Will Triumph launch Speedmaster and Scrambler in India?

Triumph India has a long list of motorcycle models on sale in the Indian market – in all 16 different models and variants. From classics, sportsters, cruisers and the adventure series, Triumph India has indeed got several different segments covered and a product portfolio to cater to tastes and preferences of different motorcycle lovers.

Now, sources close to Triumph dealers have told ZigWheels that Triumph is looking at introducing two new models next year, and these are likely to be the Speedmaster and the Scrambler. Officially, Triumph has refuted these reports, but do the Speedmaster and the Scrambler make sense for Triumph India’s product line up?

The highest sellers for Triumph India are the classics – the Bonneville, Bonneville T100 and the Thruxton. The Classics are the least expensive Triumphs on sale in India and are offered between Rs 6.19 lakh to Rs 7.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Roadsters and Supersports include the Street Triple, Speed Triple and the Daytona supersport, which are offered starting at Rs 7.91 lakh for the Street Triple to Rs 12.14 lakh for the Daytona 675R.

The adventure tourers include the Tiger range, starting from Rs 10.6 lakh for the Tiger 800 XR to Rs 14.02 lakh for the top-of-the-line Tiger 800 XCA, and the segment topping Tiger Explorer XC for Rs 18.75 lakh. Triumph’s cruiser line includes the Thunderbird Storm at Rs 13.95 lakh, Thunderbird LT at Rs 16.19 lakh and the massive Rocket III starting at Rs 21.29 lakh ex-showroom.

So, where do the Speedmaster and the Scrambler fit in?

The Scrambler is again a classic – and based on the iconic Bonneville. Going by Triumph India’s sales – amounting to over 2000 units in the last year alone since Triumph started operations in late 2013 – with the majority coming from the classics, the Scrambler certainly seems to make sense.

Originally built as stripped down Bonnevilles, fitted with high level exhausts, dirt bike tyres and suspension, the Scrambler was used in the ‘60s for recreational use and competition on rough terrain. In a country where adventure touring has certainly come of age, the Triumph Scrambler certainly makes sense for those who want to have a taste of adventure riding in the high mountains, yet would want to invest in a relatively affordable ride than, say, a Triumph Tiger 800 XCx.

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Triumph’s cruiser range starts at close to Rs 14 lakh with the Thunderbird Storm. And India is a country of cruiser lovers. The Speedmaster is also based on the Bonneville, with the same 865cc parallel twin engine. The basic character remains the same, and from our experience with the Bonnie, the Speedmaster makes sense as a medium displacement cruiser.  Currently, the Speedmaster is available in markets abroad, even in South East Asian markets like Malaysia and Indonesia. 

Pricing will be key, but going by how these models are priced internationally, both the Speedmaster and the Scrambler will be priced in a similar range as the Classics – between the Bonneville and the Thruxton, so that makes these two models very attractive propositions indeed.

Officially, Triumph says the Scrambler doesn’t make sense since it will be positioned in the Classic range which already has three existing models – the Bonneville, the Bonneville T100 and the Thruxton. Going by the interest enthusiasts have shown for the Scrambler however, it certainly looks like an attractive product, one that is not too expensive and one that can be ridden with ease in the city as well as over broken terrain and high mountain passes.

The Speedmaster on the other hand offers a completely different opportunity for Triumph India. Based on an engine which already has a proven track record, the Speedmaster will provide a product which will be the least expensive cruiser from Triumph India. Now, it remains to be seen if Triumph India is actually looking at introducing these two bikes in India next year. If it happens, it’s going to be good news indeed, more so for the Indian motorcycling community.