The above picture is an artist’s impression of what an under-development Triumph’s line up for India will look like when ready, the sketch is released by the Brazilian version of the magazine ‘Motociclismo’. Kawasaki er-4f, Honda CB300R, the upcoming KTM 350 and now this Triumph, all these new models spawning in quick succession is a hint. Global bike makers have realized that they lack a product that suits developing markets like Brazil and India well.
Triumph the 100-year-plus British motorcycle company, having launched its first motorcycle in 1902. In the late 60’s Triumph Bonneville become an iconic motorcycle. The company today has created bikes such as the powerful Rocket III and unmistakable Speed Triple.
The new motorcycle being developed by Triumph is important from the Indian point of view, as the company has recently announced its intentions to enter India officially. It’s notable that without having an affordable product in the Rs. 2-3 lakh category, any company won’t be able to churn any considerable sales volumes. For all we know the new bike is being designed with the Indian, and maybe the Brazilian market in mind. The chances of this new Triumph making it to India along with the brand itself are very high if our understanding is anything to go by.
The cubic capacity of the bike is not decided yet, but it would range anywhere between 267cc and 350cc. The engine would be a liquid cooled, four valve single. Triumph has a manufacturing plant in Thailand, from where it can ship CKD kits to Brazil and India for final assembly in smaller plants in both the countries. The new bike is expected to hit the streets by 2012. Don’t be surprised if you get to see a prototype of the bike at the 2012 Expo.
With the Ninja 650R retailing for less than Rs. 5 lakh, the Triumph 350 (if that’s the cc) won’t make sense for anything above Rs. 3 lakh. With kits imported from Thailand and assembled locally, that price point should comfortable keep the British company’s India operations profitable if they manage reasonable volumes.
Also see – Triumph to enter India in 2012
