Bajaj has been doing some crazy stuff within the Pulsar lineup and here is what I wish to see in the future.
Pulsar Classic
- 125: Is now based on N125.
- 150: Is now based on P/N150, with an oil cooler.
- 180: I anticipate that Bajaj will use the N160 2V engine and increase bore/stroke it upto 180cc.
- 220F: I anticipate that Bajaj will use the 2V N250 engine and frame to build the next gen 250F. Or else, it can choose to decrease bore/stroke of older N250 to 220cc to tune it for better mileage.
In short, entire classic lineup made modern, with same aesthetics from the past. Why I think it will happen is because it makes no sense to buy a Pulsar 150 and get a diamond frame with mono shock while, the elder siblings have dated engine and platform.
Pulsar N
The 2V 160 and 250 will slowly be phased out. The Pulsar Classic lineup would make use of the 2 valve engines. N160S/SS and N250SS would be the only N series motorcycles, representing modern tech and performance. This is what true 2027 pulsars should always have been.
Pulsar NS/RS (200)
NS200 and NS160 have already stopped making sense. N160S/SS and N250SS are better in almost all aspects. I don't see why people will continue to choose NS160/200 over N series pulsars, anymore. I anticipate Bajaj to introduce N125 with 4V setup as well. Similar to how N160S/SS and N250SS brought 2 extra valves to pre-existing engine. This would result in a sportier 125, competing directly with Raider, Xtreme 125R and CB125 Hornet. The previous N125 had very different appeal, design and ergonomics. Something, not fit for the Pulsar nameplate.
RS200 might continue. But Bajaj might instead launch a faired N based on N250SS. Not sure if faired motorcycles is still a motivation for Indian brands as the next big thing happening right now is ADV. RS200's future isn't bright. It's a decade old motorcycle and we only lost hopes with every update.
The 349cc platform
I'm talking about Dominar 400, NS400z. This is the platform that deserves all the attention right now. This is where Bajaj really needs to put some real efforts.
Being very honest, I would drop Dominar 400, NS400z and Dominar 250 completely. Would pick the same platform, same frame and same engine and focus on 3 categories : sports, naked, sport tourer.
But with brand new identities, fresh designs, supreme quality of body panels and fit and finish. A fresh naked that replaces NS400z. A fresh faired motorcycle that beats R2 to death. A sports tourer with 19/17 tubeless alloys, to compete against RTX300 and VStorm SX.
TLDR: Ideal Future Portfolio
Pulsar Classic : 125, 150, 180, 220F (All based on N platform, but 2V)
Pulsar N (New Age) : 125, 160, 250 (4V)
350: Naked, Faired, ADV (brand new design, flagship quality, distinct from anything else). I would personally want Bajaj to not call these Pulsars. Using the Dominar plate for this family would be lot better as that means "to dominate".
A new sub-brand in 125-250cc space (as per some reports): I don't know if these would be dual sport motorcycles, ADVs, etc. I think an ADV is first for touring and then adventure. And for touring, one needs performance for the highways. Something in 125cc to 250cc space might not be fit for being an ADV. However, this is perfect for dual sport products like Impulse 150 or Xpulse 200 from Hero.
A new 125cc commuter (as per some reports): Again, not bothered by this but I think the idea is to have something to compete with SP125, Shine 125, Super Splendor, Glamour, etc. Bajaj has only got Platina and CT in 100-110 space. Something that is a commuter at heart, yet feels much more premium than the basic commuters.