Triumph India Confirms Three New Motorcycles For 2018

Triumph India has sent out a press release stating that it will be launching the Triumph Speedmaster, Tiger 800 and Tiger 1200 here this year. According to the company’s Managing Director, Vimal Sumbly, the bikes will be launched within the next few months. The bikes will be CKD units and will play a part in Triumph's goal to have all its models assembled in the country. Currently, the British bikemaker's portfolio consists of 90 per cent CKD units, which Triumph aims to increase to 100 per cent, thus making its bikes more affordable than a completely built unit (CBU).

Speedmaster

The Speedmaster is based on the Bonneville Bobber’s underpinnings but carries a different cruiser design. It features slightly swept-back beach handlebars and forward-set footpegs for the traditional cruiser laidback riding position. The rear subframe is longer, to accommodate a pillion seat. Features include LED headlamps with inset DRLs and a single-pod analogue speedometer with a digital readout.

The 1200cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine comes is the same High Torque (HT) spec motor that also powers the Bobber and the T120. It makes 77PS at 6100rpm and 106Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Ride-by-wire allows for two riding modes - Road and Rain. Also on the roster are switchable traction control and cruise control.

Suspension setup includes 41mm KYB telescopic front forks and rear adjustable monoshock. Wheels are 16-inch units at both ends. Braking is via twin 310mm Brembo discs at the front and a 255mm rear disc with ABS as standard. The Speedmaster is expected to be launched by April 2018 at a price close to Rs 10.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

We rode the Speedmaster in the United States of America and found it to be dynamic and easier to adapt to than other cruisers available in the market.

2018 Tiger 800

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The new Tiger 800 receives more than 200 engine and chassis updates. Triumph says the motor is more responsive at low revs. Power output, at 95PS, remains unchanged. First gear is shorter while the exhaust is lighter and emits a better sound as well.

The most noticeable design feature is the new LED headlamps. The bodywork gets aero diffusers to channel air away from the rider and ensure less wind noise. The riding position has been revised for more comfort while touring. Features include a colour TFT screen similar to the Street Triple RS, five-way joystick cube on the left switchgear, and more refined cruise control.

Dynamic updates include higher-spec Showa suspension and Brembo brakes. Off-road tyres are standard now while the off-road oriented XC models get a dedicated “Off-Road Pro” riding mode. We are currently en route to Morocco to ride the new Tiger 800. Stay tuned for a first ride review of the bike.

2018 Tiger 1200

The 2018 Tiger 1200 gets new graphics and colour options. Other design additions are new alloy wheels.The new headlamp gets LED lighting and adaptive cornering lights. Features include a full-colour TFT screen and keyless ignition. Overall weight has dropped by 10kg.

The 1215cc inline-triple motor develops 141PS at 9350rpm and 122Nm of torque at 7600rpm. Ride-by-wire has been optimised for better engine response at low revs. A new Arrow exhaust enhances aural quality. Riding modes get an additional ‘Off-road Pro’ mode which allows the rider to deactivate all electronic aids.The 6-speed transmission gets a new bi-directional quick-shifter.

Semi-active WP electronic suspension and Brembo brakes have been carried over. The electronics suite and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) has been optimised for better refinement.

We rode the new Triumph Tiger in Portugal and found it to be more refined and accessible for newer riders.