Bajaj, Kawasaki and KTM: A (Un)Holy Threesome? from Bikes in the Fast Lane

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Bajaj, Kawasaki and KTM: A (Un)Holy Threesome?

September
2010

  File under Bajaj Kawasaki KTM Opinion
  Author: Mike Werner
  Location: Normandy, France

Many guys prefer to have a threesome, since three is better than two, isn't it? "Menage a trois" is the holy Grail for many guys (and less so for gals). But does it work? And more importantly, does it work for motorcycle manufacturers.

According to one site, it could. Bike Advice

in India hints on an upcoming three-way matrimony. Three motorcycle manufacturers could tie the knot in some form or another. Bajaj

(India's 2nd largest motorcycle manufacturer), Kawasaki

(one of Japan's big 4), and Austria's KTM

are the likely candidates.

It all revolves around Bajaj. As we probably all know by now, India is playing an increasingly important role in world's economy. The country is in an enormous financial and economic expansion, and Indian companies are acquiring companies left, right and center.

Bajaj, on their expansion thrift, have purchased already 32.5% of KTM, and have plans for more. Bajaj have had an historical working relationship with Kawasaki, with several of Bajaj's motorcycles based on Kawasaki designs.

An alliance between the three would mean a better distribution process for all three, each with its own speciality and therefore distribution base. Apart from some overlap in products, they could combine engineering and design in future motorcycles. Imagine Bajaj selling low cost motorcycles, KTM specializing in the off-road market and Kawasaki in high-end street bikes.

Financially, it would make a lot of sense. In today's worrying economy, even motorcycle manufacturers get hit (well, Bajaj didn't, they weathered the financial storms pretty good). A threesome could make them a strong trio and a formidable competitor for the Honda's of this world.

If it happens, I reckon that the three brands will remain, but that the tie-up would be behind the scenes. Dealers would be selling all three brands from the same shops, parts would arrive from the same distribution organization, and the motorcycles you'd buy would have been designed from a joint-venture design center. But you'd still buy KTMs, Kawasakis and Bajajs. Already, this is the case. KTM is planning on selling through Bajaj dealers in India, while Kawasaki is already selling their high-end motorcycles through Bajaj.

So ... what do you think? Will it happen?

But just to throw a spanner into the works, there's also German car maker Volkswagen

to think about. They have stated, time and time again, that they are interested in the motorcycle business. And if you look at the Bajaj logo, and then at the Volkswagen one, rotate the Volkswagen logo, and look what you've got. A logo match made in heaven.