Bajaj Auto is preparing to expand its motorcycle portfolio with three new products planned over the next 45 days, along with two new brands in the coming months. The company expects the launches to help attract new customers while also encouraging existing owners to upgrade.
The announcement comes shortly after the company introduced updated versions of the Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150, two of its established commuter-performance motorcycles. The refreshed models are priced at an introductory Rs. 92,900 and Rs. 1.15 lakh, respectively, ex-showroom Delhi.
Speaking at the launch, Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rakesh Sharma said the company intends to introduce the three products by around mid-October. He also highlighted that Bajaj has launched 12 models since October last year, indicating an accelerated product refresh and expansion strategy.
The latest Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150 updates are particularly important for Bajaj as both motorcycles had gone for extended periods without significant product changes.
Sharma acknowledged that there had been some fatigue around the segment, with the lack of major updates potentially affecting customer interest. The refreshed motorcycles receive additional features and technology while retaining the fundamental design and positioning associated with the Pulsar range.
The move comes amid a period of weaker sales for both models. Reported sales of the Pulsar 125 declined by around 38 per cent year-on-year, while the Pulsar 150 registered an even sharper decline of approximately 67 per cent during the period cited.
The new versions are therefore expected to play a role in reviving interest among customers who may have been waiting for a more substantial update.
Despite relatively subdued near-term demand, Bajaj remains positive about the longer-term prospects of the 125cc motorcycle category.
According to Sarang Kanade, Head of Two-Wheeler Business at Bajaj Auto, the 125cc segment has expanded its share of the overall motorcycle market over the past few years. He noted that the category accounted for roughly 25 per cent of the segment three years ago and has since grown to around 28 per cent.
However, the company also acknowledged that the immediate outlook for 125cc motorcycles is not as strong as some other parts of the two-wheeler market.
Bajaj expects the upcoming festive season to provide a boost to overall demand. The company is particularly optimistic about the second half of the financial year, despite recent price increases being passed on to customers.
Bajaj Auto’s expansion plans come against the backdrop of healthy growth in India’s two-wheeler market. The company reported total sales of 4,74,677 units in July, representing a 30 per cent increase compared with the same month last year.
Domestic sales rose by around 20 per cent to 2,20,192 units, while domestic two-wheeler sales increased approximately 19 per cent year-on-year to 1,65,747 units.
The broader industry is also witnessing different growth rates across segments. According to Bajaj executives, motorcycles are growing at around 10 per cent, while scooters are expanding at a somewhat faster rate. Electric two-wheelers, meanwhile, are recording significantly higher growth.
This changing market environment could explain Bajaj’s decision to introduce new products and brands rather than relying solely on updates to its existing portfolio.
