The popular Bajaj-Kawasaki partnership has been terminated on April 1st, 2017 and the reason for this decision has not been confirmed. The auto companies had a partnership since 2010, an alliance that provided a platform for Kawasaki's bikes in India as well as a sales and service network.
Bajaj's Probiking showrooms have been selling and servicing Kawasaki's CKD models such as the Ninja 300, Z250, Ninja 650 and ER-6N, while IKM has had its own network of superbike dealerships for its CBU models. But, following the split, Bajaj wishes to focus on KTM, 48 percent of which it owns. Though its Indian operations might change, the partnership still continues on a global front on various ventures, including sale of Bajaj's bikes through Kawasaki showrooms in East Asian countries.
So, what does this split exactly mean for the Indian customers? From the 1st of April, all Kawasaki bike deals will be handled by KTM, even the sales that have been made prior to the split. Kawasaki will also use Bajaj's plant in Chakan to assemble its motorcycles and carry out business operations for now.