Bajaj to launch KTM, Kawasaki bikes in 18 months- Two-wheelers-Auto-News By Industry-News-The Economic Times has more details. "" At least we know when it will definitely get launched....

cheers, hope it's here in may!!!!

Bajaj to sell low-cost bike with new name.

Today's NEWS in HT (Hindustan Times)



WITH SALES FALLING 22 percent, the country's second largest two-wheeler manufacture is planning a separate non-Bajaj brand for a range of low-cost motorcycles. This will be the first time that the company will sell motorcycles outsides its ubiquitous Bajaj brand.

The bike will, however not belonged to the low end entry level 100-cc segment in accordance with its policy of concentrating on higher specification bikes. No timeframe however, was given for the introduction of these bikes.

"A range of low-cost bikes were being developed, which would be part of non-Bajaj brand", said Amit Nandi, general manager, marketing and sales, Bajaj Auto Ltd. "This will give a separate identity to these bikes while retaining a profile of the current brand. These will not be 100-cc bikes and will further our endeavor to upgrade the market from that segment without compromising on pricing".

The low-cost model would be a result of an in-house innovations and strategic sourcing from other markets, Nandi said.

Bajaj earlier attempt to do the same-thing similar with the 125-cc XCD over a year ago had failed. While launching a upgraded XCD 135-cc version of the same bike Rajeev Bajaj, managing director, admitted that it had failed to meet the expectations of consumers.

"We are not happy with the performance of the existing XCD as it failed to deliver what the consumers desired from it," Bajaj said "In a market led by the brands, we are known for the Pulsars and with XCD we moved away from our core strength. This bike (135cc) is again sporty and in the same line as Pulsar.

It seems that XCD 135 is going to replace XCD 125.

^^And this will confuse the customers, AGAIN!!

I hope they stick to their word and launch a seperate brand for low-cost bikes.I wonder how will it help as it's always tough to enter a customer's mind with a new Brand.Even if it is from BAJAJ , it will be a long walk for them to see their strategy actually working!!

I thought that at least half the bikes Bajaj sells is only because they are tagged Bajaj.

Remember, Hero Motors had got many very good products into the market but nothing sustained... but still, a bike that is more or less the same 25yr old CD 100 sells so well because it is tagged Hero Honda...

How many Kinetic Honda variations could Kinetic sell after the Honda tag went away?

How many Fiero's did TVS sell after it became TVS Fiero from Suzuki Fiero???

AFAIK - The Low cost Bajaj Bike being spoken about is code named Bajaj Steel....

Also coming up is a Boxer with DTS Si engine..

More on Bajaj's 2009 plans : high end bikes
Read - Bajaj speeds up power ride on super bikes- Two-wheelers-Auto-News By Industry-News-The Economic Times

wow that above link says 250cc n 300cc plus bikes from bajaj . Dont know if we can trust it.!

Does anyone know when is the KTM launch? I guess Bajaj have tied-up for sales/service??