[TusharK]

Bajaj could be planning to resurrect the 'Caliber' brand as the company has recently filed a trademark for the same.



The Kawasaki Bajaj Caliber was a popular commuter bike in the 1990s. It was powered by a 111.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. Later, it was replaced by the CT100 and the Platina.

The trademark for the 'Caliber' expired in 2008, which has now been renewed in 2021. This has led to speculations about a new model that could be offered with either a 115cc or 125cc engine.



It's not just Bajaj that is bringing back brands from the past. TVS too has recently trademarked the 'Fiero 125' name. Again, the Fiero was a popular model back in its day and as the name suggests, the new bike would have a 125cc engine.

Link to Team-BHP News

[CARDEEP]

Hoodibaba is back!

This was the tagline of Calibre at that time. It was better than Hero offerings in terms of rider satisfaction. Long term maintenance was better in case of Hero as Bajaj was also dealing with multiple vendors & service centers that weren't exactly capable to handle crowds IMO.

I wanted Calibre, got Splendor instead, was always unhappy till it was sold.

[pugram]

I think Bajaj has renewed the trademark.

I can't help but think the current platina engine is from this bike with 5cc shaved off.

The "hoodibaba" ad for this bike used to be too good.

[Emvi]

Originally Posted by CARDEEP

Hoodibaba is back!

This was the tagline of Calibre at that time.

Originally Posted by pugram

The "hoodibaba" ad for this bike used to be too good.

IIRC, "Hoodibaba" tagline was used for Caliber 115 and not for the first edition of Caliber.

[Miel]

Originally Posted by Emvi

IIRC, "Hoodibaba" tagline was used for Caliber 115 and not for the first edition of Caliber.

As best as I can remember too, you are right!

The first version of the Caliber was launched well before 2000 and was aimed at the Hero Honda Splendor customer base. Of course, one of several dozen models Bajaj used to try and dethrone the Splendor over the years.

IIRC, there was also a bike called Bajaj Aspire which was basically a Caliber with a front-disc brake.

[AZT]

That Hoodibaba ad was legend. Were still talking about it to this day

[Naveen_0181]

Originally Posted by Emvi

IIRC, "Hoodibaba" tagline was used for Caliber 115 and not for the first edition of Caliber.

You are right. The first Caliber was launched around 1997/1998 and those TV commercials are still fresh in my mind.

[Emvi]

Originally Posted by Miel

IIRC, there was also a bike called Bajaj Aspire which was basically a Caliber with a front-disc brake.

If I am not wrong, I guess you are talking about Caliber Croma. Croma did come with front disc brake and a revised headlight assembly, which initially was meant for another interesting Bajaj bike, Prowler. However, there certainly was a bike by name Aspire. Attaching pictures for reference.

Caliber Croma


Aspire


Prowler


Image copyright- respective owners

[Fx14]

Originally Posted by Emvi

However, there certainly was a bike by name Aspire.

IIRC, Aspire was the progressive iteration model with a front disc brake based on the Kawasaki Bajaj 4S --> Kawasaki Bajaj 4S Champion, both of which came with drum brakes only.

[CARDEEP]

Originally Posted by Emvi

IIRC, "Hoodibaba" tagline was used for Caliber 115 and not for the first edition of Caliber.

Yes, but that's what got Bajaj the mojo/ tagline that goes with Pulsar these days.

My cousin had one (Calibre 115) & it had even better performance & looks.

[RoboCop13]

And after all above mentioned models, Bajaj launched a sub-100cc, sub-100kg bike or as they named ‘Byk’.
Looked too small in comparison with its compatriots. Hence, almost labelled dead on arrival. I think the power it produced hovered around 5hp.
I present to you the Bajaj Byk.

[NH08]

This news renewed my memories. I bought my Caliber in 2004. Had to let it go in 2019 after 15 years of excellent service because of ban on renewal of petrol vehicles in Delhi.

The last journey with me, going on NH 08 towards Jaipur from Delhi.

[vinair]

Lovely news! And who can forget this wonderful Caliber ad!

https://youtu.be/X40moy3c6mc

[five46]

Originally Posted by Emvi

..another interesting Bajaj bike, Prowler.

Attaching pictures for reference.


Prowler
Attachment 2180132

Image copyright- respective owners

Prowler was a 2 stroke bike with a reworked KB125 engine.

[livelyyoungman]

Old wine in a new bottle. Good move. There is quite a good fan following for this. Hope Bajaj is able to capitalize.