- Could use a downsized 350cc engine
- To go up against Royal Enfield Classic 350
- No word about its official launch yet
Following recent reports that Triumph is updating its small-capacity models for regulatory reasons, speculation is growing that the British marque is gearing up for what many would call its most obvious move yet.
It wasn’t long ago that Triumph, alongside its Indian partner Bajaj Auto, confirmed work on a new 350cc engine, a downsized unit set to replace the motor currently powering the Scrambler 400 X and the recently launched Thruxton 400 (which, notably, remains unavailable in certain markets such as New Zealand). If reports are accurate, Triumph and Bajaj are confident the new, smaller engine will deliver roughly the same power and torque as the existing 400cc platform, ensuring little compromise in real-world performance.
Triumph’s sub-400cc range has already proven immensely popular, making it a logical move for the brand to capitalise on that success. With the Royal Enfield Classic 350 continuing to dominate and even Honda taking cues from the retro formula, it seems only natural that Triumph would look to one of its most storied names to fight back: the Bonneville.
With the 350cc engine expected to make its debut as early as next year, rumours suggest a Bonneville 350 could follow shortly after. If so, the new machine will likely inherit the timeless styling of its larger siblings, the Bonneville T100 and T120, including the parallel-twin aesthetic, classic lines, and minimalist chrome detailing.
Interestingly, both of those larger Bonnevilles haven’t seen a major overhaul in nearly a decade. That opens the door for Triumph to not only introduce a new small-capacity model but also deliver a comprehensive refresh of the Bonneville platform as a whole.
If that’s the case, we could be on the verge of a revitalised retro lineup, one that blends Triumph’s iconic heritage with modern, mass-market accessibility. And that’s an exciting prospect indeed.
Will the smaller sized Triumph make its way to our shores? Stay tuned to find out!
