Triumph Motorcycles entered the middleweight naked motorcycle segment by launching the Trident 660. Starting at an introductory price of INR 695,000, ex-showroom India, this street fighter is the most affordable bike in Triumph’s portfolio. The Trident opens a new chapter in the Triumph Roadster segment as it introduces a new three-cylinder 660 cc engine, retains the design language of the Street and Speed Triple family and provides state-of-the-art safety features and technology.
Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer at Triumph Motorcycles, explains the idea behind the Trident. He said, “What we wanted with the new Trident 660 was to give the riders in this really exciting middleweight roadster world all of the things they want from their bike, with a genuine set of real advantages that set a new benchmark for choice. From the competitive price to the triple power and performance, plus the benefits of class-leading handling and technology, we believe the Trident 660 is a real milestone in the category and introduces the Triumph brand and the advantages of a triple engine to a whole new generation of riders across the world.”
At the launch, Shoeb Farooq, Business Head – Triumph Motorcycles India, said, “The Trident is the latest addition to Triumph’s Roadster portfolio in India, taking the count to four – Street Triple RS, Street Triple R, Speed Triple 1200 RS and Trident 660. The response to the Trident has been overwhelming, as we’ve had 125+ bookings even before the price announcement.”
Even though Triumph has stuck to a clean design, the new bike boasts the Roadster tribe’s DNA muscular styling and borrows their parts. It gets a retro yet eloquent 7-inch full- LED round headlight. Don’t let the looks fool you, as the entire lighting system uses LED lamps. The tail lamp is integrated under the seat and houses the indicators, which get auto-cancelling features.
The Trident comes across as a big bike due to its flexing 14-litre fuel tank and beefy non-adjustable Showa 41 mm upside-down front forks. At the rear, it gets a pre-load adjustable mono-shock. The forks offer 120 mm front-wheel travel and 133.5 mm rear wheel travel. Weighing in at 189 kg, the Trident is one of the lightest mid-weight bikes in India and is based on all-new tubular steel chassis with a steel swingarm. Due to the suspension setup and a lightweight body frame, it is ideal for commuting and handles well. The ride quality is on the firm side, and because of this, it’s precise in changing directions.
Keeping a check on its affordable price tag, the Trident sports two 310 mm discs with twin Nissin at the front and a single 255 mm disc at the rear, unlike other Triumph Roadsters, which get Brembo brakes. Dual-channel ABS comes standard. It also gets five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Road 5 tyres. The Trident sports an underslung exhaust that emits a typical three-cylinder throaty roar. It also comes with body-coloured radiator cowls and fork protectors, aluminium handlebars and teardrop shape mirrors.
Following in the footsteps of the Street and the Speed Triple, the new Triumph bike also offers a sporty riding stance.
The Trident uses a 660 cc liquid-cooled, 12 valves, DOHC engine, which is the only 3-cylinder motor in its segment and churns out 80 bhp at 10,250 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. Technically this powertrain is based on the Street Triple 675 engine and retains the same 74 mm bore but has a shortened stroke. Triumph has heavily reworked the internals of the motor with 67 new components like a redesigned crank, new pistons, new cams, updated gearbox ratios, etc. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox, and as an accessory option, one can even opt for a shift assist up-and-down quick-shifter, which enables the rider to upshift and downshift without engaging the clutch.
Triumph has left no stone unturned as the Trident comes fully loaded with a long list of electronics. It boasts of ride-by-wire technology along with two riding modes—Road and Rain. The new bike comes standard with switchable traction control, which can also be disengaged. It gets an all-digital colour TFT screen. With My Triumph Connectivity System accessory Bluetooth module, it offers additional features like turn-by-turn navigation, GoPro control and phone and music control.
The Trident comes with a class-leading 16,000 km service interval with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty. Triumph also offers a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty on the 45 additional accessories.
The Trident will take on the likes of the Kawasaki Z650 and the recently launched Honda CB650R priced at INR 618,000, ex-showroom India and INR 867,000, ex-showroom Gurugram, respectively. (MT)
Aprilia Launches Tuono 457 Special Edition At INR 399,000 In India
- By MT Bureau
- June 21, 2026
Aprilia India, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has introduced the 2026 Special Edition Tuono 457, paying homage to the heritage of the 2006 Tuono 1000R. Available in Mamba Black and Puma Grey, the model is priced at INR 399,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra) and is available for pre-booking at select showrooms.
The special edition retains the 457cc parallel-twin engine, producing 47.6 hp (35 kW) and 43.5 Nm of torque. Key technical features include an aluminium chassis, ride-by-wire throttle, multi-level traction control and a TFT digital instrument cluster.
Aprilia has introduced a suite of enhancements focused on ergonomics and daily usability, including an elevated handlebar, which is now repositioned to provide an upright posture, reducing rider strain.
A smoked-finish aero flyscreen designed to reduce wind fatigue, adjustable brake lever for customisation to suit rider hand size, improving braking modulation. Recalibrated suspension that is now a softer initial stroke to absorb road imperfections, with preload adjustability at both ends. Upgraded Saddle featuring high-resilience foam to dampen vibrations.
Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles, said, "The Special Edition Tuono 457 has been developed with a clear focus on enhancing rider comfort and everyday usability while preserving the high performance, precision and character that define Aprilia motorcycles. With the plethora of enhancements like the aerodynamic flyscreen, revised suspension setup, upgraded saddle, raised handlebar position and adjustable brake lever, the motorcycle is more comfortable and confidence-inspiring across urban rides and longer journeys."
"The new Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries add an even stronger visual identity, making this a distinctive expression of Aprilia’s naked DNA. At the attractive pricing we are launching it, we believe this is most value-for-money naked twin cylinder mid-performance motorcycle available to Indian riders. With its segment-defining 47.6 hp twin-cylinder engine, electronic ride-by-wire throttle, and multi-level traction control, the Special Edition Tuono 457 firmly re-establishes itself as the absolute technical benchmark for the naked segment," he added.
Aprilia offers a 4-year or 48,000 km warranty on the motorcycle. Optional accessories include a passenger seat cover, USB socket, TPMS, quick shifter and fork sliders.
TVS Motor Company Mobilises Over 1,000 Riders for Nationwide Road Safety Movement
- By MT Bureau
- June 21, 2026
Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company celebrated World Motorcycle Day by organising a nationwide ride focused on road safety and responsible riding practices. The initiative involved more than 1,000 riders across 17 Indian cities.
The event drew participants from the TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG) and the TVS Ronin riding communities. The safety awareness campaign focused on the use of protective riding gear, adherence to traffic regulations, responsible urban and highway riding behaviour and respect for public spaces & local communities.
The event coincided with the ongoing 20-year anniversary of the TVS Apache brand, which has sold over 6.5 million units, over 500,000 registered members in the TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG).
The primary flagship ride for the nationwide movement was hosted in Bengaluru, gathering more than 100 customers for curated riding experiences and interactions with the TVS AOG and TVS Ronin CULT communities.
Vimal Sumbly, Head of Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, "Motorcycling today is about far more than travelling from one destination to another - it is a way of life shaped by freedom, discipline, responsibility and camaraderie. It was inspiring to see riders across India come together to celebrate the spirit of riding while demonstrating that true motorcycling begins with respect for the road, for fellow riders and for the communities we ride through. This year’s World Motorcycle Day celebration is especially meaningful as we continue to commemorate two decades of TVS Apache - a brand born from our racing DNA and today embraced by over 6 million customers globally. Over the years, TVS Apache and TVS Ronin have evolved beyond motorcycles to become communities that bring together passionate riders through performance, experiences and a shared love for motorcycling. Through initiatives like these, we remain committed to building a stronger riding culture and creating experiences that make every ride safe, responsible and memorable".
Two-Wheeler Sales In India To Grow 3–5% In FY2027 Says ICRA
- By MT Bureau
- June 19, 2026
The Indian two-wheeler industry is projected to achieve a moderate wholesale volume growth of 3–5 percent in FY2027, according to the latest sector update by credit rating agency ICRA.
While the sector enters the new fiscal year on a strong footing, the pace of growth is expected to normalise due to macroeconomic factors, a high base effect and geopolitical uncertainties.
Despite a more conservative outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, the industry continues to demonstrate baseline resilience, backed by healthy retail momentum and expanding international footprints.
The company stated that data from May 2026 highlights robust near-term demand dynamics across domestic and international channels. Domestic wholesales clocked 15.7 percent YoY growth, reaching 1.9 million units in May 2026. This volume was primarily driven by improved affordability stemming from GST 2.0 reforms and advanced consumer buying ahead of announced price hikes by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
On the other hand, retail sales maintained a steady upward trajectory, expanding 7.5 percent YoY during the month. Retail demand was supported by seasonal marriage season purchases and a highly diversified product mix spanning entry-level commuter options and aspirational premium models.
Exports surged 31.3 percent YoY in May 2026, which follows a strong performance in FY2026, where overall exports expanded by 23.3 percent, driven by expanding OEM product portfolios and a broader global acceptance of Indian two-wheeler brands.
The electric two-wheeler (E2W) market continues to outpace the broader internal combustion engine (ICE) segments in terms of growth velocity with EV penetration touching 8.9 percent (172,148 units) in May 2026, up 71.7 percent YoY.
This sharp rise in volume reflects improving ecosystem support, such as charging infrastructure expansion, and a structural shift in consumer acceptance toward electric mobility alternatives.
ICRA's moderate 3–5 percent growth projection for FY2027 balances several conflicting operational variables. Tailwinds includes sustained demand from ongoing GST rationalisation benefits and strong vehicle replacement demand from urban and semi-urban fleets.
On the other hand, growth could be constrained by extreme heatwaves that temporarily lower showroom footfalls, localised supply constraints for specific high-demand models and inflation-driven vehicle price adjustments.
Furthermore, a potentially weak or disrupted monsoon season triggered by El Niño patterns presents a risk to rural purchasing power. Lastly, ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia remain a critical monitorable, as further escalation could destabilise global shipping lanes, disrupt manufacturing supply chains and increase raw material cost structures.
Ultraviolette Automotive Accelerates European Expansion, Launches F77 Series In Hungary And CEE Region
- By MT Bureau
- June 19, 2026
Bengaluru-headquartered electric vehicle manufacturer Ultraviolette Automotive has announced a strategic alliance with Elektrorider, appointing them as the official importer and distributor for Hungary, Croatia, Slovakia, Romania, Slovenia and Czechia. The partnership marks a major phase in Ultraviolette’s international expansion, bringing its total footprint to 18 European countries.
Through this distributor agreement, Ultraviolette will introduce its high-performance electric motorcycle lineup – specifically the F77 MACH 2 and F77 SuperStreet – to the Central and Eastern European (CEE) markets. Elektrorider will leverage its existing retail network in electric two-wheelers and scooters to oversee sales, test rides, spare parts logistics and aftersales service.
The expansion leverages the distinct aerodynamic styling and performance architecture of Ultraviolette's core platforms. The design language emphasises fully faired battery enclosures, exposed trellis subframes and sharp geometry optimised for sport riding.
Ultraviolette has established market-specific, introductory on-road pricing structures across the CEE region for its high-tier RECON editions finished in Turbo Red.
Narayan Subramaniam, CEO and Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, “We are proud to Make in India for the World and it is immensely encouraging that the response to the F77 across key European markets has been positive. Customers have embraced our vision of performance electric mobility with remarkable enthusiasm."
"Expanding into Hungary and the Central and Eastern European region marks a significant milestone in our journey, given the region’s strong motorcycling culture and passionate rider communities. We believe the F77, with its bold design, advanced technology and exhilarating performance, will resonate strongly with riders seeking a new generation of motorcycling experiences,” said Subramaniam.
Attila Pavuk, Chief Operating Officer, Elektrorider, added, “The F77 combines performance, technology, design, and emotion in a truly unique way. Our team has completed dedicated sales, technical and after-sales training, and we are ready to support customers from the first test ride through sales, spare parts, service, and long-term technical assistance. Our short-term goal is to give as many riders as possible the opportunity to experience the future of electric motorcycling, a future that is already here.”
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