All of a sudden, the Pulsar(s) aren’t good enough anymore.
Over a decade ago, when the everyday commuter was happy with the 100 cc motorcycles like the Hero Splendor, Bajaj came out with the Pulsar in 150 cc and 180 cc variants. The bike was muscular, powerful and refined, and hence not so surprisingly, it won the hearts of almost everyone in the country. The Pulsar established Bajaj as one of the biggest two-wheeler manufacturers in the country but now, times have changed.
The number of people going for higher displacement bikes is a lot higher than what it used to be almost a decade ago. It’s not just mileage anymore that is enough to convince someone to buy a motorcycle. They want styling, power delivery, a good exhaust note, along with technologies like ABS and fuel injection. Something like the KTMs and the Kawasakis.
Interestingly, Bajaj sells the KTM and Kawasaki motorcycles in India and has a 47 percent stake in KTM as well. The question that arises is: Why isn’t there a 400cc Bajaj out there yet?
Some might say that the KTM Duke and RC variants are doing great, along with the Kawasaki Ninja 300, so why would you need a Bajaj in the same segment – we ask, why not?
Bajaj did showcase a 400 cc concept during the Auto Expo 2014 in the form of CS 400. It has been over two years and we are still waiting for it. Sure, the bike might not be complete, but they have had ample time to tweak around with it. Our hopes were raised when they teased the Bajaj V, but that also turned out to be a 150 cc commuter.
If they do come out with a CS 400 soon – and manage to keep the production model similar to the concept in terms of styling – they have a sure shot winner on their hands.
About time we have an Indian manufacturer coming out with a bike that can challenge the European and the Asian manufacturers. A bike that catches the attention of the youth, globally. And honestly, we will be fine even if it is not the best in terms of performance, or if it doesn’t look like it was designed during adrenaline rush.
Its simply about having a true-blue performance bike that is made by an Indian manufacturer and does not scare us to death when we think about the after-sales service (since Bajaj already has an established network).
Reportedly, the CS 400 is being tested, and our hopes are high again. But now, all we can do is wait and watch to see if and when it hits our roads.
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