Is Bajaj coming to Australia?

Could massive Indian manufacturer Bajaj be on the cusp of entering the Australia market in its own right?

Bikesales understands the third largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world – and number two in India behind Hero – has already certified two models for the Australian market: one of its Pulsars and the Dominar 400.

The company’s line-up is certainly much bigger than that, but it’s a sign the motorcycle behemoth is seriously contemplating a move into Australia, where it would compete against manufacturers such as CFMoto in the bang-for-the-buck stakes.

Of course, a local suitor is yet to be identified to run the local operation – if and when it happens. Bikesales sources suggest at least one established importer has already rejected Bajaj’s overtures, but another one may be more receptive.

The Dominar 400 naked shares the same single-cylinder engine configuration as the KTM 390 Duke – which is no surprise as Bajaj assembles the 390 Duke as part of its commercial arrangement with KTM.

The Dominar 400 isn’t as powerful as the 390 Duke though, with Bajaj concentrating on more bottom and mid-range grunt.

Meanwhile, Bajaj has a number of Pulsar models on its books, but the NS200 appears to be logical choice to make a new home Down Under – the engine in that machine is a similar spec to the KTM 200 Duke.

The Dominar retails for the equivalent of $A2260 in India, and the NS200 $A1915.

As well as its strategic relationship with KTM, Bajaj has also joined forces with Triumph to produce a new range of mid-capacity motorcycles which are due in the next couple of years.

Bajaj has also signaled its intent to “do a Tesla” in the two-wheel space with a new family of electric bikes called “Urbanite”.