Thanks To Bajaj, We’ll See A Sub-Rs 2 Lakh Triumph!

Back in 2017, Bajaj and Triumph had announced that they would form an alliance to make mid-displacement motorcycles for India and other emerging markets. Both companies have now made this alliance official by signing an agreement today. The two brands plan on manufacturing mid-capacity motorcycles (200-750cc), and we expect them to be launched from 2022 onwards. 

What does this partnership mean for both companies? Well, under the agreement, Bajaj will manufacture mid-capacity motorcycles for Triumph at its Akurdi plant in Pune. This will allow Triumph to price these bikes competitively in India as well as other Asian markets. As of now, the manufacturers are aiming to price their entry-level motorcycle under Rs 2 lakh, which is insane considering there are several motorcycles in that price bracket! This will not only help us enthusiasts grab a Triumph motorcycle without breaking the bank but also allow the British manufacturer to tap into developing nations where affordability is a key aspect.

These motorcycles will be exported by Bajaj to the rest of the world. And as we know it, Bajaj’s export game is quite strong, helping it post stronger sales figures compared to other bikemakers during the current economic slowdown. Triumph will also make use of Bajaj’s extensive dealer network to sell these motorcycles as Bajaj will take over the distribution of these bikes once they hit the market. 

Additionally, the upcoming motorcycles will continue to use names like ‘Bonneville’, ‘Street’ and ‘Tiger.’ This means we could see a mid-displacement cruiser, a naked and an adventure tourer based on an all-new platform. However, the manufacturers have announced that the first product will be a classic motorcycle in the 250-350cc range to rival the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa Jawa and the Benelli Imperiale 400. However, considering that the motorcycle is still a few years away from making its debut, we might see some more manufacturers enter this highly-popular segment.

‘But, hey. What’s in it for Bajaj?’ First and foremost, Bajaj will manufacture these motorcycles, giving the brand some much-needed global exposure. The Pune-based manufacturer isn’t new to partnering with international brands. Boomers out there would remember Bajaj’s deal with Vespa and Kawasaki, which gave us the iconic Chetak and the two-stroke KB100. Its current partnership with KTM has been so successful that the Austrian brand has decided to introduce bikes from its sister brand Husqvarna, in India! In fact, the Swedish brand surprised us all by unveiling the made-for-India Vitpilen and Svartpilen 250.

The deal with KTM also gives Bajaj access to the Austrian brand’s parts inventory to make motorcycles like the Dominar 400 and the upcoming Dominar 250. However, the deal with Triumph does not allow Bajaj to utilise the British brand’s components to manufacture its own models. 

Here you go then, people of the internet. We now have a new premium motorcycle brand going all out to please the Asian masses by bringing in affordable products. Interestingly, manufacturers like Harley-Davidson and MV Agusta, too, have partnered with Chinese two-wheeler manufacturers to produce their own affordable motorcycles. Quite an exciting time to be a motorcycle enthusiast, uh?