Bajaj Auto and KTM Power Sports AG are developing a family of motorcycles displacing 125-350cc, according to a report in  Nachrichten, an Austrian publication. The motorcycles will hit the production line in Autumn 2010 overseas, the report adds.

KTM-Bajaj’s 125cc motorcycle will be the first in the family to enter an Indian motorcycle plant in 2011. The bike will be sent in a dismantled condition for it to qualify for a lower tax slab. Bajaj’s plant in Chakan, Pune will be utilized to assemble these motorcycles for them to be put in the Indian market.

The entry-level 125cc KTM will features like liquid cooling, dual disc brakes, monoshock suspension and have an excellent build quality.

It was earlier revealed that the entry-level 125cc motorcycle will be priced above all existing Pulsars. The new line-up are affordable (according to KTM standards) and will sell in markets like Brazil.

Bajaj could sell Ninjas, Pulsars and KTMs having similar cubic capacities. But because the brand determines the asking price, Bajaj could be prompted to position them intelligently to avoid confusion and do satisfactory numbers.

Source – Nachrichten

In a land where 125cc motorcycles are for the fuel economy conscious and a 50,000 rupee 125cc motorcycle is considered with raised eyebrows, Bajaj has dropped a bombshell by hinting its 125cc KTM bikes will cost more than its Pulsar motorcycle.

Is Bajaj trying to sell bikes or build its brand image with this motorcycle?

The technologically advanced KTM 125cc bikes (liquid cooling, dual disc brakes and high quality material usage) will make about 15bhp and should handle like its on rails. It will be imported in the form of knocked down kits and assembled at the company’s facility in Chakan, Pune.

We’re expecting the KTMs to arrive at probiking dealerships next year across the country. We think prices will begin at a lakh of rupees. If you had a lakh of rupees in your bank account, would you spend it on a high capacity Pulsar, Yamaha R15 or one of the KTM 125s? Is it cc you’re after, looks or blindly choose reasoning the brand.