A new chapter in the Bajaj–Triumph alliance is set to begin this April, as Bajaj Auto has officially confirmed the launch of a fresh range of Triumph 350cc motorcycles for the Indian market. The announcement came from Managing Director and CEO Rajiv Bajaj during an interview, signalling a decisive strategic shift in response to the revised GST framework.
Tax-led repositioning below 350cc
The move is closely tied to the government’s updated GST 2.0 structure, which places motorcycles above 350cc in a steep 40 per cent tax bracket. By bringing displacement under the 350cc threshold, Bajaj can slot the new Triumph models into the significantly lower 18 per cent GST slab, opening the door for sharper pricing.
Currently, Triumph’s locally manufactured small-capacity range including the Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X and Thruxton 400 is based on a 399cc single-cylinder platform. With no offering below 350cc in India, the brand has been directly exposed to the higher tax band. The upcoming 350cc motorcycles are expected to correct that gap.
Engine downsizing, not downsizing ambition
While official technical details are yet to be disclosed, the forthcoming 350cc bikes are likely to be derived from the existing 399cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Bajaj and Triumph could achieve the lower displacement by altering the bore, stroke, or both, while retaining the core engine architecture.
However, this is unlikely to be a simple detune. Expect recalibrated power delivery, revised gearing, and possibly mechanical tweaks to ensure the motorcycles continue to deliver the refined and punchy character associated with the Triumph badge. The company has previously demonstrated its ability to differentiate products on the same platform, as seen with varied tuning approaches across the current 400cc range.
What happens to the 400cc line-up?
It remains to be seen whether the existing 400cc models will continue alongside the new 350cc variants in India or be repositioned primarily for export markets. Globally, the 399cc platform may remain untouched, while India could transition to the sub-350cc specification to remain price competitive.
Bigger strategy in motion
Rajiv Bajaj has earlier indicated that a substantial part of the company’s future portfolio could be realigned below the 350cc mark to safeguard volumes and maintain affordability in a sensitive price band. The 350cc–500cc category accounts for only a small fraction of total motorcycle sales in India, and the higher taxation risks further contraction.
With the April launch window confirmed, more information on model names, specifications and pricing is expected to surface in the coming weeks.
