There is no denying that the entry level performance bike segment of Indian two wheelers market is fast heating up. Bajaj recently launched the much publicized Kawasaki Ninja 300 in India and we are looking all set to soon see the launch of the equally hyped KTM Duke 390, which again will come from the good chaps at Bajaj. However, Bajaj is certainly not planning to sit back and relax after the launch of the 390 Duke. Very much like how the launch of the 200 Duke was followed by that of the Pulsar 200NS, the advent of the 390 Duke will be followed by the arrival of the Pulsar 375.
No prizes for guessing that the upcoming Bajaj Pulsar 375 is based on the KTM Duke 390, which is sure to redefine the affordable performance bike scene in our country. We have always known that the Bajaj Pulsar 375cc variant, the big daddy of all Pulsars ever, will share design cues with the 200NS and will become the flagship product of BAL for at least next few years. The same was proven to be correct by few spy pics that surfaced on the cyber space earlier this year. Today, we have another spy pic which shows the front end of the Pulsar 375. The bike in this pic looks exactly similar to the one in the earlier three pics.
The P375 will become the first fully faired Bajaj bike and will sport twin pod projector headlights. The bike might also sport USD front forks and ABS. While the bike looks very unlike the 200NS in the first glance, there is enough to relate the styling of the current and upcoming Pulsar flagship with each other.
As can be made out from careful observation of all these pics, the bike seems to sport the same instrument cluster that is found on the Pulsar 200NS. Another similar design detail is the positioning of the pilot lamps which have been placed in a typical Pulsar fashion. This isn’t all as the paint on the bike here seems to be of the same shade as that on the new generation 200cc Pulsar.
Other similar details include the typical Pulsar aircraft type fuel lid, a similar cowl around the instrument panel and tank design that has a hint of that of the 200NS.
Yet another Bajaj connection is the indicator set, which seems to have been taken from the KTM Duke parts bin.
Powering the Pulsar 375 will be a re-worked version of the 375cc, single cylinder motor that powers the Duke 390 (what else?).
The Bajaj Pulsar 375’s motor could feature a triple spark plug layout that is seen on the 200NS and the 375’s engine is being expected to have a power output of 38-42HP.
The new bike will retain the Pulsar’s value-for-money proposition and is expected to come with a price tag of about INR 2 lakhs.
Bajaj Pulsar 375 Speculated Specifications:
Engine: 4 stroke water-cooled single cylinder
Engine capacity: 373.2cc
Torque: 32Nm at 7,250rpm
Power: 41.5HP at 9,000pm
Transmission: 6-speed
Dry Weight: 142Kg
Clutch: Hydraulic operated
Fuel system: EFI
Ignition system: Bosch EMS83
Images courtesy PowerDrift and AutocarIndia
Bajaj has come a long long way with the right collaborations. The engine refinement n the sportiness part for sure would be taken care off.. Thnx to KTM linked R&D.
The major challenge now for Bajaj would be to take care of the vibrations and engine heat (guess the liquid cooling would solve most but right dissipation would really help).
If this model is really launched the way its shown above… this would be Bajaj’s very first full faired offering… and a full faired machine would always need extra attention in terms of engineering.
P200NS has minor vibe issues and P375 would be built on the same platform. It would really be disappointing if a full faired machine rattles on either high speeds or rough roads.
If Bajaj could get in close to R15’s fit in terms of material quality (fairing built especially)… its a sure-shot hit.
Needs a bigger fuel tank. Hope they don’t carry over the 12l tank from the 200ns. The limited fuel range just kills the touring fun.
the headlights r too downfaced.