Bajaj is working on a bigger variant of the Avenger to rival the Royal Enfield Thunderbird.
First the Classic, now the Thunderbird. Bajaj is developing a bigger variant of the Avenger to take on the Royal Enfield Thunderbird. Cruiser bikes are increasingly gaining significance in the Indian two-wheeler market and almost every auto manufacturer is vying to get a slice of the segment. Suzuki recently launched the Intruder 150 in this segment.
Currently, the Avenger is available in 150cc and 220cc variants only and a higher capacity variant will enable Bajaj to take on the likes of not only the Royal Enfield Thunderbird but also UM Motorcycles and Hyosung. Other manufacturers like Honda and Yamaha are expected to launch their cruiser bikes in the next 2-3 years.
Bajaj’s Dominar took on the Royal Enfield Classic and in spite of being almost a year into the Indian market, it hasn’t performed as per expectations of the company. Bajaj initially had targeted sales of 10,000 units per month but that is still a far way to go. The Dominar averages sales of approximately 2000-3000 units per month (including exports).
According to some sources, the Dominar’s 400cc engine could be used on the bigger Avenger. For this to happen, the Avenger’s platform has to be altered as the chassis of the Avenger cannot take the Dominar 400/KTM 390 engine. This could be a rumour, as cruisers require a long stroke motor and the Dominar 400/KTM 390 engine is a short stroke one.
Royal Enfield continues to enjoy a lion’s share of the cruiser segment of bikes in India. The Classic 350 contributes 70 percent of its monthly volumes. The British brand has clocked sales of 6.6 lakh units last year while in 2012, its volumes stood at just 1.13 lakh units.
Bigger Bajaj Avenger Variant
– Bajaj is working on a bigger and powerful variant of the Avenger
– The new Avenger will take on the Thunderbird
– The only cruiser bike in Bajaj’s portfolio is available in 150 and 220cc variants
Source – MoneyControl.com
