Bajaj Pulsar is one of the most renowned motorcycle brands in the Indian two-wheeler market. Over the past two decades, Bajaj has created a niche for itself by offering multiple models in the Pulsar range. Currently, the Chakan-based bikemaker retails twelve models in the Pulsar lineup with recent additions including N160, P150, N250 and F250.
In a recent interaction with CNBC TV18, Rajiv Bajaj, Bajaj Auto MD, confirmed that the company will be expanding the Pulsar lineup in the coming few months. Bajaj stated that the bikemaker will launch as many as six new or “significantly upgraded” models in the Pulsar range including the biggest one yet.
Bajaj Pulsar 400 in works?
Presently, the biggest Pulsar offered by Bajaj are N250 and F250. In all probability, the company could bring out a new Pulsar in the 400cc engine displacement category. Bajaj already retails the Dominar 400 in this segment, but it is unlikely to borrow the engine from the power cruiser since it features the older generation 373cc liquid-cooled mill sourced from KTM.
The new 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor which made its debut in the new-gen KTM 390 Duke looks a more logical choice for the upcoming flagship Pulsar. This motor could be tuned slightly differently from its KTM cousins to give the Pulsar a more street friendly character of a sporty commuter.
The other logical option could be the new 398cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor propelling Triumph Speed 400 and the upcoming Scrambler 400X. This unit offers a stronger low and mid-range performance as compared to the power mill offered on the KTM, which would make it an ideal choice for the upcoming flagship Pulsar.
It is highly unlikely that Bajaj will build a brand new 400cc engine from scratch for the new Pulsar. However, these are all conjectures at the moment and concrete details regarding the development of the flagship Pulsar is expected to come out as its market launch nears. It is expected to hit the market by the end of FY24.
Other developments: CNG bike, Chetak electric
Besides the biggest Pulsar, Rajiv Bajaj also confirmed the development of a new motorcycle in the mid-market segment, specifically the 125-200 cc range. Bikes in this segment are usually capped at prices between Rs 80,000 and Rs 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom). During the same interaction, Bajaj requested Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to bring down the goods and services tax (GST) on CNG vehicles to 18 percent.
This could lead to a launch of a CNG bike from Bajaj in the future. Bajaj also confirmed that more new variants of the Chetak electric scooter are lined up for launch in the coming festive season.
(Source: CNBC TV18)
