WHILE here in the west we're conditioned to think of Milan or Cologne when it comes to glitzy shows and new bike launches, there's another event opening this week that's arguably even more significant – the Delhi Auto Expo.
As many as 20 new motorcycle models are expected to be unveiled at the show, most from home-grown manufacturers like TVS, Hero or Bajaj, but with the bike market in India becoming ever wealthier, this year's show sees stands from the likes of Ducati, Harley and Triumph, too.
The British firm is, without doubt, set to be the star of the event. Marking its entry to the Indian market, Triumph will be showing seven existing models that are set to go on sale in the country and is expected to expand on its plans, which are understood to include the building of a dedicated Indian assembly plant that will bolt together bikes from imported kits, thus avoiding tough import taxes. There's also increasing speculation that the firm will, for the first time, drop some hints towards the existence of its much-rumoured single-cylinder bike – a machine that's so far been the subject of official denials but that's believed to be under development. Expected to be manufactured in Triumph's Thai factories but then assembled at local plants including the new Indian facility and another one in Brazil, the rumoured single would be perfect as a mainstay for the thriving bike markets in both those countries. At around 350cc, it will also be a perfect rival for KTM's forthcoming Duke 350 – another 'world' bike that's aimed at both emerging economies and the stagnant bike markets of Europe.
New models expected in Delhi are mainly local-market machines that we won't be seeing in the west. Hero is launching three models, all in the 110-125cc class, while KTM shareholder Bajaj is planning to reveal its new 200cc bike-engined car-for-the-masses.
