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With the action in the 800cc and above segment hotting up in the country, Bajaj Auto is also looking at foraying in the big bike segment with an overseas partner. The company is already in talks with Yamaha for a possible tie-up in this category. According to auto sources, the company is also considering entering the segment under its existing collaboration with Kawasaki.

Bajaj Auto (BAL) MD Rajiv Bajaj told ET: “Certainly, we wish to participate in the 800 cc and above segment. We are in talks with Yamaha. We are looking at other overseas partners but I can’t reveal my plans yet.” When asked whether Bajaj would enter the big bike segment in collaboration with Kawasaki as its overseas partner, Mr Bajaj refused to comment.

Japanese bike maker Yamaha had first initiated talks with Bajaj in November last year. Yamaha’s global team led by Yamaha Japan president Takashi Kajikawa had visited Bajaj’s facilities and had talks with the companies. The two bike majors might join hands for making co-badged bikes for the higher segments both for the domestic and export markets, said auto industry sources.

As far as the company’s model line up is concerned, the company plans to launch four new models this fiscal year. “Besides our new entry level bike platform, we plan to launch a motorcycle in the higher segment. The Avenger will be strapped with a bigger engine and we will also launch a scooter before the end of the,” said Mr Bajaj.

The company plans to consolidate its exports in Indonesia and Nigeria and other countries. The company had last year said that it will invest Rs 1,500 crore in the next two to three years and would spend a large chunk of this to ramp up capacity and develop products in the two-wheeler & four-wheeler category, for domestic markets as well as exports.

Most global bike-makers will be seen competing in the niche 800cc and above segment. Yamaha India on its own has plans to launch its MT01 and 998 cc YZF-R1. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is looking at importing models like CBR 1000 and GLX 1800. Suzuki Motorcycle & Scooter India might vroom in the 749-cc GSX-R750.

News Source: Economic Times ( India )

Keep it up BAL !! We are waiting for you..

Hey Guys - After long long wait power bikes are coming to India atlast. Guys like me who has a passion for bikes and love the feel of speed on two wheels have wondered why dont we get REAL bikes out here in India? Because, imports were restricted by the Indian Government in the way that bikes with 800cc + engine capacity were not allowed to be imported into the country.

But now motorbikes with 800cc plus engines will be allowed to be imported and sold legally in India. Harley Davidson had been lobbying with our Goevrnment for quite some time. Now they will be one of the first manufacturers to ride in with their Fatboy’s and give India a taste of what real cruisers are all about. They would be challenged by existing players in the Indian market including Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. Sources reveal that Suzuki is planning to import their GSX-R1000 and GSX-R750 for sale in the Indian market. Yamaha Motors is likely to launch the YZF-R1 and YZF-R6 by the end of the current year. Honda too is planning to launch their high end bikes in India.

The government has left only one strict condition for importing 800cc + bikes. They would have to meet Euro-III emission norms. A leading daily had an article on how India has negotiated a deal wherein in lieu of sale of Harleys in India, Indian mangoes will be allowed to be exported to USA. Harleys for Mangoes, hehe - what a deal.