Triumph and Bajaj to Build 200-750cc Models Together

Triumph and Indian manufacturer Bajaj formally commenced plans to collaborate on a range of mid-capacity motorcycles. The key word there is “formally,” as the partnership between the two companies was first announced in August 2017, but nothing had come of it in the last 29 months. Today, however, the two companies say their partnership has officially begun, with plans for a new engine and vehicle platform spanning from 200cc to 750cc displacements.

“This is an important partnership for Triumph and I am delighted that it has now formally commenced,” says Nick Bloor, Triumph Motorcycles chief executive officer. “As well as taking our brand into crucial new territories, the products that will come out of the partnership will also help attract a younger, but still discerning, customer audience and is another step in our ambitions to expand globally, particularly in the fast-growing markets of South East Asia, but also driving growth in more mature territories like Europe.”

Since the Daytona and Street Triple models went from 675cc to 765cc, Triumph no longer offers any models in this mid-sized displacement (unless you count the Europe-only 660cc version of the Street Triple produced for A2 license requirements). From the Bajaj side, the Indian manufacturer produces only one model larger than 230cc, the Dominar 400 (pictured above) whose engine is derived from the KTM Duke 390.

The two manufacturers saw the gap in their respective line-ups and saw fit for leveraging “their respective strengths in large and small capacity motorcycles collaborate to design, engineer, and manufacture a range of mid-capacity motorcycles.” The new models will be sold as Triumphs and not as Bajaj models. Indian pricing for the new models will start at 2 lakh rupees (about $2,800 US). For the sake of comparison, the 2020 KTM 390 Duke is priced at 2.53 lakh rupees (about $3,550 US), but US pricing is set at $5,499. That means we’re likely looking at around $4400 and up for US pricing on the new models.

It’s unclear how many models the arrangement will produce, though the companies promise “multiple options to address different segments in this class.” This suggests having models in different categories sharing the same chassis or engine, a strategy adopted by many manufacturers, including KTM, of which Bajaj owns about a 48% share.

Under the new arrangement, Bajaj will assume control of Triumph’s distribution in the Indian market, giving Triumph access to Bajaj’s existing dealer network. Bajaj will also represent Triumph in other markets where the brand is not currently available. In markets where Triumph already has an established foothold, like here in North America, Triumph will offer the new models produced with Bajaj.