Bajaj, Kawasaki announce price cuts for sub-350cc motorcycle range as GST 2.0 kicks in

Erstwhile partners Bajaj and Kawasaki announced separately on Monday that they have passed on the GST benefits that the government announced for the sub-350cc motorcycle segment.

Bajaj Auto said that it is not only passing on the full benefit to buyers, but also adding 50% financing benefit from its side. “This means that Pulsar buyers now gain 1.5 times the GST benefit, further enhancing the value of ownership during the festive season,” the maker of two and three-wheeler vehicles said in a statement.

In line with the commitment to pass on the benefits, Bajaj Auto said that it has introduced the Hattrick Offer, under which customers receive three distinct advantages. First, the entire GST reduction would be passed on in full, with zero processing charges and comprehensive insurance benefits.

“Together, these ensure that prospective Pulsar riders enjoy maximum value without additional costs. Under the Hattrick Offer, buyers of the Pulsar NS125 ABS stand to gain savings of ₹12,206, while those choosing the Pulsar N160 USD enjoy benefits worth ₹15,759 in Delhi,” the company added.

Meanwhile, India Kawasaki Motor (IKM) said in a statement that the recent decision of the government to reduce GST on sub-350cc motorcycles will make the entire 350cc and below motorcycle range from IKM more accessible to motorcycling enthusiasts across the country. The benefit of commensurate reduction in prices due to GST rate reduction will be extended to motorcycles, as well as spare parts, apparel, and accessories portfolio.

“The recent GST rate revision by the Government of India presents an opportunity to make high-quality motorcycles more accessible to aspiring riders,” said Yutaka Yamashita, managing director, IKM. “Our below 350cc range plays a crucial role in introducing new riders to the Kawasaki brand. By making this segment more affordable, we aim to empower a larger community of enthusiasts to begin their Kawasaki journey. We believe this move will not only benefit our customers but also support the growth momentum of the two-wheeler industry in the country.”

IKM has a manufacturing facility in Chakan near Pune since July 2017, and currently has 47 dealerships. Bajaj and Kawasaki entered into a technical alliance in the 1990s, a relationship that resulted in the two companies developing several motorcycles under the Bajaj-Kawasaki moniker. In 2009, the relationship between the two companies further developed, with Bajaj selling and providing after-sales support for Kawasaki motorcycles. However, in 2017, the agreement was terminated, with both deciding to go their separate ways.