Bajaj will be updating its entire lineup in the early parts of 2019, and a substantial makeover will be applied on to the Dominar 400
Bajaj Auto is planning to shake things up with the 2019 MY version of its popular Pulsar lineup as well as Dominar and Avenger. Its Austrian subsidiary KTM is also preparing to have a busy year ahead with launches like 790 Duke and the much-awaited 390 Adventure. Courtesy of the recent spy pictures, we have a clear idea of which motorcycles are getting updated first.
The forthcoming safety standards mandated by the Indian Government meant that new motorcycles of above 125 cc engine capacity are being equipped with Anti-lock Braking System since April 2018 while the existing models rolling out of the production lines should have the equipment fitted before April 2019 as part of reducing the skyrocketing accident death rates in India.
Manufacturers are offering single- or dual-channel ABS systems depending on the price bracket the motorcycles are positioned in. While some are sticking with dual-channel ABS, others have opted to go with the single-channel system if they are conscious about losing any price advantage due to the high costs incurred.
In early 2019, we will see brands introducing at least single-channel ABS across their existing lineups and Bajaj Auto is no different. Bajaj will launch the Pulsar 220F ABS and Pulsar 180 ABS along with the Avenger ABS range soon as they have already started reaching dealerships across the country without any cosmetic updates.
The will gain a single-channel ABS system as in the Pulsar RS200 with the possible price increase of around Rs. 10-12,000. Elsewhere, the V15, Pulsar 150 and Pulsar NS160 will also get ABS before the deadline. The Pune-based company is certainly struggling with the sales of the flagship Dominar 400 and repeated price increases are not helping the cause either.
Thus, Bajaj is all set to introduce a major update to the naked motorcycle and is expected to be positioned at a more premium price bracket. The 2019 Bajaj Dominar 400 will get USD forks replacing the conventional telescopic unit, reported performance upgrade, and cosmetic revisions as part of the package.