Iconic two-wheeler maker Triumph Motorcycles could soon take on domestic biggies, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj and TVS, in the mass market bike segment. The niche bike-maker is developing a new 125cc model for launch by end of next year in emerging markets.
The 125cc model is in the developing stage and the company has already initiated with component suppliers during a meet in 2011. Triumph is conducting tests in UK and Spain where the company has running several of its 2011 and 2012 prototype machines.
The company, which unveiled its range in India during the Delhi Auto Expo in January, is expected to set up an assembly plant in Karnataka this year. Its third such plant, after UK and Thailand, this will initially assemble four models for the local market — Bonneville, Street Triple, Speed Triple and Daytona. A head-office in New Delhi is also expected to be operational by July.
Triumph is concentrating on Asia and emerging markets for growth.
The firm’s recent expansion in Thailand, where many of its bikes and components are now made, also means that a small-capacity bike could be profitable.
A Triumph 125cc product for under 60,000 is difficult to imagine of. Even KTM after their tie-up with the Indian giant Bajaj, strayed away from bringing the Duke 125 due to product costs. So what would be more realistic would be a Triumph 150cc for about 1-1.25 lakhs or a 200cc for 1.15-1.35 lakhs or a 250cc for 1.4-1.7 lakhs, or maybe a 350cc product for something under 2.0lakhs. This would make more sense for building its brand in India than bringing in a 125cc product for 1 lakh.
And most importantly getting those magical numbers from the world’s second largest two wheeler market.
the prices are going to be competent