Triumph announces plans for new range of mid-capacity bikes

TRIUMPH has just announced a new partnership with Indian bike maker Bajaj to build a 'range of outstanding mid–capacity motorcycles'.

The new models will be Triumph branded and benefit 'from the collective strengths' of both the British marque and the Indian giant, according to a statement. 

They will also allow Triumph to expand globally into higher volume markets, the firm said.

Bajaj is India's second largest motorcycle manufacturer and the sixth largest in the world. The firm already has a tie-up with Austrian manufacturer KTM to build single-cylinder Duke models. 

The smallest model in Triumph's current line-up is the 660cc version of the Street Triple, for A2 licence holders restricted to 47hp. 

A new foray into development of smaller models would not be Hinckley-based Triumph's first. At the Milan motorcycle show in 2013 show the firm revealed a sketch of a planned Daytona 250 (pictured).  

The single-cylinder machine was to be built at Triumph's factory in Narsapur, central India, alongside a naked Street Triple-style version, expected to be called the Street Single. 

Development went far enough for a near production-ready Daytona 250 to be spotted undergoing tests in late 2013. But the following autumn, months before the bikes' anticipated launch, Triumph unexpectedly announced the project had been shelved for 'strategic reasons relating to its specific segment'. 

Triumph's full statement this morning said: 'Triumph motorcycles and Bajaj are pleased to announce their global partnership. 

'The objective of this non-equity partnership is to deliver a range of outstanding mid–capacity motorcycles benefiting from the collective strengths of both companies. 

'We hope to bring to bear upon global markets the individual strengths of the partners including brand position & perception, design & development technology, quality & cost competitiveness & worldwide distribution.

'This new global partnership will enable Triumph to significantly expand its global reach by entering new higher volume market segments, especially within the emerging markets across the world. 

'Bajaj will gain access to the iconic Triumph brand, and its great motorcycles, enabling it to offer a wider range of motorcycles within its domestic market and other international markets. 

'Triumph and Bajaj are excited by the opportunities of this partnership and the prospect of entering new market segments, thereby reaching a whole new group of motorcyclists across the world. 

'We will provide further details in due course.'