Bajaj Auto is
reportedly planning to launch an own off-road-focused motorcycle. The
motorcycle, as claimed by ThrustZone, will arrive after the much-awaited KTM
390 Adventure. The details about the bike's positioning are scarce, although
looking at the history of product launches by KTM and Bajaj, it will not be
incorrect to expect a 375 cc product with an off-road biased character.
If Bajaj is working
on a model similar to the KTM 390 Adventure, expect that model to share the
engine with the 2019 Dominar 400. The 373.2 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled,
DOHC motor of the 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 makes 40 PS at 8,650 rpm and 35 Nm of
peak torque at 7,000 rpm, which are promising numbers in the segment.
Close rivals will
likely include the BMW G 310 GS and the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 as well. The
performance numbers from the 2019 Dominar 400’s engine are at par with the
Versys-X 300's engine, while the G 310 GS's engine makes relatively lower power
output. The Royal Enfield Himalayan will be a direct threat to the Bajaj
adventure motorcycle as it trades in the sub-INR 2 lakh price bracket.
The feature list
would match Bajaj’s current flagship product in the two-wheeler segment and
include full LED lighting (headlamp, tail light and blinkers), digital display
(possibly with Bluetooth connectivity), upside-down telescopic forks and an
adjustable monoshock. The new motorcycle will most definitely carry off-road
biased hardware, and we expect to see a 19-inch front wheel, aluminium bash
plate, knuckle guards and relatively longer suspension travel. The safety net
will likely include switchable dual-channel ABS.
Bajaj could
showcase the new adventure tourer either in concept or in production form at
Auto Expo 2020. Expect this motorcycle to cost under INR 2 lakh (ex-showroom).
