The UK's Triumph Motorcycles could soon take on domestic biggies, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj and TVS, in the mass market bike segment.

The niche bike-maker is developing a new 125cc model for launch by end of next year in emerging markets, sources close to the development said.

This will be a marked strategy shift for the company, whose current portfolio focuses on premium-end two-wheelers.

“Officials from Triumph had met component suppliers during a meet in 2011. They had talked about plans for a cheaper, 125cc model, which may be built in India by next year,” a person close to the development said.

Triumph Motorcycles, however, did not respond to e-mail queries. At present, the smallest bike in its portfolio is the 675cc Daytona, going up to the 2,300cc Rocket III.

Plant in Karnataka

The company, which unveiled its range in India during the Delhi Auto Expo in January, is expected to set up an assembly plant in Karnataka this year. Its third such plant, after UK and Thailand, this will initially assemble four models for the local market — Bonneville, Street Triple, Speed Triple and Daytona.

A head-office in New Delhi is also expected to be operational by July.

“With developed markets such as Europe and the US contracting, all bike- and car-makers are looking to attract more customers from Asia. India is already the world's second largest two-wheeler market and it makes sense for Triumph to build a larger base here as, unlike China, there is a big biking culture here,” an industry expert said.

Triumph's India strategy is on the same lines as another premium bike marque — Harley-Davidson.

The US-based firm, which set up its local assembly plant in Haryana last year, is also reportedly developing an India-specific model.

Though still in the premium range, at a Rs 4 lakh expected price, this is expected to sport a 500-750cc engine and is also due for launch by next year.

Harley's India bike may also be exported to other markets in South-East Asia.

>roudra.b@thehindu.co.in