It looks like the “taxman” has finally forced the hand of our favourite performance brands. If you’ve been following the Indian motorcycle scene lately, you’ll know that GST 2.0 hasn’t been kind to bikes over 350cc, slapping them with a hefty 40% tax. Meanwhile, the sub-350cc crowd gets a much friendlier 18% rate.
The result? Triumph, KTM, and Bajaj are officially downsizing to conquer the mid-range market. Here is everything we know about the upcoming launch timelines for these highly anticipated small-capacity machines.
Triumph Leads the Charge: April 6th is the Big Day
Triumph India has officially sent out “Block Your Date” invites for 6–7 April 2026. This is when we expect to see the new, more affordable 350cc range break cover.
- The Lineup: While for the Triumph series we are not expecting a name change along with the engine downsize, a Speed 350, Scrambler 350X, and potentially a Thruxton 350 is a possibility. There’s even a whisper about a 350cc Bonneville arriving later in June 2026 to take on the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
- The Engine: It’s not a brand-new build. Instead, Triumph has taken the existing 398cc single-cylinder motor and reduced the bore while keeping the stroke.
- Performance: Expect only a slight dip in numbers. We’re predicting around 35–37 HP and 32–35 Nm of torque (down from the 40 hp/37.5 Nm of the 400cc models).
- The Price Drop: Thanks to that lower GST bracket, these bikes could be approx. ₹20,000–₹25,000 cheaper than their 400cc siblings.
KTM and Bajaj: Mid-April Magic
While Triumph is first out of the gate, the rest of the Bajaj-managed stable isn’t far behind.
- KTM 350 Range: we are hearing that the 350 Duke and 350 Adventure will debut by mid-April 2026. KTM is expected to keep the 390 series on sale alongside these new 350s for those who still want that “Ready to Race” peak performance.
- Bajaj Dominar & Pulsar: Bajaj is also prepping a Pulsar NS350Z and a Dominar 350 (possibly with other updates). These are expected to follow a similar “reduced bore” strategy to hit that 18% GST sweet spot. Not yet sure if the names will reflect the reduction in cubic capacity.
Why the Change? It’s All About the Numbers
The shift isn’t because these brands suddenly stopped liking power; it’s a strategic move to dominate the “Royal Enfield territory.” By sliding under the 350cc threshold, Triumph and KTM can finally price their bikes aggressively enough to tempt riders who previously found the 400cc price tag a bit too steep.
The Strategy Summary:
- Triumph: Launching 6 April; focus on “affordable premium.”
- KTM: Launching mid-April; sold alongside existing 390s.
- Bajaj: Transitioning the Dominar (possibly with other updates) and NS series to sub-350cc soon.
Are you willing to trade 4 or 5 horsepower for a significantly lower price tag on a new Triumph or KTM?
