The mid-capacity motorcycle segment is undergoing a big shake-up after the government announced the new GST structure. Under the new regime, motorcycles with engine capacities of above 350cc attract a higher tariff than smaller bikes. This has made manufacturers like Triumph rethink their engine choices. On April 6th, Triumph is expected to launch five new motorcycles powered by a new 350cc engine.
The decision to move to the new, smaller engine has its roots in the revised GST structure. Triumph now sells five mid-capacity models in India- Speed 400 T4, Speed 400, Thruxton 400, Scrambler 400 X and Scrambler 400 XC. These are powered by a 398cc engine shared with KTM and Bajaj models.
According to the new regime, motorcycles below 350cc attract just 18% tax, while those above 350cc fall into a steep 40% bracket. Triumph’s plan is to bring costs down by downsizing the engines and qualifying for lower slabs. This will make these bikes more accessible and popular. This will help the manufacturer stay competitive in India’s massive two-wheeler market.
When the decision to move to a smaller engine was arrived at, there were two ways for the manufacturer to do it- one by developing an all-new engine, and two, by downsizing the existing 398cc engine. Triumph chose the second option. The 398cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that does duty on the current lineup will be modified to bring the displacement down to around 349cc. The bore is likely to be reduced while retaining the stroke as such.
The company is yet to reveal the exact specifications. Estimates, however, suggest the new setup to produce around 35bhp and 33Nm. The 400cc engine, on the other hand, makes 40bhp and 37.5Nm. The revision in powertrain output and redefining the overall character ( better low-end and mid-range performance) will make the new bikes more tractable for everyday riding.
The redesigned liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine will be mated to a six-speed transmission and will come with a slipper clutch.
First in line is the Speed 350. The speed 400 is a modern retro roadster that is in good demand today. We expect most things except the engine to remain the same on the new model. The Speed 350 will remain unchanged in its design and dimensions, and will possibly come with the same set of features- a digi-analogue display, optional heated grips, and more.
Next is the Speed 350 T4. The T4 is the more affordable, stripped-down version that Triumph added to the Speed 400 lineup. Even today it has a noticeable price difference between the regular Speed 400 and lacks some of the latter’s features.
The entry-level Speed T4 will also get the 350cc engine. The Speed 350 T4 is expected to remain identical to the 400cc version in terms of design, kit levels and value. It is likely to have the 350cc engine in a slightly detuned state and will likely come with the 39-teeth rear sprocket.
The Scrambler 400 range has two versions- the X and the XC, with the latter being the higher-spec that comes with cross-spoke wheels, additional accessories and more. It is also heavier than the 400X. The XC and X will soon get the 350cc engine. These are expected to retain the features and hardware of the respective 400cc models.
And finally we have the Thruxton cafe racer. It is currently the flagship of the 400cc range. The Thruxton 350 will likely have the new engine in a slightly higher state of tune, as is the case with the 400cc model.
So what happens to the 400cc models once these are out? Most likely they will be discontinued, as it makes little sense to sell them at a considerably higher price point, under the new tax structure.
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