A Triumphant entry

Triumph Motorcycles, one of the best-known motorcycle manufacturing companies in the world, has finally set shop in India. After a two-year delay, spent in strengthening its back-end, including sales-service and logistics infrastructure, the biggest bike maker of the United Kingdom has arrived on the scene with a bang - announcing 10 models for India from its 27 model strong global line-up.

In a bid to make its products cost-effective and more profitable for the Indian market, Triumph has set up a local assembly plant in Manesar, Haryana - the company's seventh such plant in the world. With a measured and cautious approach, the British bike maker has started off with two showrooms in Hyderabad and Bangalore. Two more showrooms in Delhi and Mumbai will soon be opened as a part of the first phase of Triumph's India offensive. In phase two, the company will open five more dealerships in Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Pune.

The bookings for the wide range of Triumph motorcycles will start from the second week of December in cities where the dealerships are ready. All the models will come with a commendable two years unlimited kilometers warranty. In addition to its motorcycle range, Triumph has also introduced to India its
range of high-quality riding gear, accessories and adventure activities.

Triumph's motorcycle range for India is spread across five main categories. The 10 models for India are divided almost consistently across these categories. Here's a quick snapshot of all the major bike categories and the details about the respective models they represent.u00a0

Category: Adventure

Model: Triumph Tiger Explorer
Engine: 1215cc, Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC,
in-line three-cylinder
Power: 137PS @ 9,300 rpm
Torque : 121NM @ 6,400 rpm
Price: R17.9 lakh (Ex-showroom)

What is it?
Intrepid as its younger sibling, but with an even bigger heart - the Explorer is even more powerful and comes laden with technology. An off-roader par excellence, built for the long haul with enough power to lug heavy loads, the Explorer offers a very high level of rugged dependability. Long-distance comfort, extended fuel range, fine handling and the ability to cope with unmade roads make this machine extra special. Equipment list includes ABS, traction control and cruise control.

Model: Triumph Tiger 800XC
Engine: 799cc, liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC,
in-line three-cylinder
Power: 95PS @ 9,300 rpm
Torque: 79NM @ 7,850 rpm
Price: R12 lakh (Ex-showroom)

What is it?
Brand Tiger represents go-anywhere ability, ruggedness and the spirit of adventure and freedom. Based on the more basic Tiger, the 800XC offers a bit more off-road equipment. The engine output remains the same as the Tiger 800 though. Built tough to tackle the harshest terrains, the Tiger series is meant for long distance riders who are fond of setting off on a journey without knowing the destination.

Category: Supersports
Model: Triumph Daytona 675R
Engine : 675 cc, liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC,
in-line 3-cylinder
Power : 128PS @ 12,500 rpm
Torque : 74NM @ 11,900 rpm
Price : R11.4 lakh (ex-showroom)

What is it?
The Daytona 675R brings all of Triumph's learnings from the race track to a fast, agile and street-legal model. Focused more on the racetrack and sharp handling than anything else, the Daytona 675R incorporates the latest in engineering technology to become a razor sharp machine. The high revving engine on the bike with a 14,400 redline is a racer's delight. Featuring top of the line underpinnings and running gear, the Daytona is the tool of choice for the racing aficionados.

Category: Classics
Model: Triumph Bonneville
Engine: 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin
Power: 68PS @ 7,500 rpm
Torque: 68NM @ 5,800 rpm
Price: R5.7 Lakh (Ex-showroom)

What is it?
Triumph claims that the Bonneville is one of the most famous names in motorcycling, thanks to its longstanding association with Hollywood. Its retro charm and great attention to detail would make the heart of every classic motorcycle lover pound with love. With more than 50 years of heritage, the Bonneville is a treasured brand, and should appeal to those with a taste for all things elegant. Under the skin it features modern tech though, and being the entry level Triumph in India should make it appeal to a vast majority of buyers.

2) Model: Triumph Bonneville T100
Engine: 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin
Power: 68PS @ 7,500 rpm
Torque: 68NM @ 5,800 rpm
Price: R6.6 Lakh (Ex-showroom)

What is it?
Featuring the same technology, engine and chassis as the Bonneville, the T100 boasts some more retro styling elements to appear even more similar to the original from the 60s. Over and above the standard Bonneville, the T100 gets some visual enhancements such as twin peashooter exhausts, two tone paint, spoke wheels and a Triumph logo on the seat.

Model: Triumph Thruxton
Engine: 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin
Power: 69PS @ 7,400 rpm
Torque: 69NM @ 5,800 rpm
Price: R6.7 Lakh (ex-showroom)

What is it?
Based on the Bonneville, the Thruxton is a modern day Café Racer - a concept brought to motorcycle culture by the British who raced their machines from one café to another in the 1960s. Those home modified bikes had some basic go-faster mods such as lower handlebars, single seats and upswept exhausts. The Thruxton preserves these styling cues to present itself as an authentic representative of that era and culture.

Category : Roadsters
Model: Triumph Speed Triple ABS
Engine: 1050 cc, liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
Power: 135PS @ 9,400 rpm
Torque: 111NM @ 7,750 rpm
Price: R10.4 Lakh (ex-showroom)

What is it?
Unlike the big, bad and sometimes rugged Triumph models listed above, the Speed Triple comes across as a sportier and nimbler model. Meant for the urban streets, the Speed Triple is a light, sharp handling and quick machine. With the DNA of a proper sportsbike and a trendy attitude, the Speed triple fuses lithe dynamics with great performance and unique styling.

Model: Triumph Street Triple ABS
Engine: 675cc , Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line three-cylinder
Power: 106PS @ 11,850
Torque: 68NM @ 9,750
Price: R7.5 lakh (ex-showroom)

What is it?
Powered by a compact and revvy three pot, 675cc motor, the street triple is a light, yet punchy street machine with a fun-loving, young personality. It's agile, with an addictive engine growl and delivers useable performance which would enthrall you as you'd able to take this machine really close to its limits even on streets. In its latest avatar, the Street Triple features all new bodywork with sharper styling.

Category: Cruisers
Model: Triumph Rocket III Roadster
Engine: 2294cc, iquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
Power: 148PS @ 5,750 rpm
Torque: 221NM @ 2,750 rpm
Price: R20 Lakh (ex-showroom)

What is it?
The Rocket III is one of the most exclusive and special cruisers in the world. Boasting the world's biggest production motorcycle engine, the Rocket III Roadster with its prodigious power and torque accelerates real hard, belying all its size and weight. It's big and burly, with an ominous exhaust note, yet manages to be reasonably easy to ride. Featuring a massive 2.3 liter engine, this cruiser is a true collector's item.

Model: Triumph Thunderbird Storm
Engine: 1699cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel-twin
Power: 98PS @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 156NM @ 2,950 rpm
Price: R13 lakh (ex-showroom)

What is it?
Propelled by a big 1700cc parallel twin motor, the Thunderbird storm is the epitome of a modern day cruiser. An unmistakable twin lamp triumph face, a dark theme and restrained use of chrome endows the Thunderbird with its intimidating, assertive character. Its massive street presence is matched only by the torque dished out by its big parallel twin engine.