Bajaj-Triumph Bike Launch Delayed

Here’s why Bajaj-Triumph’s sub-2 lakh rupee bike may not be launched as per initial plans

• Bajaj and Triumph made their partnership official last year. 
• The plan was to use Triumph’s technical know-how and Bajaj’s manufacturing expertise to bring out bikes ranging from 200cc to 750cc.
• The maiden offering under this partnership is likely to be a 250cc-350cc single-cylinder motorcycle.

Bajaj and Triumph made their partnership official back in January last year. Earlier, the plan was to build affordable bikes under the Triumph brand, with the first product scheduled to be launched in 2022. However, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has put a dampener on things and the brand’s Managing Director, Rajiv Bajaj, has revealed in an interview that the project has been delayed.

We already know the first Bajaj-Triumph motorcycle will be priced under Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom). Taking this new development into account, the motorcycle is now likely to be launched in 2023. That being said, if the market bounces back quickly, Bajaj might be able to stick to the 2022 launch timeline.

The first motorcycle is likely to cater to the 250cc-350cc single-cylinder category, rivalling heavyweights such as the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda H’Ness CB350, Benelli Imperiale 400, and the Jawa. Triumph will use its R&D expertise to design the motorcycle whereas the manufacturing will be handled by Bajaj as it is known to make bikes in a cost-effective manner. The end result is likely to be a roadster motorcycle with neo-retro styling, something along the lines of the Triumph Bonneville Street Twin.

With this arrangement, Triumph could cash in on the highly lucrative mid-segment category currently dominated by Royal Enfield. Sadly, the two have emphasised that no Bajaj bikes will be built under this arrangement. This is in contrast to the Bajaj-KTM partnership. 

It must also be noted that by the time Triumph comes up with a small-capacity affordable bike, Royal Enfield may have already launched the Hunter 350, a neo-retro roadster based on the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. Even BSA might launch its first all-new modern motorcycle as early as this year. Looks like Triumph will have to put up a fight to stay in the middleweight ring.

Representative images used