Bajaj is set to bolster the popular single-cylinder Triumph range with the introduction of the highly anticipated Bonneville 400, which will, of course, be powered by a 350cc engine in India, like its brethren. The baby ‘Bonnie’ packs in proper retro styling like the bigger T100 and T120 Bonneville models and is expected to launch in the coming months, perhaps around the festive season.
- 349cc motor likely to use the same state of tune as Speed T4
- Chassis has undergone major revisions to suit its retro styling
- Likely to be priced around Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic 350 ballpark
Triumph Bonneville 400 testing continues in India
Likely to use the 349cc engine in its least powerful state of tune
As expected from a bike bearing the revered Bonneville name, the upcoming 350cc model has very period-correct styling. You have signature elements like a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, swooping fenders and a flat bench-style seat. Additionally, the headlight and tail-lamp appear to be very similar to those on the larger Bonneville models.
One interesting detail we’ve noticed is that the fuel tank on the Bonneville 400 doesn’t have indents near where it meets the headstock – like the Speed and Scrambler models – which permit a tighter turning radius. What is also clearly visible is that the Bonneville 400 uses a right-way-up gaitered telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers for its suspension, unlike the USD fork/monoshock used on other 350cc Bajaj-made Triumph models.
That clearly points to the fact that Bajaj has re-engineered the chassis to accommodate the different suspension units. There’s also a possibility that Bajaj may have developed a new frame from scratch for the Bonneville 400.
Previous spy shots have also revealed that the baby ‘Bonnie’ uses new switchgear with a display that appeared to be fully digital – although whether it was a simpler LCD or more sophisticated TFT one wasn’t discerned.
Perhaps what will be the most familiar element of the Triumph Bonneville 400 will be its engine and riding character. Considering its retro appearance and intent, the Bonneville 400 is likely to use the 349cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine in its most relaxed state of tune, like the Speed T4. In the T4, the motor is rated for 29hp and 31Nm of torque, which is still a healthy advantage over the air-cooled J-series engine making 20hp/27Nm seen on the Royal Enfield Classic and Bullet 350, its primary targets.
The upcoming Triumph Bonneville 400 (350cc) is likely to go on sale in India in the second half of the year, perhaps by the festive season. Expect prices to start below the Rs 2 lakh mark (ex-showroom), where it can pose a direct threat to the popular Royal Enfield Classic/Bullet 350, Honda CB350 models, as well as the Jawa 350.
Image Source: BikeDekho
Ved Janve
