Discussions and Questions - Bajaj Bajaj - Page 4
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
I expect a lot of parts sharing between the SS400 and KTM bikes. That is not a bad thing, we might get KTM level components at Bajaj prices. Really, the difference will likely be more 'tuning and ergonomics' as opposed to hardware capabilities outright.
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
I believe it could be a great first big bike. Bajaj know their market and will probably dial it for usability rather than pure performance. So it will probably have a linear power delivery and forgiving handling, ideal for learning the ropes of bigger bikes.
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
There is no way 400cc is too much for a new rider. Begin on a 150 or 200cc bike, and build up. You might be tempted by the SS400 but it is better to learn proper skills on a smaller bike before moving to something more powerful.
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
It varies on the rider. If someone is mature and takes proper training, they can manage a 400cc as their first bike. If it has good brakes and ABS, the SS400 could actually be safer than some smaller bikes.
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
It would be a good option for someone moving up from a 150-200cc bike, not as a very first bike. It will be sporty enough to be exciting, but more forgiving than a KTM RC390. Respect the power and don't be overconfident.
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
The actual question is about insurance and maintenance costs. Can the bike be maintained, and can new riders afford to keep it running? While Bajaj parts are usually cheap, the 400cc engine will be more expensive to maintain than smaller sized bikes.
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
The build quality of the SS400 will not be cheap, I feel Bajaj will surprise us. They understand that this bike needs to be a bit more than what they are used to offering if they are going to be taken seriously. Overall, there will be less leaky panels and better plastics and a more premium feel.
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
If you are a realist, it will still be a Bajaj. Some things will improve, but it won’t be Japanese quality. The important bits, i.e. the engine, suspension, brakes, will be the key. If the core is solid, I can live with some cheap plastics.
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
I think they will do visible parts and skip hidden parts. You should expect a nice paint job and good looking components, however, pay attention to the wiring harnesses and fastener quality. That's where cost-cutting usually happens.
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
The SS400 is likely to be a big step up from other Pulsars, but one notch down from the premium brands. That’s okay; it’ll probably be priced accordingly. It’ll be good enough for most riders as long as it’s durable and it doesn’t rattle apart.
How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?
31 January 2025 10:54
Don't underestimate Bajaj's manufacturing capabilities. After all, they produce KTM bikes. The SS400 will be very close to KTM quality, but with a different design philosophy I think. Some Japanese bike owners may even be surprised.
What will the Pulsar SS400’s maintenance costs be compared to its competitors?
31 January 2025 10:46
Bajaj should be able to keep costs lower than KTM with its wide service network, but the maintenance should cost more than a regular Pulsar. It is the price of performance!
What will the Pulsar SS400’s maintenance costs be compared to its competitors?
31 January 2025 10:46
I’m sure it’s gonna be more affordable to maintain than the RC 390. Bajaj knows the Indian market and will probably use more local parts to keep costs down.
What will the Pulsar SS400’s maintenance costs be compared to its competitors?
31 January 2025 10:46
Don't get your hopes up. Regardless of the brand, high performance bikes are always more expensive to maintain. If Bajaj wants it to do well, it will be no exception to the SS400.
What will the Pulsar SS400’s maintenance costs be compared to its competitors?
31 January 2025 10:46
Maintenance costs will probably be somewhere in between a regular Pulsar and a KTM. The question is, does the extra expense justify the performance?
What will the Pulsar SS400’s maintenance costs be compared to its competitors?
31 January 2025 10:46
Bajaj can surprise us with decent maintenance cost to make SS400 more attractive than the established competitors. Maybe this is their strategy to grab market share.
What will the Pulsar SS400’s maintenance costs be compared to its competitors?
31 January 2025 10:46
I am concerned about spare parts availability in the first one or two years. New models are always new models, and you can generally expect teething problems and waiting for parts if something goes wrong.
What will the Pulsar SS400’s maintenance costs be compared to its competitors?
31 January 2025 10:46
It will depend on how hard you ride it as far as maintenance cost. If treated like a commuter it will probably be cheaper. Your wallet will feel it, thrash it on the track every weekend.
What will the Pulsar SS400’s maintenance costs be compared to its competitors?
31 January 2025 10:46
A great starter track bike could be! Exciting enough to be powerful, but not so much so as to be frightening to newbies. It will also probably be cheaper than dedicated track bikes.
What will the Pulsar SS400’s maintenance costs be compared to its competitors?
31 January 2025 10:46
I'd be cautious. However, we don’t know how well it handles, and if you’re a beginner, something as simple as a used R15 or RC 200 should be more than enough for learning the ropes.
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