Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries will introduce a high-powered motorcycle in the Indian market with the help of its Indian partner and long-time collaborator, Bajaj Auto. Bajaj and Kawasaki have developed different motorcycles during their alliance of almost two decades. However, Kawasaki never launched a product under its own brand name without sharing it with Bajaj.

The coalition will see the launch of, perhaps, the 250cc Ninja model of Kawasaki. The model will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan facility near Pune. The high duties levied on imported bikes can thus be minimized.

The 250cc, 30 bhp bike will be imported as completely knocked down kits from Kawasaki’s Thailand plant. This model will be launched before the end of the year. In an email reply, Masanobu Kawaguchi, manager (sales and operation control, Asia division), said: “We are still preparing to launch the Kawasaki model (most probably the 250cc model) and it will be this year. Details will be shared later.”

The company will consider launching other high-performance bikes, including the Sports Roadster, Ninja ZX-6R, Z1000 and Vulcan Cruiser. Marketing and distribution will be the sole responsibility of Bajaj Auto. Kawasaki will provide the necessary training and parts back-up. Pricing details will be revealed at the time of launch. Industry sources say the bike will be priced above Rs 1 lakh.

These bikes will be sold at Bajaj’s Pro biking showrooms, a chain of retail stores set up for high-end bikes. They may be later made available at other Bajaj dealerships.

Bajaj Bikes Price, Finance, Features and Specification:
Bajaj Platina
Bajaj XCD (Exceed) 125cc DTS-Si
Bajaj Discover 135cc DTS-i
Bajaj Avenger DTS-i
Bajaj Kristal DTS-i
Bajaj Pulsar 150cc DTS-i
Bajaj Pulsar 180cc DTS-i

Related Books:
Kawasaki Z1 900 Performance Portfolio 1972-1977
Kawasaki 500 & 750 Triples Performance Portfolio: 1969-1976
Kawasaki Kdx200, 1983-1988: Service, Repair, Maintenance

Add a comment

Posted by Amrith K.A on 13 May, 2009 5:47:07 PM IST #