Did Bajaj drop the ball by axing the Eliminator 175?
In the mid 2000s, Bajaj discontinued the Bajaj Eliminator 175 and there was a gap for entry level cruiser in India. Others contend that Bajaj could have evolved the model to suit the demands of a growing market for cruiser-style motorcycles and ever changing emissions norms. Some think the drop off was bound to happen as consumer tastes changed and more flexible motorcycle designs came on the scene. It also involves the debate of whether Bajaj could have continued to be in the cruiser business with a fresh Eliminator, or whether the resources would have been better spent in some other segments of the motorcycle. This also brings to fore the viability of small displacement cruisers in the Indian market and if there is still untapped potential in this niche.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Eliminator was never going to be a volume seller, let’s be real. Bajaj did a smart thing in focusing on more profitable segments. It’s a poker term largely, but sometimes you gotta know when to fold 'em.
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Discussions and Questions Did Bajaj Drop The Ball By Axing The Eliminator 175
Did Bajaj drop the ball by axing the Eliminator 175?
29 January 2025 09:06
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