- New 350cc engine platform under development
- Likely to get a reduced bore size
- India launch in the coming months
With the new GST norms in place, Bajaj Auto is planning to realign much of its portfolio across its Bajaj, Triumph, and KTM brands to sit under the 350cc mark. While Triumph is expected to roll out the 350cc bikes first, Bajaj Auto is also working on launching the Pulsar 350 and the Dominar 350.
While we don’t have an exact launch timeline yet, we can expect both bikes to be launched in India in the coming months. Besides the Pulsar 350 and the Dominar 350, derivatives of this 350cc engine platform will also power Triumph and KTM bikes. The 350cc motor isn't exactly a new engine. It is expected to use a reduced bore while retaining the stroke to bring displacement down to 350cc from the current 373cc.
The reduced engine capacity is expected to slightly alter the engine’s character, and it could deliver a friendlier, more usable power delivery. The outright power output will naturally be lower than the current figures. Besides the smaller engine, we don’t expect any other mechanical changes on the Pulsar 350.
The Bajaj Dominar, however, has been around for almost nine years now, and the bike has remained largely unchanged. We hope Bajaj uses this opportunity to equip the Dominar 350 with more electronic rider aids, and perhaps even update its styling and positioning, and work on reducing its overall kerb weight.
Currently, the Pulsar NS400Z and the Dominar 400 attract 40 per cent tax under the new GST regime. While Bajaj has been absorbing the tax hike for now, the new 350cc platform will allow the company to price these bikes aggressively, as they will fall under the 18 per cent tax bracket.
