“Trial & Error”.. That is the title of the Pulsar 200 road test conducted by overdrive magazine (March 2007 issue). My first thought on reading the title was that the Pulsar 200 probably hasn’t turned out to be that great. But this feeling was totally in contrast with the one which I felt when I saw the Cover Page. The Cover Page of the Overdrive March 2007 issue had a photo of a rider on the Pulsar 200 along with the title, “The Best Pulsar Yet”.
The title got me interested and I wanted to know, what was the “Trial & Error” the article was talking about?
"The article states that the “Trial & Error” strategy of Bajaj has been extended to its premium “Pulsar” range.."
The explanation according to the article: The article gives the example how Bajaj initially launched numerous models, most of which were flops. The article though accepts the fact that this was natural as Bajaj was trying to become a Motorcycle manufacturer from a Scooter manufacturer. The article then gives the example how Bajaj in a bid to become the market leader, has tried to attack Hero Honda on its home turf, i.e. the 100 C.C segment by launching cheaper products and providing more features to little avail. And now Bajaj plans to quit the 100 C.C segment altogether and develop new products aimed at winning maximum market share.
The article further states that the “Trial & Error” strategy of Bajaj has been extended to its premium “Pulsar” range as well. The Pulsar 150, 180, 200 and the soon to be launched 220 seems to be creating sort of a muddle.
"Of course the author of the article has his own right to believe so and write about it.. But let me put my views now.."
My thoughts on reading the article: I am not totally convinced by the above argument. I agree that in the entry level segment (100 C.C), Bajaj has indeed tried every trick to remove Hero Honda from its leadership position. But I don’t really agree to the “Trial& Error” philosophy in the Pulsar range.
Of course the author of the article has his own right to believe so and write about it, which I totally appreciate. But let me put my views now.
Bajaj Auto: I agree with the author on this one. Bajaj tried to create a segment lower to the Hero Honda 100 C.C bikes previously with the “Boxer” and presently with the “CT100”. Bajaj also tried to give more value at the same price range as the 100 C.C Hero Honda bikes previously with the “Caliber” and presently with the “Platina”. Recently the prices of the Platina has been further reduced by Rs.3000. But one thing to be noticed is that the engine architecture used across these models has been the same barring a few tweaks.
Verdict: Trial & Error using single engine architecture.
TVS Motor: TVS motor tasted success initially with its “Victor” range. Slowly as the demand for the Victor dwindled, TVS tried a few variants of the Vicor, like the “Victor Edge”. TVS also burnt its fingers with its dud, the “Centra”. Recently the company seems to have found its focus by its “Star” series.
Verdict: Initially Trial & Error; Seems to have found focus now.
Yamaha Motors India: 100 C.C Yamaha have models like the “Crux”, “Crux--R”. The “Libero” (with the headlamp “Trial and Error”) and the present G5. None of them have managed to become best sellers. And since 2001, Yamaha Motors India has been incurring losses each year.
Verdict: Trial & Errors have been costly for Yamaha India.
Hero Honda: The 100 C.C models from Hero Honda have been the bread and butter models for Hero Honda till date. Majority of Hero Honda sales have come from these models. These models have enjoyed success right from the beginning. But look at the 100 C.C Hero Honda models till now.
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