[Scorcher]

Bold move by Bajaj, they're converting all ProBiking outlets into KTM showrooms.

Earlier the Kawasakis were sold exclusively through ProBiking, now what are they gonna do? Sell them side-by-side or downgrade the kwacker to local dealerships?

Source

A few days ago we reported on Bajaj Auto’s plans to convert it’s Probiking showrooms in KTM showrooms. The company has already commenced this exercise and a few showrooms have already seen the transformation. The orange coloured boards are eye catching and the glass has a sticker which reads ‘Ready To Race’. A coming soon sign with the picture of the KTM Duke 200 is displayed as well. Inside the showroom, the Pulsar and Kawasaki Ninja are showcased but the colours have been changed to orange throughout. Many posters are put up of KTM bikes. The showroom guy claimed that Bajaj Auto will launch the Duke 200 on the 24th of January, 2012. With the company showcasing the production version of the ULC on the 3rd of January, there is no chance of the Duke getting launched on the same day. The Duke is not coming to the Auto Expo either, so a mid to late January launch is most likely for this performance machine.

[Leepower]

Good Lord!!!, the pics are of Pune pro-biker showroom on Bund Garden road. My dad booked his Ninja from there. Hope they continue to sell Ninja also along with KTM. I don't think anyone would buy Ninja from local Bajaj dealership!!!
The dudes at the store were saying that KTM is coming in Jan. Didn't expect such a welcome for it!!!

EDIT: It's just a promotional stunt. Kwaker stays in Pro-biking showroom...
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ktm-duke-...27-25-167.html

[libranof1987]

The ProBiking outlets were specifically for sale/service of 200cc and above powered bikes, right? P200, P220, Eliminator etc.

Where do these get serviced then?

[Latheesh]

Kawasaki and KTM will stay together :-)

You can see Kawasaki written (in orange) on the front glass!

[mac187]

Originally Posted by Latheesh

You can see Kawasaki written (in orange) on the front glass!

There really need to get their branding right. Can't imagine a Kwacker in Orange!

Ninja = Kawasaki Green. Period.

[suhaas307]

Not sure if they're going to convert all Probiking showrooms into KTM outlets. A few, perhaps?

Good move by Bajaj, I'd say. The best way of promoting their new brand.

Now, the after-sales-service must match.

[Cayman360]

Originally Posted by mac187

There really need to get their branding right. Can't imagine a Kwacker in Orange!

Ninja = Kawasaki Green. Period.

yeah. Tho when the Z1000 was launched some years back, they advertized the orange one, and I loved it!

[lazyrider]

Originally Posted by Leepower

The dudes at the store were saying that KTM is coming in Jan.

Got a call from the Probiking store today, KTM is slated for a Jan 7th launch here, hopefully they will offer test-rides.

[Shubz]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

The ProBiking outlets were specifically for sale/service of 200cc and above powered bikes, right? P200, P220, Eliminator etc.

Where do these get serviced then?

When I inquired about the same thing - the PBK guy said the P's and E's would be serviced at regular Bajaj service centers (example: Khivraj Motors - Bangalore)

Originally Posted by lazyrider

Got a call from the Probiking store today, KTM is slated for a Jan 7th launch here, hopefully they will offer test-rides.

Oh No! I hope they launch it either earlier than 7th or later than 8th! I will not be around to be among the first bookings if they did the 7th as I will not be in Bangalore! Will be at the Auto Expo!

Bangalore PBK guys are VERY tight lipped about the dates! Any Bangalorean got any dates from these PBK guys?

[aargee]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

The ProBiking outlets were specifically for sale/service of 200cc and above powered bikes, right? P200, P220, Eliminator etc.

Where do these get serviced then?

That was stopped a few months ago!!! All P220 to Eliminators can now be serviced at any BAL ASC.

[ku69rd]

Good Stuff from Bajaj, shows that they are willing to pull out all stops to make the KTM a success and why would they not do it? KTM is owned by Bajaj after all.

[Shubz]

And I fail to understand the hoopla around "NOT" knowing the launch/booking dates. Each PBK has either "dont know" as their standard answer or fictitious dates.

Today I called 3 different PBK showrooms in Bangalore, Pune, Vashi - and each one were giving conflicting dates.

[aargee]

Originally Posted by ku69rd

KTM is owned by Bajaj after all.

No!!! BAL only has nearly 40% stake, the company is still owned by KTM themselves.

[hollywoodhogan]

Originally Posted by Shubz

And I fail to understand the hoopla around "NOT" knowing the launch/booking dates. Each PBK has either "dont know" as their standard answer or fictitious dates.

Today I called 3 different PBK showrooms in Bangalore, Pune, Vashi - and each one were giving conflicting dates.

you are the one making hoopla about the dates. the fact that each is giving a different date indicates most probably that they do no know. manufacturers are always very secretive about launch dates for new products. nothing unusual here.

[ebonho]

The KTM Duke 200 is not going to be launched during the Auto Expo.