Triumph is the only two-wheeler brand in India alongside KTM to not increase the price of its motorcycles with engine capacity above 350cc.
Triumph India has not increased the ex-showroom prices of its 400cc range of motorcycles in the Indian market, despite the recent upward GST revision from 28 percent to 40 percent on bikes with engine capacity above 350cc. Presently, the British brand retails five 400cc models in the domestic market in India in the form of the Speed 400, Speed T4, Scrambler 400 X, Scrambler 400 XC and Thruxton 400. The company stated that it has decided to absorb the GST impact entirely to ensure unaffected cost of ownership.
Triumph, in association with Bajaj, has developed a strong portfolio of bikes in the middleweight (350-450cc) segment with as many as five models on sale with different body styles. The brand, on an average, retails around 3500-4000 units of 400cc bikes on a monthly basis while having a decent market share in this segment.
Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Manik Nangia, President Probiking, Bajaj Auto Ltd said, “The Triumph 400 cc platform has set new benchmarks in performance, design, and value. Even with the GST increase, we wanted to ensure that riding enthusiasts are not discouraged by higher costs. By holding prices steady, Triumph and Bajaj Auto are taking this step in the interest of customers, reaffirming our commitment to growing the Triumph brand in India.”
Triumph 400cc bikes are locally developed at Bajaj’s factory in Chakan, Pune. The middleweight segment is one of the fastest growing segments for two-wheelers in the Indian market and hence, more and more brands are tapping into this segment with their new models. Several leading brands such as Royal Enfield, KTM and Honda have a significant presence in the middleweight segment.
Meanwhile, it has also been learnt that Bajaj-Triumph alliance is also working on a 350cc range of motorcycles to benefit from the recent GST reforms. The company is developing the 350cc engine from the existing 398cc single-cylinder petrol engine, which powers Triumph’s 400 range in India. The report states that the new models with 350cc engine will be launched in the next 6-8 months in the Indian market.
The 350cc engine, carved out of the current 398cc motor, will have a shorter bore (down from 89mm to 83mm) while the stroke will remain unchanged. It is assumed that the Triumph 350cc bikes will offer decent low and mid range torque. However, the power output will witness a drop but the overall performance is not likely to be affected substantially.
