Bajaj Kratos VS400, V15-based bike and new commuter bike to be launched before 2017

Bajaj targets 24 per cent market share by the end of financial year 2016-17

Pune-based Bajaj Auto received a much-needed boost in sales after the launch of the new Avenger family and V motorcycle. They helped the manufacturer to increase market share from 14 per cent to 20 per cent. Now, Bajaj targets 24 per cent market share by the end of this fiscal and it has lined a number new launches to achieve the goal.

"What has not been completely satisfactory is that we would like to have a 24 per cent market share sooner. This has not happened primarily due to a delay in launches which will now take place in the current October-December quarter," Rajiv Bajaj, MD of Bajaj Auto, was quoted as saying by the Hindu Business Line.

The new launches in question are a new motorcycle in the entry segment, V15 platform-based motorcycle and the flagship motorcycle, Kratos VS400. In addition to these new bikes, Bajaj Auto will freshen up the entire Pulsar family in early 2017.

The V brand launched in March has already crossed two lakh sales domestically. The next motorcycle under the V brand is expected to be V40. It will be powered by the same 373cc liquid-cooled engine that powers KTM 390 Duke.

Bajaj may continue to use a small amount of metal from the dismantled INS Vikrant on the V40 model. The connection of V with the Majestic-class aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy is the USP for the brand.

Kratos VS400 on the other hand is the most awaited Bajaj product of the year. Unveiled as Pulsar CS400 concept at Auto Expo 2014, Bajaj took long two and half years to perfect the product.

Kratos is expected to be powered by a 373cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve triple-spark, fuel-injected mill mated to six-speed transmission. The engine is expected to pump in a power of 40bhp and 30Nm of peak torque. Kratos VS400 is also rumoured to get a base variant with 34bhp of power.

Currently, information on the new entry-level motorcycle is limited. The updates for Pulsar family will be more of a cosmetic upgrade that will keep the product fresh till the arrival of next generation.