Bajaj Caliber Trademarked: Comeback In A 125cc Guise?

It could either be for an upcoming 125cc commuter bike or Bajaj may just be securing its rights for the future

• The original motorcycle, called Kawasaki Bajaj Caliber, was sold between 1998 and 2006.
• It could make a comeback in a 125cc guise as Bajaj currently has no commuter motorcycles catering to that segment.
• Another possibility is Bajaj might’ve simply secured the rights for its name, presumably for future use. 

Back in March this year, Bajaj Auto filed a trademark for the name ‘Caliber’ and it has been accepted. This move points out to a couple of possibilities, and here’s our analysis: 

Bajaj Caliber 125 Incoming?

The massive price hikes in recent years have caused bikes in the 125cc segment to become as expensive as 150cc motorcycles of the past. And products in the 150cc space have moved even further up the price bracket. Because of this tectonic shift, the 125cc segment is currently witnessing a major boom as products are priced below the psychological barrier of Rs 1 lakh. Bajaj has had great success with the Pulsar 125, and the bikemaker has launched a sportier 125cc streetfighter, called the Pulsar NS125, to milk this segment further. 

• Bajaj Pulsar NS125 Price Hiked
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• Bajaj Pulsar NS200 BS6: Road Test Review

That said, Bajaj currently does not have a 125cc motorcycle that caters to a more mature audience. It offered the Discover 125 back then, but the bike was discontinued as it was not updated to comply with the BS6 emission norms. It wasn’t really a best-seller in its segment either. Bajaj could make another crack at this segment by launching the Caliber 125. It could be a Pulsar 125, albeit with a relatively conservative design language. This should give Bajaj a fighting chance against bigwigs in its segment, such as the Honda Shine and Hero Super Splendor. Moreover, the Caliber name also has a familiarity factor attached to it as Kawasaki-Bajaj used to sell the Caliber between 1998 and 2006.

Or Bajaj Is Just Being Proactive By Securing the Rights to the Name

Bajaj had applied for the trademark of the name ‘Bajaj Caliber’ back in 1998. This trademark was valid till 2008. The company also trademarked ‘Bajaj Caliber 115’ in 2002, which was valid up to 2012. In 2003, Bajaj trademarked Bajaj Caliber 115 Hoodibaba (remember the catchy advertisement?) which was valid up to 2013. None of these trademarks is in use, so it could be possible that Bajaj has trademarked the moniker again to secure its rights for the future. 

Which one do you think is more probable? Let us know in the comments below.