It is clearly between Rs 50K to 75K higher than what the market expected. And that too introductory pricing! If there is a silver lining, at least Triumph India is consistent. They have priced all their recent offerings similarly
BHPian neil.jericho recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Sigh! Im not surprised by this pricing by Triumph India. Predictably, they slotted the Tiger Sport 660 in between the Trident 660 and the Tiger 850.
A few thoughts
It is clearly between Rs 50K to 75K higher than what the market expected. And that too introductory pricing! If there is a silver lining, at least Triumph India is consistent. They have priced all their recent offerings similarly
…..
On road pricing in Kerala is Rs 11.8 L.
I predict that by the end of the year, the ex-showroom price is going to be Rs 9.49L. So, on road pricing here will be close to Rs 12.5L then. Ouch!
One aspect that many potential owners overlook, is the cost of accessorising a big bike. Especially when it comes to protection. Just adding a radiator guard, saddle stays and basic protection will set you back, by an unexpectedly big amount. The Kawasaki Versys 650 has plenty of Indian made accessories that are high on quality and low on price. With new motorcycle launches, you don’t get locally manufactured accessories. So when you add basic accessories to the Tiger Sport 660, the price will easily go up into the Rs 12+ L range.
The competition is really strong. The Honda CB500X, Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki VStrom 650 have all carved out different segments of the market for themselves.
So who exactly will look at the Tiger Sport 660 ?
Someone who wants a sensible tourer that can handle the daily grind? The Honda CB500X is perfect!
Someone who wants a sensible tourer, with a plethora of aftermarket accessories and Indian made protection, that can excel on the highways? The Kawasaki Versys is perfect!
Someone who wants to tour and do some light offroading? The Suzuki VStrom is perfect!
So, basically, the target segment is someone who wants to tour and doesnt want a boring twin cylinder motorcycle? More on that, later.
I feel pillion comfort is going to be a concern. Just looking at the bike in international reviews, I thought that the design of the seat was a little unusual. The international press has called it out too.
While the Tiger Sport 660 is expensive, the Tiger 850 isnt a straightforward alternative. The Tiger 850 / 900 platform is not a grown up version of the Tiger 800. People who test ride the Tiger Sport 660 and the Tiger 850, back to back, will be puzzled by how different they feel. Three cylindered bikes from the same manufacturer but two completelty different engine characteristics!
In the first few quarters, I dont think that the Tiger Sport 660 will do badly, sales wise. After that, Triumph dealers will have a tough time selling the Tiger Sport 660. Anyone who has watched Zac Courts’ review of the Tiger Sport 660 will see how dangerously close the bike is, to the Kawasaki Versys 650. The Indian market loves value for money bikes. Once the initial enthusiasm fizzles out, Indian buyers will swing back to the upgraded and excellent Versys 650.
I predict that Tiger Sport 660s will come up in the pre-owned market very quickly.
Triumph’s legacy issues with service center quality is going to keep some buyers away.
Only two motorcycle related WhatsApp groups that I am on, had any chatter on the Tiger Sport 660. Whatever was discussed, wasnt positive either. These very same motorcycle groups buzz with back and forth discussions when something really exciting gets launched. Triumph should be worried about the apathy towards the Tiger Sport 660.
I do understand other forum members saying that there is a market in India, for a three cylindered tourer, that can take a rider and pillion in absolute comfort. I agree. Its just that I dont think the answer lies in the Tiger Sport 660. No, the perfect Triumph for such requirements is a pre-owned Tiger 800 (pick your version!). It has an incredibly smooth engine. It is very comfortable for both the rider and pillion. Owners typically tend to add high quality accessories, so when you get it in the preowned market, you typically dont have to spend a rupee, to spec it up. And then, you come to the price. Pre-owned Tiger 800s go for anywhere between Rs 7.5 L to Rs 12L, depending on the version, year, mileage and odometer reading. You can easily find a Tiger in the sub Rs 10L range. Also, most of these Tigers will be well out of warranty. Cities like Bangalore and Cochin dont have the best company service centers. So, if you pick a preowned Tiger 800 that is out of warranty, you dont have to worry about taking your bike to the official service center. Many Triumph owners here in Cochin, get their bikes serviced at the same garage where I get all the work done on my bikes. All these owners have stopped going to the company SVC.
Net net, in India, the real competition to the Tiger Sport 660, is the bigger, badder, more all rounded and more affordable Tiger 800. Considering the capabilities of the Tiger 800 and the cost savings involved, I see no reason for people who want a three cylindered tourer, to consider the Tiger Sport 660 over the Tiger 800.
Here’s what BHPian AtheK had to say on the matter:
Very well said and summarized Neil, people seem to be more wowed with Tiger name and Triumph brand, rather then the product itself. I really don’t find anything interesting on this bike, just nothing. Between the same brand this is expensive by 1.5 lacs Ex-showroom price from Trident, does it command that kind of premium, only buyers can answer and decide.
You really bring a very valid point of accessories too, surprising that radiator guard is not present for now even as official accessory. The volumes that these two bikes will do put together will not entice any indian accessory maker to invest there time in this. Don’t see any panniers too, only twin helmet top box for luggage, which with rack is almost close to 33K. That said like the standard windshield, should do a great job to keep away wind blast.
Here’s what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:
Superbly put Neil. Coming to my own friend who booked this and was told of a potentially long waiting period. I advised him to check out the Honda 500 instead and also to consider the pre owned Tiger. In my mind, a Tiger 800 is a properly full size adventure bike and the engine is just so incredibly satisfying. You’re unlikely to get the itch to upgrade from the 800 (or 900) as quickly as you might outgrow a 660.
I’m currently toggling miles between a hooligan of a Multistrada 1200 and the Tiger 800 and believe it or not, the Tiger 800 holds its own and has a differently satisfying character from it – each has their own charm. I cant imagine saying I would enjoy these 660 engines as much if it was sharing space with a proper middleweight alternative.
Its much the same like a pre owned street triple comprehensively trumping a Trident.
The only problem is that many first time big bike buyers are very hesitant to go the pre owned way. Its only once you’ve owned a superbike or two that you truly begin to appreciate the value of a pre owned machine.
Here’s what BHPian CrazYdRiVeR had to say on the matter:
A used product always offers a higher segment product at similar pricing – has been the case forever in the history of cars and bikes.
A used Tiger 800 will obviously be better than a new Tiger Sport 660! Don’t see it happening any other way, be it Tiger, Versys, Multistrada or GS. Same case with cars too – needless to say.
People who buy used obviously get a steal! A new bike will never win a new/used comparison.
Not everyone does that though – be it due to EMI concerns, fear of getting a lemon, or just to make the purchase special. This is especially true in the entry level segments where a lot of people tend to make their first big bike purchase.
Keyword: On the Triumph Tiger Sport 660's pricing