TRIUMPH WORKING ON A 125CC MOTORCYCLE FOR INDIA?

Over the next few months, British motorcycle maker Triumph will begin selling a range of high end motorcycles in India, with capacities ranging from 675cc to 2,300cc. While Triumph will initially import these motorcycles from the United Kingdom, it also plans to assemble four motorcycles in India with its assembly plant coming up at the southern state of Karnataka. While there has been some talk about Triumph coming up with a 350cc sports motorcycleto target the emerging motorcycle markets, we now hear that high volume motorcycle makers like Bajaj Auto and Hero MotoCorp could be on Triumph’s radar as the British marquee is rumored to be contemplating a 125cc motorcycle.

This 125cc motorcycle might be a low cost offering targeting big volumes and if indeed Triumph goes ahead and makes this motorcycle, it will be a paradigm shift in strategy for the brand, which has thus far focused on high end sports and retro motorcycles. Therefore, this bit of news comes as quite a surprise and hence, you’ve got to take it with a fistful of salt until any official confirmation emerges from Triumph. Amongst other things, Triumph is said to have been meeting component suppliers to discuss local sourcing for the 125cc motorcycle model, which could be built as early as 2013.

While Triumph’s 125cc motorcycle could be an out and out volumes product, there are many other high end motorcycle brands wanting to tap into the growing breed of younger motorcycle riders. One such brand is KTM, which has just launched the Duke 200 in the Indian market. The Austrian brand, in which Indian motorcycle maker Bajaj Auto holds a considerable stake, plans to launch a 350cc model next year, followed by a fully faired motorcycles. KTM’s range of motorcycles for the Indian market are expected to cost under INR 3 lakhs, thereby being very attractive for the younger Indian motorcyclists.

Similarly, Harley Davidson and Ducati too are targeting younger buyers. Ducati launched the cut price Monster 795, aimed squarely at emerging markets, a few months ago. Harley Davidson is also said to be working on a low cost motorcycle that will be priced low with the help of local sourcing for parts, but one which is expected to retain the traditional charm of a Harley. This motorcycle could be built in India over the next couple of years as Harley Davidson is establishing a mother plant at Haryana, which apart from making the low cost motorcycle will also help Harley Davidson target other Asian markets with cheaper products.