Flaws they have, but the mini twin motorcycles from Triumph are here to bring a massive change in how the Indian two-wheeler industry works.
A few months ago, Triumph launched the Speed 400, a roadster motorcycle in the 400cc segment that created an uproar in the Indian two-wheelers. Overall, the motorcycle is brilliant, but what caused the disruption was the Triumph Speed 400’s X-factor—the pricing of INR 2.23 lakh, ex-showroom.
Now, Triumph has launched the Scrambler 400 X, the scrambler version of the Speed 400, with a price tag of INR 2.63 lakh, ex-showroom. At this point, if you think about what is so great about Triumph launching two motorcycles, in the following paragraphs, we have analysed how Triumph’s launches will impact Indian motorcycle enthusiasts.
Triumph is not the first company to create a partnership with Bajaj. We have had the Bajaj-KTM collaboration for years now, and therefore, we have also had the Duke and RC line-up of motorcycles for almost a decade now. The KTMs offered performance never seen before on the Indian streets, but unfortunately, despite being a European giant, the Duke and RCs lack premium quality of fit and finish. The same continued when KTM’s sibling Husqvarna also launched its motorcycles in India.
However, that has not been the case with the mini-Triumphs. The British motorcycling brand stayed true to its philosophy and did not compromise on quality. Despite launching two motorcycles at such economical prices, the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X are in line in terms of the quality fit and finish that are found on the bigger and much more expensive Triumph.
Triumph and Bajaj proved that even at an economical price tag, it is possible to manufacture a motorcycle without compromising. From performance to quality parts, at 2.23 lakh and 2.63 lakh, the two Triumphs are now the best value-for-money 400cc one can purchase in India.
By launching the two motorcycles at such affordable prices, Triumph has forced its competitors to price their motorcycles aggressively. For example, recently, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India launched the OBD2-complaint version of the CB300R at INR 2.40 lakh, ex-showroom.
In 2019, when the motorcycle was launched for the first time in India, it was launched at INR 2.41, ex-showroom. Four years ago, it had an expensive price tag. In 2022, Honda further increased the price to INR 2.77 lakh when they launched the BSVI iteration. However, now, the motorcycle has come full circle, retaining its initial price tag of INR 2.40 lakh.
The reason Honda had to lower its price is because the CB300R is also a retro-styled motorcycle and sits as a rival to the Triumph Speed 400. Despite the move, Honda is still likely to lose against Triumph because, both on paper and in the real world, the Speed 400 still looks like a better prospect.
Even on various automobile portals and groups on social media, Indian motorcyclists have pointed out they would still pick the Triumph over the Honda. So, you see, it is the start of more premium motorcycles coming soon, but with a price tag that will not burn a hole in the pocket of the owner.
The entire Triumph-Bajaj fiasco, coupled with the arrival of Harley-Davidson’s 440X in association with Hero MotoCorp, has opened a new door in the Indian two-wheeler industry, i.e., there is a scope for smaller cubic-capacity premium motorcycles in our nation.
In a very short time, Harley-Davidson has gained immense praise for its 440X, and therefore, the company is planning to launch a few other 400-500cc models in India by next year or 2025.
On the other hand, earlier, the Italian motorcycle maker had vowed that it would never produce smaller-capacity motorcycles. However, recently, a single-cylinder Ducati was spotted getting tested. Is it meant for the Indian market? There is no confirmation as of yet, but there is a chance Ducati would want a share of the tie.
Even Aprilia has ventured into the 400cc segment with their recently launched RS457, which is a down-trodden version of the RS660. The 457 is not pocket-friendly, but it shows that even Aprilia wants to expand its presence in as many Indian households as possible.
In the coming years, we can expect an influx of premium motorcycles at pocket-friendly prices without any compromises, and at that point, Triumph will be the one getting all the credit for lighting the matchstick.
