As per an earlier official statement, Bajaj has scheduled the launch of its new Triumph 350cc motorcycles for April 2026.
Challenges can be turned into opportunities with a smart strategy and keen business acumen. A relevant example is Bajaj’s decision to introduce a new range of 350cc Triumph bikes, which can benefit from the lower 18% GST rate. 400cc Triumph bikes are currently taxed at a higher rate of 40%.
With the upcoming 350cc Triumph bike, the price gap may also be narrowed with Royal Enfield offering a 350cc. Ahead of the launch of Triumph’s new 350cc range, the Speed T4 has been spotted road testing. It is possible that this could be a new 350 cc model. Let’s see the details.
Triumph Speed T4 spied
The Speed T4 is the most affordable Triumph bike one can buy in India, with prices starting at Rs 1.95 lakh. Visually, the test model looks quite similar to the existing model. Key features include a circular headlamp, circular rear view mirror, sharp LED turn signals, single piece seat with quilted stitching and an upswept exhaust. The test model is wearing Phantom Black/Storm Gray colourway.
new 350cc engine
Considering that this is a 350cc Speed T4 model, it could use a new version of the existing 400cc engine. The bore or stroke may be reduced to obtain a displacement less than 350 cc. As mentioned earlier, under the new GST regime bikes with engines of 350 cc and above are taxed at 40%. While maintaining the basic engine architecture for the most part, there is potential for changes in combustion characteristics.
For example, the compression ratio can be adjusted and the combustion chamber can be changed to achieve an optimized operating condition. The piston crown can also be redesigned. ECU remapping can be done with new fuel injection maps and revised ignition timing. These changes will help improve throttle response and improve efficiency. Changes may also be introduced to the camshaft, valve timing, airbox flow, coolant flow mapping and clutch tuning.
Although not official, output may drop by 3-5 hp with a 350cc engine. The current Speed T4 is powered by a 398.15 cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder, DOHC engine. It generates 31 PS and 36 Nm torque. The 6-speed transmission is expected to be retained with the 350cc model. Other hardware items such as the frame, suspension setup and braking equipment are expected to remain unchanged.
350 cc versions of Pulsar, Dominar, KTM bikes
Apart from the Triumph, Bajaj is also planning to introduce 350cc versions of its Pulsar NS400Z and Dominar 400 bikes. The KTM 390cc range may also see its 350cc sibling in the future. Bajaj has acquired controlling stake in KTM, which is expected to ease the decision making process. The powertrain changes will be similar to the Triumph 350cc bike. With a more accessible 350cc range, Bajaj, Triumph and KTM could potentially register better results in the 350cc-450cc motorcycle segment.
