performance.
[Source: Zigwheels.com]
