Bajaj Auto Lowers Interest Rates and Extends Loan Tenures in Nepal

Financing Expansion: Lower EMIs and Extended Tenures

In a strategic move to boost accessibility, Bajaj has overhauled its financing structure in Nepal. As of July 20, the company partnered with Hulas Finserv Hire Purchase Limited (HFL) to offer repayment periods of up to 60 months, a significant increase from the previous three-year limit. The initiative also marks a reduction in interest rates from 9.99 percent to 8.99 percent, aimed at reducing the monthly repayment burden for consumers.

The company stated that this is a long-term initiative rather than a limited-time promotional offer. The move was designed to address customer concerns over monthly repayment obligations, which the company noted often pose a greater challenge than the initial purchase price for first-time buyers, young professionals, salaried individuals, and families. The financing option is available across Bajaj’s entire motorcycle range, from the Platina 100 ES to the Dominar 400. Specific impacts on monthly installments include:

• Platina 100 ES: Monthly installments have decreased from Rs 3,255 to approximately Rs 2,124.
• Dominar 400: Monthly payments have dropped from Rs 8,227 to about Rs 5,370.

This financing facility covers a wide array of models, including the Pulsar 125, Pulsar N125, Pulsar 150, Pulsar N150, Pulsar N160, Pulsar 220F, Pulsar NS200, Pulsar N250, and the NS400Z.

E20 Compatibility and Warranty Assurance

Beyond financing, Bajaj Auto has addressed widespread consumer anxiety regarding India’s ethanol-blended fuel policy. According to the company, all motorcycles manufactured by Bajaj—including KTM and Triumph models produced in India—are fully compatible with E20 fuel. This compatibility extends to machines produced over the last 10 years.

Sumeet Narang, President – Central Marketing at Bajaj Auto, emphasized that this capability is the result of long-term research and development. We want to assure everyone that all motorcycles made by us at Bajaj Auto are fully compatible with the use of E20 fuel, Narang said. This is true not only for recently built bikes, but also for the motorcycles we have been making for over the last 10 years.

The manufacturer confirmed that warranty terms and conditions remain valid for these vehicles when using E20 fuel. This stance provides relief to owners worried about the corrosive nature of ethanol, which can degrade rubber hoses and clog fuel injectors if left sitting for extended periods. Narang noted that the company’s experience in international markets, such as Brazil, where E27 fuel is standard, has provided confidence in their product durability, stating that the bikes sold there perform well with no product-related complaints.

Strategic Engine Adjustments for the Dominar 400

In addition to broader policy updates, Bajaj has refreshed the Dominar 400 to mark its tenth anniversary in the Indian market. The engine displacement has been reduced from 373cc to 349cc. This technical shift is primarily strategic, allowing the motorcycle to qualify for a lower Goods and Services Tax (GST) slab, potentially aiding in competitive pricing against rivals in the mid-sized motorcycle segment.

Despite the smaller displacement, the updated liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine is tuned to deliver 40 bhp and 3.38 kg-m of torque, representing a slight improvement in power output compared to the previous version. The model now includes four specific ride modes—Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-Road—alongside traction control and dual-channel ABS. The bike is currently priced at ₹2.04 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and includes factory-fitted touring accessories such as a windshield visor, handguards, and a luggage rack.

Market Comparison and Promotional Activity

The broader motorcycle market in India is seeing varied promotional activity. While Bajaj focuses on long-term financing and technical compatibility, other manufacturers are utilizing limited-time offers to move inventory. Kawasaki India has announced a limited-period promotional offer for the 2026 Kawasaki Z900, which is valid until July 31, 2026. This includes a complimentary genuine accessory—a large meter cover, or windscreen, valued at ₹15,000—alongside finance schemes featuring monthly EMIs starting at ₹22,900.

For Bajaj owners, the focus remains on the intersection of long-term vehicle health and affordability. By confirming that they will honor warranties even when older machines run on the new blended fuel, Bajaj has set a benchmark for the industry, providing a clear path for owners concerned about the transition to E20 fuel standards.

Sources: thehimalayantimes.com, etvbharat.com.