Kawasaki will introduce a high-powered motorcycle in the Indian market with the help of the Indian partner Bajaj Auto. Kawasaki will bring the 250cc Ninja model in India from the Bajaj’s Chakan facility near Pune. Due to this the high duties levied on imported bikes can thus be minimized.

The 250cc, 30 Bhp bike will be imported as completely knocked down kits from Kawasaki’s Thailand plant. This model will be launched before the end of the year. In an email reply, Masanobu Kawaguchi, manager (sales and operation control, Asia division), said: “We are still preparing to launch the Kawasaki model (most probably the 250cc model) and it will be this year. Details will be shared later.”

The company will also consider launching other high-performance bikes, including the Sports Roadster, Ninja ZX-6R, Z1000 and Vulcan Cruiser. Marketing and distribution will be the sole responsibility of Bajaj Auto. Kawasaki will provide the necessary training and parts back-up. Pricing details will be revealed at the time of launch. Industry sources say the bike will be priced above Rs 1 Lakh.

These bikes will be sold at Bajaj’s Pro biking showrooms, a chain of retail stores set up for high-end bikes. They may be later made available at other Bajaj dealerships.