Not much localization...

Our sources have confirmed that Kawasaki has allowed only select components to be localized by Bajaj to reduce costs of the 250R in India. As too much localization will not only call for extended testing, but will also be a double edged sword; quality is a concern and if it is not upto the mark, it will harm Kawasaki's brand image.  Kawasaki will hence test the localized products for QA and will only give a nod to Bajaj if they are on par with the parts used in the original model. 

2009 Ninja 250R

Kawasaki have released detials on the 2009 250R. As with most of their range, the bike hasnt undergone technical upgrades, but gets a new color for '09 (above). But what the heck? The bike is still a hot seller!

So what local components exactly?

According to the latest info from our sources, Bajaj is currently localizing the forks, rear shocker and the braking system for the Indian market. There is speculation that even the engine casting is being tested for local production and should be one of the important factors in dropping the price.

Bajaj hits back!

With the R15 opening a new avenue in performance biking, Bajaj has decided to join the race as well. But in true Bajaj style, the company want the community to enjoy power at a relatively cheaper cost than the competition - similar to what they did with the Pulsars.

So lets not beat around the bush. According to our sources close to the industry, Bajaj is currently localizing some of the components that will go into the Ninja 250R - and this will help the company to price the bike in the sub-1.5 lakh ex-showroom bracket! Bajaj is trying its best to achieve this price not only gain huge sales figures, but also to eliminate the competition (if any) and also to keep the gap between its flagship Pulsar 220 and the Ninja 250R, as low as possible.

Kudos to you Bajaj (if you stick to your word!)

A Ninja awakens...

Bajaj as usual stunned everyone at the Auto Expo with 3 sections to their exhibit - a blue, an orange and a green. While the blue and orange stood for their Bajaj and KTM bikes, the green one without doubt was the meditation floor for their Kawasaki partners.

The Ninja 250 out of the entire lineup created the most amount of stir as it will change the face of Indian biking when its launched. So when is it coming?

Well, we speculate a Q1 2009 launch for the bike, but with Bajaj, you never know. However, to be sure, you can keep visiting 100octane.blogspot.com or this standalone blog for the news and scoops related to the ZX250.

Over the next few months, we'll also give our readers more information regarding the bike, its reviews etc. So stay tuned!

Welcome everyone...

Hey folks,

This is a sub-site for the 100 Octane Blog that all our readers including you has made so popular over the last few months. We have started this seperate micro-blog to get you exclusive news and content related to the Ninja 250R which will hit India soon. So don't forget to check back from time to time for feed on the baby kawacker!

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100 Octane