Had the Eliminator 175 arrived ahead of its time for the Indian market?
At a time when the Indian motorcycle market was largely populated with commuter bikes and scooters, the Bajaj Eliminator 175 was introduced. It was a deviation from the norm, a cruiser style motorcycle in a smaller displacement category. This then begs the question if the Indian market was ready for such a niche product in the first place. While some say the Eliminator was a visionary product that helped set the stage for future cruiser motorcycles in India, others say the market was not ready to properly accept or support such a concept. The argument is even extended to whether its timing made a difference to its success and would it have been more successful in today's more diverse motorcycle market.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Discussions and Questions Had The Eliminator 175 Arrived Ahead Of Its Time For The Indian Market
Had the Eliminator 175 arrived ahead of its time for the Indian market?
29 January 2025 09:06
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