Bajaj Pulsar CS400 could be launched by mid-2016

With buzzing speculation surrounding it, the much-awaited Bajaj Pulsar CS400 could finally see the light of the day by mid-2016. Set to be Bajaj’s most powerful offering in India, the upcoming power cruiser was recently spotted testing for the first occasion in real world conditions under heavy camouflage.

Kick-starting a new segment

The forthcoming bike was first showcased at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo and a launch was strongly anticipated by early 2016. However, the manufacturer from Chakan prioritised to cash in on the increasing demand in the 150cc segment first and thus the INS-Vikrant inspired Bajaj V15 motorcycle became its maiden product to debut this year. 

Better late than never, though, the Bajaj Pulsar CS400 is expected to kickstart an entirely new segment of power cruiser motorcycles in India by June this year. From what we have seen of the bike so far, it flaunts a Pulsar 200NS-ish design and an overall demeanour that seems inspired from the Ducati Diavel. 

Unique set of features

Carving a niche for the Pulsar CS400 however, are its features that resonate a hybrid between an aggressive sports bike and a sturdy cruiser. Generous saddle, raked out front forks and a longer rear swingarm are a testimony to this fact. The new Bajaj bike will also be equipped with rear gas charged monoshock from the Pulsar 200 NS. Instead of the USD forks showcased on the concept bike at the Auto Expo, the production bike will employ conventional tlescopic forks to keep cost in check.

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Braking will be done by disc brakes on both the ends and ABS will also be offered as a standard fitment.

As for the powertrain, the Bajaj Pulsar CS400 will share its 375cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with the KTM 390 Duke. Though, the engine will be retuned to suit the characteristics of a power cruiser with a maximum torque of around 33Nm and peak power figures of around 35PS. The powerplant will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox with gear ratios tuned to offer better low-end power delivery.

Competitors beware 

The manufacturer to be most affected by this new Bajaj product will be the popular Indian cruiser bikemaker Royal Enfield. While the Bajaj Pulsar CS400 will be at par with the new Himalayan in terms of its engine displacement, it will also be a hefty rival for its cruiser bikes. 

Known for its aggressive pricing, Bajaj could also make a serious dent in Royal Enfield’s charm with a cost between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 1.7 lakh for the new Bajaj CS400. Once launched, the main rivals of the Bajaj Pulsar CS400 will be the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 and new offerings from UM Renegade. 

Could pave way for more

The upcoming Pulsar CS400 is expected to sport an all-new pressed steel perimeter frame. The chassis could take cues from the Pulsar NS200 with suitable modifications made to accommodate greater mountings. This should endow the new power cruiser with spirited handling dynamics; something that its rivals dearly miss.

Famous for its experimental nature to suit the demands of India’s motorcycle market (like the recent introduction of the small cruiser Avenger 150 Street), we won’t be surprised if the CS400 gets less powerful cousins in the near future. With a variety of engines in its stables, Bajaj could be more than tempted to assemble one (or more) of them under the fairing of a scaled down version. Expect the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar CS200 to be born soon as a result.

The Bajaj Pulsar CS400 is one of the most awaited products of this year and could spell the dawning of an even brighter future for the Chakan manufacturer in India. No wonder we’re looking forward to it!