Bajaj working with KTM on 125cc bikes

A few days back, Bajaj increased its stake holding in KTM – the Austrian auto maker – from 31.92 percent to 35.67 percent by participating in a Euro 42.99 million fund-raising exercise. Bajaj coughed up Euro 20 million (about Rs 120 crore). Going back in time, Bajaj placed a big of Rs 300 crore and got almost 15 percent of the Austrian company, which it later increased to 25 percent a year later. The deal done, what makes me get particularly interested is that the two companies have joined hands on developing a 125cc bike that will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan plant.

What’s interesting is that KTM showcased concept 125cc bikes late last year that look quite close to being production-ready shapes. The engines will be four-stroke units mounted on trellis frame. There were two versions shown – Stunt and Race. I wonder if Bajaj will take cues from those designs and frames and offer something to us which will be as revolutionising as the Pulsar was back in its time when it was launched. Only time will tell.