The second-largest motorcycle manufacturer in the country, Bajaj Auto, today unveiled the second generation or version 2.0 of the DTS – Si engine. The Digital Twin Spark Swirl Induction technology engine series, says the company, is the world’s most fuel efficient engine and will feature in a new motorcycle the company hopes to unveil next month. Company executives hinted it may be featured in a vehicle that falls in the 125-135cc category.
“If you compare available mileage data from motorcycle manufacturers from Japan, China or in Taiwan, the engine we’ve developed is the most fuel efficient and will be incorporated in the new motorcycle that we’ll launch next month,” said Rajiv Bajaj, managing director. Mileage details of the new engine have not been disclosed. The top mileage notched by a 125cc motorcycle is by Hero Honda’s Super Splendor, which is about 83 km/litre.
In addition, Bajaj Auto today unveiled the new Pulsar 220, kitted with the hallmark DTS engine. This 220cc motorcycle is the second variant in addition to the existing Pulsar DTS–FI (fuel injection). The new Pulsar 220 has been billed by the company as the country’s fastest motorcycle to be commercially produced.
The new 220 can achieve speeds of 144 km per hour and deliver 56 km/litre (ARAI certified). Equipped with the biggest carburettor, the new Pulsar can accelerate 0–60 km in four seconds. The Pulsar 220 costs Rs 70,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), about Rs 11,000 more than the older FI model. The company hopes to sell about 1,000 units a month.
S Shridhar, CEO (2-wheelers) of Bajaj Auto said the company currently commands a 50 per cent market share in the 125–150cc motorcycle segment. “The demand for performance motorcycles is growing. In 2001, the demand for these big motorcycles was about 5,000 units a month. Eight years later, we sell around 90,000 units a month. That’s the impact we’ve created.” The Pulsar series is 37 per cent of the company’s total motorcycle sales.
