Bajaj launches XCD 135; plans gearless scooters

22 January 2009

To fill a perceived gap in the Indian two-wheeler market, Bajaj Auto Ltd is considering launching a gearless scooter by next year. It will have an engine capacity in the range of 100-150cc, and be priced at around Rs45,000.

Speaking in New Delhi at the launch of the company's XCD 135 motorcycle in the 'executive segment', managing director Rajiv Bajaj also promised some higher-end bikes that India's motorcycle enthusiasts have long been pining for.

The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is set for launch in May or June. However, the product will need to be really special if it has to match the proposed price tag of over Rs 2 lakh.

The Ninja will initially be put together at its factory in Aurangabad (Maharashtra), with production shifting to its new Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) plant later.

Bajaj Auto is also developing two bikes with engine capacity above 125 cc with its Austrian partner KTM, are expected to be launched next year. ''We would also assemble bigger bikes such as the Duke at our facility,'' Bajaj said.

Having bought a 30 per cent stake in KTM, Bajaj plans a string of motorcycles in the next 12-18 months with KTM technology in an effort to shore up its sagging sales. The bikes will be retooled to suit Indian conditions.