Rajeev Bajaj confirms a bigger Ninja, KTMs by March 2011

We have all been speculating a bigger Kawasaki for India for quite some time. Most likely, Bajaj is planning to bring the Er-6f street bike to India with a cubic capacity of close to 650cc and a power output of around 72PS.

In an interview with CNBC TV18, Bajaj Auto Limited MD Rajeev Bajaj has confirmed that bigger Kawasakis will most likely be here by March 2011. Mr. Bajaj also confirmed that the company will be launching the smaller capacity KTMs in country. Bajaj will export the KTMs (the newly developed 125s) to the European countries first, as the European continent is the strongest market for the Austrian brand. The company will look at expanding sales of the bike internationally before finally bringing it to India.

Having said all that, the MD added that the company would still have to keep its focus on the Discover and Pulsar brands for the domestic market and not get distracted by the KTMs. At the same time we must acknowledge that we have just about 30% market share and this is the time when we have to continue to focus on Discover and Pulsar in the domestic market and not distract ourselves with the KTM here.

Mr Bajaj said that the bigger Ninja for India would most likely be a 650, which gives us enough reason to believe that it would be the Kawasaki er-6f which suits the Indian conditions just right. If the bike could be brought to India with an OTR price tag below 5-lakh with local assembly, we could expect to see some volumes in that segment. Here’s a specification sheet of the er-6f for your reference

Engine type

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin

Displacement

649 cm³

Bore x stroke

83 x 60 mm

Compression ratio

11.3:1

Valve/Induction system

DOHC, 8 valves

Fuel system

Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 2 (Keihin)

Ignition

Digital

Starting

Electric

Lubrication

Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

Transmission

Transmission

6-speed, return

Final Drive

Sealed Chain

Primary reduction ratio

2.095 (88/42)

Gear ratios: 1st

2.438 (39/16)

Gear ratios: 2nd

1.714 (36/21)

Gear ratios: 3rd

1.333 (32/24)

Gear ratios: 4th

1.111 (30/27)

Gear ratios: 5th

0.966 (28/29)

Gear ratios: 6th

0.852 (23/27)

Final reduction ratio

3.067 (46/15)

Clutch

Wet multi-disc, manual

Frame

Frame type

Diamond, high-tensile steel

Rake/Trail

25° / 106 mm

Wheel travel, front

120 mm

Wheel travel, rear

125 mm

Tyre, front

120/70ZR17M/C (58W)

Tyre, rear

160/60ZR17M/C (69W)

Steering angle, left / right

35° / 35°

Suspension

Suspension, front

41 mm telescopic fork

Suspension, rear

Offset laydown single-shock with adjustable preload

Brakes

Brakes, front

Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs. Dual piston

Brakes, rear

Single 220 mm petal disc. Single-piston

Dimensions

Dimensions (L x W x H)

2,100 x 760 x 1,200 mm

Wheelbase

1,410 mm

Ground Clearance

145 mm

Seat height

790 mm

Fuel capacity

15.5 litres

Curb Mass

204 kg / 208 kg (ABS)

Maximum power

53 kW {72.1 PS} / 8,500 rpm

Maximum torque

66 N·m {6.7 kgf·m} / 7,000 rpm

Source : Moneycontrol.com

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