Triumph Motorcycles, with Bajaj Auto, is gearing up to make a big change in its lineup for India. The company plans to release several new 350cc motorcycles as early as April 2026. No, it’s not just about new models, this is a strategic response to India’s updated tax rules on motorcycles. The brand will allow Triumph to further attract potential riders, target market, and overcome the likes of Royal Enfield by making its bikes less expensive.
India has just adopted GST 2.0, a new tax regime that taxes above 350cc motorcycles in a higher category of 40% GST. However, bikes below 350cc are taxed at just 18%. Now that is a huge difference in prices. There are Triumph’s current 399cc models, including the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400, in the higher tax bracket. By tuning engine size down to 350cc Triumph can reduce costs and appeal to a bigger population of riders.
The 350cc engine that’s in store will work off Triumph’s current 399cc single‑cylinder design, but with changes to bore and stroke to cut displacement. So riders can have the same kind of performance and design, at a more competitive price.
Models with the latest 350cc engine are expected to:
- Speed 400 - contemporary roadster with bold styling.
- Scrambler 400 - crafted for the city street and even in the off‑road space.
- Thruxton 400 - a café racer derived from classic Triumph heritage.
- Speed T4 - a sportier alternative for younger riders.
This move has positioned Triumph right up against Royal Enfield’s Classic 350 and Hunter 350, two of the best‑selling motorcycles in India. Triumph’s strength is its sleek styling, international brand influence and Bajaj’s formidable dealer network: With competitive numbers Triumph could appeal to the riders who want something more premium than Royal Enfield, yet inexpensive.
Triumph’s decision to move into 350cc motorcycles is a wise response to India’s new tax policies. It highlights how global names adjust to local markets. But with stylish, performance‑minded bikes offered for less, Triumph is likely to disrupt the mid‑size motorcycle market. The fight between Triumph and Royal Enfield will be watched, and the Indian riders will be champions in a way with more options and cheap pricing.
