TRIUMPH appears to have confirmed at the Delhi Auto Expo that it intends to build smaller-capacity bikes within the next three years.
Speaking to Indian news site Business Standard, the managing director of Triumph's newly launched Indian operation, Ashish Joshi, revealed the firm has a six-year product plan with 'a few' lower capacity machines scheduled in. He's quoted as saying of the plan: “It has got a few new bikes. They are of lower capacity” and confirming that “the development time is three years.”
Stories of a small single-cylinder Triumph – speculatively called the Street Single in some corners – have been doing the rounds for some time. Small machines have been spotted testing at the factory, but no decent pictures have yet emerged to reveal whether they're prototypes of a new Triumph or rival brand bikes being 'benchmark' tested to gauge the needs of the new model.
Rumours suggest the new single will have a capacity in the 250-350cc bracket, and that it will be assembled in plants both in India and Brazil. Referring to the hopes of big-bore bikes in India, Joshi is reported as saying: “I believe the 250cc-500cc engine bikes will always sell in better numbers.”
Initially, the single-cylinder Triumph is expected to be a straightforward naked machine, following the styling cues of the Street Triple. However, the suggestion now appears to be that there will be several models, so don't be surprised if a small Tiger (Cub?) appears, or even a CBR250R-rivalling miniature Daytona.
Business Standard also repeats the swirling rumours that Harley-Davidson is planning a smaller model for the Indian market.
