Bajaj to launch a cruiser in 2015?

Bajaj Auto might launch a cruiser motorcycle next year; the concept may be unveiled at the Auto Expo this year. The said two-wheeler would be an all-new concept and will carry no frames from the Avenger, which is the lone cruiser in the company’s range.

The Pune-based motorcycle manufacturer is working on introducing better products in the market. The new cruiser, as a result, might be a complete transformation and may don the power cruiser mould. Power cruiser motorcycles are a blend of cruiser style vehicleswith dynamics of a street motorcycle. The combination might appeal to a wider audience and could be aimed at youngsters who usually shy away from cruisers.

The cruiser might borrow the engine and gearbox from the Bajaj 200NS and might as well use a few more essentials. The 199cc engine might be de-tuned for the cruiser and might be tweaked for better torque delivery. The gearbox may get slightly taller ratios to make cruising effortless.  

It’s too early to predict about the design and the pricing. But considering Bajaj has stunned us in the past with shock pricing and some interesting designs like the 200NS, the concept could be a revelation. Considering there are limited buyers for cruiser motorcycles in India and the product being a niche offering, it could be priced above Rs one lakh. The response to the concept at the Auto Expo will be studied by the company and any necessary changes might be incorporated after.

It is way too ambitious to wish for a bigger capacity motor on this motorcycle, but Bajaj can source the 375cc engine from KTM.  In India, we cannot buy powercruisers for a bargain and the available ones belong to the marques that command a premium. If Bajaj introduces its powercruiser with a 375cc engine it could spawn a new range of desirable and affordable cruisers.

Source: Zigwheels