Bajaj and Triumph will be launching a plethora of new models in the next 6 months in India, including a new sub-brand for adventure bikes
Earlier this year, Rajiv Bajaj – MD & CEO of Bajaj Auto, revealed that the company will launch multiple new motorcycles in the Indian market. It was learnt that the brand will debut a new sub-brand for adventure bikes and off-road format motorcycles. In addition, the Triumph 350cc portfolio would be further expanded with the introduction of an all-new model. Bajaj is also likely to strengthen the EV product line-up by rolling out its first-ever electric motorcycle by the end of this year.
First things first, the adventure bike segment has been growing a lot, of late, in the Indian market with several popular models on sale in the form of the Hero Xpulse 210, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure. Hence, Bajaj is eyeing to cash on this opportunity by launching its own sub-brand of ADV bikes in the country in the next 5-6 months, identical to the Dominar and Avenger.
Bajaj Auto recently updated its Pulsar Classic range of motorcycles with modern features, predominantly an all-LED lighting setup. However, the new-gen models of the Pulsar 150, Pulsar 180 and Pulsar 125 are in pipeline and they could debut around the festive season of Diwali later this year. The ageing double-cradle frame will be axed in favour of an all-new chassis. However, the styling is not expected to get substantial updates.
The Pune-based two-wheeler brand is working on an electric motorcycle platform which will spawn multiple models. The first electric bike is likely to be an entry-level commuter for daily ride purposes. It has been learnt that Bajaj electric motorcycle will share several elements with the Chetak EV, including the battery pack and electric motor. It will be locally developed in India while exported to several global markets.
The Triumph 350 line-up will also get a new model in the form of the Bonneville 350 in the coming months. Recently, the retro bike was spotted undisguised in our country with chrome-studded crank-case and exhaust pipe. The spy images also revealed that the overall design of the Bonneville 350 is inspired by the bigger Bonneville models of 900cc and 1200cc.
Triumph Bonneville 350 will be positioned against the Royal Enfield Classic 350 which has been the top-selling model in this segment over the last several years. It will benefit from the recently introduced 349cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which generates max power of 36.5 bhp and peak torque of 32 Nm with the Speed 400 and Scrambler models. Due to the downsized engine and lower GST of 18 percent, the company will be able to price it aggressively in the Indian market.
