05 Apr, 2026 by Arsh Jethi
With respect to the latest GST revision; taxation on motorcycles below 350cc is at an all time low of 18% and above that its at an all time high of 40%.
No doubt I want to lament the unjust premium on Bajaj, KTM and Triumph's somewhat shared powertrains. Its sad that over government decided to keep that barrier at 350cc instead of 400cc the latter would have alighned us with other asian countries like Japan, Indonesia and Thailand.
But now that its done, I am going to accept the reality and move on. With melancholic remembrance of ZX4RR and stupid taxation on it.
The options in 300cc to 500cc category are growing very fast. With the exception that indian manufacturers are yet to release a multi-cylinder configuration.
For a manufacturer a 450cc twin and a 350cc twin would command a very similar development cost. The recovery of same would depend on the volumes they do and the margins they can keep.
Traditionally indian manufacturers offer very lucrative pricing. I am waiting restless for anouncements on new powertrains. Especially 350cc twins or sweeter triples!
The caveat of single cyliner engines is the sound, refinement and the ability to rev high. A 350cc twin would be able to rev higher but only in the 180 degree firing interval like the japanese powertrains (R3 and Ninja 300) Now if an indian manufacturer does bring a 350cc twin similar price and weight, higher tech and better tyres people would love it.
But would it be discerning enough? In my humble opinion they should develop a 350 triple that is EU's A2 compatiable (leverage EU FTA), revs to atleast 12000 rpm produces atleast 55hp for indian spec with kerb weight below 180kgs and sell it worldwide.
Other than a sports variant I would love a retro inspired variant (think CB400F and Z400RS esque) for times when you want to share the joy of motorcycling with a pillion rider.
I was initially very excited for this collaboration but the extra 70 cc engine volume increase the tax in india by more than double, the 125 degress firing order chosen for higher torque or probably to support the Easy clutch makes it behave more like a single cylinder, initial reviews suggest that the engine starts getting vibey at 7,000 rpm (120 kmph at top gear). Finally peak power at only 8,750 rpm? Bleh
KTM seems to be developing higher capacity twins, Yamaha might also release a twin cylinder RD350 (exciting) and let's see what TVS and Bajaj release.
I can see a sparkling future.