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  • Bajaj Pulsar 125 Split Seat Drum Brake Priced Rs 7k Cheaper Than Disc

    Save for the front drum brake with CBS, there are no other changes
    Image – Nilesh Shergill

    The Bajaj Pulsar 125 Split Seat is now also available in a new entry level variant with front drum brake. This has brought the entry price point of the Pulsar Split Seat to INR 73,274 (Ex-showroom, Delhi). The move seems to be aimed at drawing more prospective customers to the Bajaj outlets this festive season.
    Bajaj Pulsar 125 Split Seat
    The Bajaj Pulsar 125 Split Seat distinguishes itself from the regular Neon variant by means of, you guessed it, a split seat. The variant also receives a belly plan, split grab rails and contrast red or silver accents on a black base.
    The new entry level drum brake variant manages to undercut the disc brake variant by almost INR 7k, making it much more accessible to prospective customers on a budget. However, if the availability of the Pulsar 125 Neon drum brake variant is anything to go by, good luck finding a Split Seat 125 drum variant in stock at showrooms.
    At this point, we think the new variant with a tempting price tag is purely a bait which will increase the footfall at the outlets so that the sales executives can upsell the disc brake variant. We will change our mind if one could actually spot a drum brake-equipped Pulsar in flesh. Below is a first look video, credit to Youtube channel The Bikers Diary.
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    Specifications at a glance
    Save for the replacement of front disc with a drum, there are no other changes to the Bajaj Pulsar 125 Split Seat base variant. Needless to say, it is equipped with the mandatory CBS (Combi-Braking).
    To recap, the commuter motorcycle is powered by a 124.4 cc air-cooled motor which is good for 11.8 hp and 10.8 Nm of torque. Gearbox is a 5-speed unit. Most of the other mechanical bits are shared with the 150 cc variant.
    The bike employs traditional telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, 17-inch alloy wheels, 80/100 x 17 front and 100/90 x 17 rear tubeless tyres and a 11.5 liter fuel tank.
    Bajaj Pulsar Prices Oct 2020
    Rivals
    The Bajaj Pulsar 125 Split Seat rivals the Hero Glamour and Honds SP125. The new drum variant puts the Pulsar right in the sweet spot, at least for the marketing purposes. In a related news, Hero Motocorp recently introduced a special edition variant of the Glamour named the Blaze which offers front disc brake and a USB charger at INR 72,200 (Ex-showroom). With Yamaha, Suzuki and TVS deciding to leave the 125 cc commuter segment alone, it is a three-way battle now. More

  • Bajaj Neuron Name Registered – Is It Royal Enfield Classic 350 Rival ?

    The Neuron trademark could turn out to be Bajaj Auto’s upcoming cruiser or classic retro-style motorcycle
    Digital Render

    In the latest development, Bajaj Auto has registered a ‘Neuron’ trademark in India which gives an indication that a new product might be on the way. And as per reports going around it is speculated to be a bike in the sub-400cc retro-style design.
    This means it is expected to rival the likes of Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the recently revealed Honda H’Ness CB350.
    The sub-400cc space of commuter cum touring motorcycles is a big hit among India bikers, especially the youth. Therefore, it is not surprising that more and more brands would want to venture into this segment.
    It should be pointed out that Bajaj already has a cruiser range named ‘Avenger’ and the latest trademark ‘Neuron’ is expected to take certain design inspirations from it. The Avenger nameplate is currently one of the oldest in the manufacturer’s lineup along with the Pulsar and Discover range and is also one of the most loved ones. It might also be the case that the current bike is built on the cruiser’s platform itself.

    Trademark Details
    The word ‘Neuron’ is mostly used in medical terminologies in which it is the basic working unit of the brain. A group of neurons is specialized cells within the human nervous system that do their duties, transmitting information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells. We definitely have to know what made Bajaj pick such a trademark.
    From the trademark journal, it can be seen that the homegrown manufacturer had applied for it on 3rd July 2020 and got it approved on September 28. A notion of thought was also given that it might be an upcoming motorcycle from the Bajaj and Triumph joint venture. However, this possibility can be ruled out since none of the products from this joint venture will be given Bajaj branding.

    Expected Powertrain
    As far as the powertrain is concerned, Bajaj already has a sub-400cc engine in its kit. It employs a 373.2cc engine on the Dominar 400 which could be utilised in this upcoming model. However, fitting it into a retro-classic or a cruiser body might be a challenge in itself. It should be noted that there has been no word from Bajaj on this matter yet as these are only speculations.
    If the above engine is indeed utilised to power the ‘Neuron’, then it will be capable of generating 39.4 bhp at 8650 rpm and 35 Nm of peak torque at 7000 rpm. Apart from Classic 350 and H’Ness CB350, other motorcycles in this coveted segment are Jawa Forty-Two and Benelli Imperiale. More

  • Bajaj Dominar 400 Price Increased By Rs 1,500 – New Price Oct 2020

    In spite of the price increase, Bajaj Dominar 400 remains one of the most VFM (value for money) motorcycle in the segment
    Dealer modified.

    Launched in 2016, Bajaj Dominar 400 has undergone an upward price revision of Rs 1,500. This is the second time this year that price has been increased for Bajaj Auto’s flagship motorcycle. Earlier, the price was hiked to Rs 1.91 lakh when the BS6 variant of Dominar 400 was launched in April.
    Prices were increased in September as well. Dominar’s original launch price in 2016 was Rs 1.36 lakh. With the current starting price at Rs 197,758, Dominar has become costlier by more than 60k since its launch.
    Dominar’s latest price hike is most likely based on rising input costs and inflationary factors. The motorcycle is the same as earlier and there are no updates or new features. Dominar 400 is a good looking bike and has potential, but its performance on the sales front has been below expectations. The motorcycle was supposed to emerge as a bestseller, but things haven’t worked out as planned.
    Dominar 400 ranked at 11th place
    If we look at August sales data for 200 cc to 500 cc motorcycles, Dominar 400 is placed at 11th place with sales of 775 units. YoY de-growth is -16.40 percent, as compared to 927 units sold in August last year. In comparison, Dominar 250 appears to be more popular in terms of sales numbers. As may be recalled, Dominar 250 was launched earlier this year in March at an introductory price of Rs 1.60 lakh.
    Of 60,809 motorcycles sold in the segment, 46,707 were of Royal Enfield – with a 76.7% market share in Aug 2020
    Dominar 250 sales in August were 1,317 units, placing it in the top ten list of bestselling 200cc – 500cc motorcycles. Dominar 250 prices have also been increased by Rs 1,625. It is now available at a starting price of Rs 165,715. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. This is the second time price has been hiked for Dominar 250. As may be recalled, the motorcycle had undergone an upward price revision of Rs 4,090 in September.
    Dominar 400 engine & specs
    In its BS6 avatar, Dominar 400 is powered by a 373.3 cc liquid cooled, DOHC, single cylinder, triple spark, FI engine that churns out 40 PS of max power at 8800 rpm and 35 Nm of max torque at 6500 rpm. Transmission is a 6-speed gearbox, integrated with a wet, multiplate clutch. The clutch has assist and slipper function, which ensures smooth downshifts during deceleration.
    Dominar 400 utilizes a beam type perimeter frame, suspended on 43 mm USD forks with 135 mm of travel at the front and multi-step adjustable mono shock with Nitrox at the rear. Braking system comprises 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc, integrated with dual-channel ABS.
    The bike has kerb weight of 187 kg and comes with a 13 litre fuel tank. Its top speed is 148 kmph (approx.) and fuel efficiency is around 27 kmpl. Dominar BS6 can reach 0 to 100 kmph in around 8 seconds. More

  • Bajaj Avenger Street 160, Cruise 180 Prices Increased – Oct 2020

    This is the third price hike applied to the Avenger range of motorcycles since their BS6 versions were launched earlier this year
    Image – Sachin Khataviya

    Bajaj Auto has increased price of its cruiser range of motorcycles, i.e, the Avenger series which consists of Street 160 and Cruise 220. Prior to this, Avenger Street 160 and Avenger Cruise 220 were pegged at Rs 99,597 and Rs 1,21,133 respectively. After an increment of Rs 1,497 each, both bikes now cost Rs 1,01,094 and Rs 1,22,630 respectively. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom.
    At the time of launch of their BS6 models- Street 160 was offered at a price of Rs 95,891 whereas the Cruiser 220 was retailed at Rs 1.20 lakh (Both prices are ex-showroom). Even after multiple price hikes, the Avenger range of bikes remains extremely value for money.
    The duo are still by far the most affordable cruiser bikes in India. Together, the Avenger range accounts for about 5k to 6k units in monthly sales.
    Retro Design
    The hike in prices has led to no changes in design, cosmetics, features on specifications on either of the bikes. Both motorcycles are based on an old-school retro cruiser design that shares similar elements such as a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wide handlebars for a laid-back riding position and a single stepped-up seat. The round headlamps and turn indicators give out the old-school retro vibe.

    Differences in design between Street 160 and Cruise 220
    Although both carry similar design language- there are subtle differences to tell them apart. While the Street 160 looks slightly more modernised with blacked-out components and a pulled back handlebar, the Cruiser 220 is finished with chrome on exhausts, engine and handlebar which is more upright than the former and looks like a conventional cruiser.
    Cruise 220 also gets a tall windshield which is absent in Street 160. Avenger Street 160, on the other hand, gets blacked-out alloy wheels whereas Cruise 220 gets spoke wheels.
    Mechanical Details
    Coming to the powertrain department, Street 160 is powered by a 160cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine. This unit is capable enough to push out 14.8 bhp and 13.7Nm of peak torque. Whereas, the Cruise 220 draws its power from a larger 220cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, oil-cooled mill which churns out 19 bhp and 17.5 Nm of peak torque. Both these units are linked to a 5-speed gearbox.
    The bikes have been equipped with telescopic forks at front and dual shock absorbers at rear to carry out the suspension tasks. Braking duties are carried out by disc brake at front and drum brake at rear which is assisted by a single-channel ABS. Also READ; Bajaj Dominar 250 Price Hike Oct 2020 and Bajaj Pulsar Prices Updated For Oct 2020. More

  • Bajaj Dominar 250 Price Hike Oct 2020 – Here’s How Much it Costs Now

    This is the second time that Bajaj has increased the prices of its quarter-litre tourer motorcycle
    Bajaj Auto launched the Dominar 250 earlier in March this year, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit us. The bike met decent with a response, however, the manufacturer had to increase its prices six months later in September. The tourer motorcycle was launched at a price of Rs 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom).

    After its first price hike of Rs 4,090, the price stood at Rs 1,64,090. Now, after the latest price hike of Rs 1,625, its effective price now stands at Rs 1,65,715. (All prices are ex-showroom). This is the second price hike after the introduction of the quarter-litre motorcycle.
    Dominar 250 & Dominar 400- similar in design
    Bajaj launched a smaller displacement Dominar to make the touring bike more accessible to masses. The Dominar 250 borrows similar styling elements as its elder sibling- Dominar 400. Even its dimensions are similar to the 400cc tourer. It is 2156mm long, 836mm wide and 1112mm tall. It gets a wheelbase of 1453mm and a ground clearance of 157mm.
    Bajaj Dominar 400
    Features on offer
    It tips the weighing scale at 180 kg which is about 7 kg lighter than its older sibling. The Dominar 250 gets two colour options- Vine Black and Canyon Red. It stands on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped by 100/80-17″ and 130/70-17″ tubeless tyres at front and rear respectively. It is built on a beam type perimeter frame where suspension duties are carried out by telescopic USD forks at front and multi-step adjustable Mono shock with Nitrox at rear.
    On board features include a fully digital instrument cluster with essential readouts such as odometer, speedometer, tachometer, etc. It also gets LED headlamps, LED tail lights, twin-barrel exhaust and dual-channel ABS among many more. It gets a fuel tank of a capacity of 13 litres.
    Dominar 250 sales in Aug 2020 were higher than Dominar 400
    Powertrain
    Bajaj Dominar 250 borrows its engine from KTM Duke 250. This means it derives its power from a 249cc liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC motor which churns out 26.6bhp at 8,500rpm and 23.5Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox which features a slipper clutch assist. It takes 10.5 seconds to breach the 100 kmph mark while it can achieve a top speed of 132 kmph.
    Its elder sibling- Dominar 400 is powered by a 373.3cc liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine which produces 39.4 bhp and 35 Nm of torque. This is the same unit which powers the KTM Duke 390 and RC 390. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox. More

  • Bajaj Pulsar Prices Updated For Oct 2020 – New Price List

    A total of 12 motorcycles are offered under the Bajaj Pulsar range currently – From 125 cc to 220 cc
    Bajaj Auto is on a roll and reported cumulative (domestic and exports) sales of over 4 lakhs in September 2020, posting growth in both, domestic and export markets. In fact, last month, Bajaj posted its highest ever exports.

    As part of period measures to accommodate rising input, commodity and process costs, a price revision for Bajaj Pulsar range has been executed. Depending on variant, price hike varies from just over 100 bucks to over a grand.
    For brand Pulsar, this is the stuff dreams are made of and having started the journey over a decade earlier, Bajaj has over time ensured a wider range so as to be able to offer something for everyone. Below is the updated price lift for Pulsar range, for Oct 2020.
    Bajaj Pulsar Prices Oct 2020
    Pulsar 125 – The smallest and the most affordable Pulsar ever, is offered in 4 variants. Entry level Neon 125 drum variant costs Rs 72,122 while the Neon Disc costs Rs 76,922. Above this, is the Pulsar 125 Split Seat Drum variant which costs Rs 73,274. The disc variant of the same costs Rs 80,218. Speaking about specs, all 125cc offerings are powered by the same engine, that returns 11.8 PS power and 10.8 Nm of peak torque.
    Pulsar 150 – This Pulsar range is offered in 3 trims. The base model, called 150 Neon, is priced from Rs 92,627. Above this is the 150 STD, that is priced from Rs 99,584. Top of the line Pulsar 150 variant is the 150 Twin Disc, which is priced at Rs 1.03 lakhs. The range gets power from a 149.5cc engine that returns 14 PS, and 13.25 Nm of peak torque paired to 5-speed MT.
    Pulsar NS160 – Next up in the Pulsar range is the NS160, which is also the entry level naked streetfighter. Pulsar NS160 fitted with front and rear disc brake. It is priced from Rs 1.08 lakhs. With power from a 160cc engine, it returns 17.2 PS, and peak torque of 14.6 Nm, paired with a 5-speed MT.
    Pulsar 180F – The most affordable Pulsar with fairing, the Pulsar 180F Neon is priced from Rs 1.13 lakhs. The 180cc engine returns 17.02 PS, and 14.52 Nm of peak torque.
    200cc+ Pulsar Range
    Pulsar 220F – Bigger sibling of the 180F, is the Pulsar 220F. It is priced from Rs 1.23 lakhs. Pulsar 220F fitted with front and rear disc brake, and single-channel ABS. It’s 220cc powerplant returns 20.4 PS, and 18.55 Nm of peak torque.
    Bajaj Pulsar NS200 New colour
    Pulsar NS200 – The top of the line Pulsar naked street-fighter is priced at a hefty Rs 1.31 lakhs. It will soon get a new colour option. A new TVC shows the NS200 in a new dual colour theme – red and white, white painted alloy wheels, and chassis members. It is powered by a 199.5 cc liquid cooled engine that returns 24.5 PS, and peak torque of 18.5 Nm paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
    Pulsar RS200 – The most expensive Pulsar on offer, is the RS200. This is also the only fully faired Pulsar motorcycle on offer. It is priced from Rs 1.52 lakhs. Engine is same as NS200, so are the power figures. Torque output is slightly higher, at 18.7 Nm. More

  • Bajaj Sales Sep 2020 Grows 20% – Records Highest Ever Monthly Exports

    Cumulative two wheeler sales for Bajaj Auto in Sep 2020 has grown by 20%
    Bajaj Auto Limited has released sales for the month of September 2020. It may be noted from the attached table that total sales have increased 10 percent to 4,41,306 units in the past month, up from 4,02,035 units sold in September 2019.

    Domestic sales recorded a 6 percent growth in September 2020 to 2,28,731 units while exports were the highest ever at 2,12,575 units, up 14 percent as against 1,86,534 units exported in September 2019.
    Two Wheeler sales
    Taking into account two wheeler domestic sales in September 2020, the company noted a 24 percent increase. Sales stood at 2,19,500 units, up from 1,77,348 units sold in the same month of the previous year. Exports of two wheelers also increased by 16 percent and were the highest ever exports recorded. Total exports stood at 1,85,351 units in the past month, up from 1,59,382 units sold in September 2020 thus taking total two wheeler sales up 20 percent to 4,04,851 units.
    Bajaj Sales and Exports Sep 2020
    Commercial Vehicle Domestic Sales and Exports
    Commercial vehicle sales in domestic markets however, noted a steep decline. Sales dipped 76 percent to 9,231 units, down from 38,153 units sold in September 2019. Exports were on par with 27,224 units exported in September 2020, a marginal increase from 27,152 units exported in the same month of the previous year. The de-growth in domestic sales took total sales in this segment down 44 percent to 36,455 units in the past month, down from 65,305 units sold in September 2019.
    Assessing total two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales of September 2020, Bajaj Auto Limited registered a 10 percent growth to 4,41,306 units, up from 4,02,035 units sold in September 2019.
    Bajaj Auto Year to Date sales not as promising
    Even as the company has had a good run in terms of monthly sales, year to date sales took a beating. The past several months have not been good for the entire auto industry and Bajaj Auto was no exception. The period April to September 2020 started off with zero sales in April following the lockdown announced by the Government of India in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then on sales increased very gradually month after month and positive growth was only noted in the past month.
    Bajaj Sales and Exports – April 2020 to Sep 2020
    Where two wheeler sales in domestic markets were concerned, sales dipped 35 percent to 7,36,175 units during the period April to September 2020. This was against 11,32,286 units sold in the same period of the previous year. Exports also fell 33 percent to 6,28,219 units in the past month, compared to 9,34,581 units exported in the April to September 2019 period.
    Commercial vehicle domestic sales and exports dipped 85 percent and 35 percent respectively to a total of 1,32,046 units in the April to September 2020. The company’s total sales had stood at 3,53,898 units in the corresponding period of 2019.
    This de-growth took year to date total two wheeler and commercial vehicle sales in domestic markets down 42 percent to 7,64,849 units in the April to September 2020 as against 13,26,233 units in the corresponding period of 2019. Exports also suffered a de-growth of 33 percent to 7,31,591 units to 10,94,532 units thus taking total sales in this period down 38 percent to 14,96,440 units down from 24,20,765 units.
    Also Read – Bajaj Sales and Exports Aug 2020 More

  • Bajaj Sales, Exports Data Aug 2020 – Pulsar, Platina, CT, Avenger, Dominar, Chetak

    Bajaj Auto notes a YoY 2.03 percent increase in domestic sales, exports dip 7.18 percent
    The two wheeler segment in India, which suffered greatly over the months of March through June 2020 has seen some sort of revival in the past two months. Buyers are opting personal means of transport, shying away from use of public travel in fear of contracting the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Revival in sales is not only in urban markets, but also in rural areas where good monsoons have stirred up demand. Bajaj Auto Limited noted an increase in domestic sales in August 2020, up 2.03 percent to 1,70,582 units as against 1,67,192 unit sold in August 2019.
    Exports however, declined 7,18 percent to 1,38,141 units in the past month as against 1,48,820 units exported in the same month of the previous year. This took decline in total sales down to 3,10,723 units in the past month as against 3,16,012 units sold in August 2019.
    Bajaj Sales and Exports break-up Aug 2020 as per motorcycle brand
    Model wise sales breakup in domestic markets
    Bajaj Auto noted the highest sales for the Pulsar range which includes 125, 150, NS 160, 180 F, 220 F, NS 200 and RS 200. Domestic sales in August 2020 stood at 87,652 units, up 24.22 percent over sales of 70,562 units in August 2019. Pulsar range added more than 50 percent to total domestic sales figures last month.
    The Pulsar 125 has found highest demand in India with 43,943 units sold last month. Sales of the Pulsar options in 201-250cc engine variant noted a dip in demand by 45.71 percent to 1,152 units sold last month as against 2,122 units sold in August 2019.
    Bajaj Dominar also ended the past month on a positive note with sales increasing 125.67 percent to 2,092 units, up from 927 units sold in August 2019 – this was thanks to the launch of a cheaper variant, Dominar 250. Apart from these two models, the other models in the Bajaj lineup – Platina, CT, Avenger and Discover posted negative domestic sales.
    Bajaj Sales break-up Aug 2020 as per engine size
    Earlier this year, Bajaj Auto introduced the new Chetak, its only offering in the electric vehicle segment. Sales of is e-scooter stood at 192 units in the past month, up from 120 units sold in July 2020.
    In the 75-110 cc engine segment, de-growth was noted for the Bajaj CT and Platina while no units of the Bajaj Discover were sold. There were also no takers for the bikes powered by 111-125 cc engines except for the Pulsar of which 43,943 units were sold last month, up 121.29 percent as against 19,858 units sold in the same month of the previous year.
    Bajaj Auto Exports
    Exports of Bajaj Auto Limited dipped 7.18 percent last month to 1,38,141 units down from 1,48,820 units exported in August 2019. The Bajaj Boxer at No. 1, was the highest in demand in global markets with 81,574 units exported in the past month despite a marginal de-growth as against 81,918 units exported in the same month of the previous year.
    Bajaj Exports break-up Aug 2020 as per engine size
    Exports of the Bajaj Pulsar also dipped 1.86 percent to 28,625 units down from 29,170 units exported in August 2019. Bajaj Discover exports increased 64.33 percent to 15,664 units while the CT, Platina and Dominar all suffered de-growth in terms of exports. The Bajaj Avenger was the only other model apart from the Discover that noted positive export numbers, up 4.87 percent to 11,316 units exported last month as against 10,790 units exported in the same month of the previous year.
    It can be seen from the attached table that the Bajaj Boxer in the 75-110cc engine segment was the highest in terms of exports with 63,492 units exported last month.
    Also Read –KTM India Sales and Exports Aug 2020Royal Enfield Sales and Exports Aug 2020
    No
    Bajaj Domestic
    Aug-20
    Aug-19
    Diff
    %
    1
    Pulsar
    87,652
    70,562
    17,090
    24.22
    2
    Platina
    40,294
    44,774
    -4,480
    -10.01
    3
    CT
    34,863
    42,578
    -7,715
    -18.12
    4
    Avenger
    5,489
    5,811
    -322
    -5.54
    5
    Dominar
    2,092
    927
    1,165
    125.67
    6
    Chetak
    192
    0
    192

    7
    Discover
    0
    2,540
    -2,540
    -100.00

    Total
    1,70,582
    1,67,192
    3,390
    2.03

    No
    Bajaj Export
    Aug-20
    Aug-19
    Diff
    %
    1
    Boxer
    81,574
    81,918
    -344
    -0.42
    2
    Pulsar
    28,628
    29,170
    -542
    -1.86
    3
    Discover
    15,664
    9,532
    6,132
    64.33
    4
    Avenger
    15,052
    13,804
    1,248
    9.04
    5
    CT
    15,664
    9,532
    6,132
    64.33
    6
    Platina
    15,664
    9,532
    6,132
    64.33
    7
    Dominar
    1,39,617
    1,49,932
    -10,315
    -6.88

    Total
    1,38,141
    1,48,820
    -10,679
    -7.18 More