Discussions and Questions Bajaj Eliminator
Had the Eliminator 175 arrived ahead of its time for the Indian market?
29 January 2025 09:06
Definitely ahead of its time. Back then, Indian market wasn’t ready for a small cruiser. It would probably be a hit today, if it were launched with the current craze for retro styled bikes.
Had the Eliminator 175 arrived ahead of its time for the Indian market?
29 January 2025 09:06
No, I think it was just right. When big bikes were out of reach for most, it gave Indian riders a taste of cruiser styling. And it helped pave the way for the cruiser segment we have today.
Had the Eliminator 175 arrived ahead of its time for the Indian market?
29 January 2025 09:06
It was ahead of its time, but behind the times. While the styling was forward thinking for India, the 175cc engine was already sounding old when it was launched. The cruiser experience needed more power to sell.
Had the Eliminator 175 arrived ahead of its time for the Indian market?
29 January 2025 09:06
Bajaj didn’t commit to developing the concept further, but I’d say it was right on time. Had they continued with it and developed the Eliminator over the years, Bajaj may be having a successful cruiser line today.
Had the Eliminator 175 arrived ahead of its time for the Indian market?
29 January 2025 09:06
The market was too early. Riders from India were still thinking on how fuel efficient a motorcycle should be. Most buyers then did not think of a bike as a bike for leisure riding.
Had the Eliminator 175 arrived ahead of its time for the Indian market?
29 January 2025 09:06
The Eliminator was a trailblazer. It wasn’t a huge success, but it made people aware of different types of motorcycles. In that sense, it was important in creating the diverse market we have today.
Had the Eliminator 175 arrived ahead of its time for the Indian market?
29 January 2025 09:06
I think it was just a little bit too late. But it probably would have been a runaway hit if it had come out just a few years later, when disposable incomes were higher and people had begun to think of motorcycles as more than just a means of transportation.
What is the legacy of Eliminator 175 on Bajaj’s current lineup?
29 January 2025 09:06
The Eliminator doesn't have much of an impact on the current Bajaj lineup, I don't think. It’s obvious they’ve abandoned cruisers and are now tackling sportier bikes. The Eliminator, if anything, taught them to stay with what they do best.
What is the legacy of Eliminator 175 on Bajaj’s current lineup?
29 January 2025 09:06
The legacy of the Eliminator is more about what never came to pass. That foundation Bajaj could have built on and competed with Royal Enfield in the retro mod segment. They let RE dominate that space unchallenged instead.
What is the legacy of Eliminator 175 on Bajaj’s current lineup?
29 January 2025 09:06
The Eliminator’s influence, I’d argue, is there, but subtle. Bajaj, for instance, tries out different styles in their Pulsar line; perhaps that willingness to experiment is a remnant from the days of the Eliminator.
What is the legacy of Eliminator 175 on Bajaj’s current lineup?
29 January 2025 09:06
Bajaj learnt from the Eliminator the importance of having distinct identities of their bikes. That’s evident in the way they’re marketing the Dominar as a power cruiser – an evolved version of what an Eliminator could have turned out to be.
What is the legacy of Eliminator 175 on Bajaj’s current lineup?
29 January 2025 09:06
I honestly believe Bajaj wants to forget the Eliminator. They didn't have a massive success, and they've since moved so far away from that style, it's almost ancient to them now.
What is the legacy of Eliminator 175 on Bajaj’s current lineup?
29 January 2025 09:06
What Bajaj doesn't do with the Eliminator may be more important than what it does. The implication is that they haven’t really tried to get back in to the cruiser market again as they have learned that they are better off focusing on segments where they can be market leaders.
What is the legacy of Eliminator 175 on Bajaj’s current lineup?
29 January 2025 09:06
I think Bajaj's open to working with other brands is a reflection of the Eliminator's spirit. They're still willing to partner with KTM and Triumph, but in a smarter, more sensible way than trying to go it alone like they did with the Eliminator.
Did Bajaj drop the ball by axing the Eliminator 175?
29 January 2025 09:06
Bajaj dropped the ball big time, absolutely. Since then, the cruiser market has only grown and they could have had an entry level segment if they had stuck with it and made the Eliminator better.
Did Bajaj drop the ball by axing the Eliminator 175?
29 January 2025 09:06
I don't think so. The Eliminator was a throwback to their time. Indian riders have now moved up to more versatile bikes. Focusing on sportier models like Pulsar series made Bajaj take the right call.
Did Bajaj drop the ball by axing the Eliminator 175?
29 January 2025 09:06
But they missed out, not entirely. Now, they could have evolved the Eliminator into something more modern, as Royal Enfield did with the Meteor. Affordable cruisers are still a market.
Did Bajaj drop the ball by axing the Eliminator 175?
29 January 2025 09:06
No way, Bajaj got the market right. It’s a niche segment: small cruisers. They should probably put resources into more popular categories, like sports and commuter bikes.
Did Bajaj drop the ball by axing the Eliminator 175?
29 January 2025 09:06
It is, at least, a missed opportunity in terms of brand legacy. Bajaj’s Eliminator could have been its ticket to building a cruiser heritage, which takes decades to establish.
Did Bajaj drop the ball by axing the Eliminator 175?
29 January 2025 09:06
The Eliminator was, I feel, before its time. Had they stayed the course and refined the concept, they may well be leading the small cruiser segment today, rather than playing catch up.
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