In a recent investor call, Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director - Bajaj Auto, revealed that the company is working on an ‘entry-level’ 125cc motorcycle. This mystery motorcycle will reportedly be launched in FY2026.
- 125cc bike sales nearly equal to 100cc segment today
- 28 percent of the bike industry’s sales come from 100cc class
- Remains to be seen what this new 125cc bike could become
New Bajaj 125cc bike: what could it be?
Bajaj could position this new bike under a number of its existing brands
Currently, Bajaj has four different 125cc models, ranging in price from Rs 85,178 to Rs 1.11 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), which makes sure the brand has every corner of the 125cc bike market covered. There is the original Pulsar 125, Pulsar NS125, Pulsar N125 and the revolutionary CNG bike - Freedom. As of now, what brand this new 125cc will slot under is still a mystery and the possibilities are quite interesting.
For one, Bajaj recently discontinued the CT125X, which could be re-launched with some updates and/or refreshes, considering the CT models have always been hardy and value-conscious. Another possibility is Bajaj could revive the Discover brand after some years of it being removed from the market with this product.
Commenting on the matter, Rakesh Sharma said on the earnings call,”So that question is still open. As the product sort of acquires its specs and its full form, we will decide on the branding. I can say that the 125cc segment, in particular, not the 125cc+, the 125cc segment is almost equal to the executive 100cc segment, which is like 28 percent of the Indian motorcycle industry is just the 125cc segment. And we can see two or three sub-segments emerging over here. Freedom is, of course, an innovation, though it's a 125cc, but it cuts across different cc classes and is the proposition for the long-distance rider who is very keen to save money because of long-distance riding. Now whether there is space for one more brand beside Pulsar will be based on careful analysis of how distinct these sub-segments are. This work is going on and we will conclude this and reveal it to you closer to the time when we launch the product.”
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
