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A new middleweight from KTM is no secret and we have already seen test mules of the upcoming, 800cc naked roadster from the Austrian two-wheeler maker during its test runs on European tarmac. KTM even confirmed the new parallel-twin engine in its annual report. But there are more surprises for adventure motorcycling aficionados.
In a recent interview, KTM boss Stefan Pierer confirmed that the Austrian two-wheeler maker is working on a new middleweight engine with a displacement of 800cc. This new motor will propel a new naked motorcycle from the Duke family followed by an adventure motorcycle which, Pierer said, should give the Honda Africa Twin some sleepless nights.
Don’t Miss: KTM Duke 800 Test Mule
Speaking to MotorcycleNews, Pierer said, “The new mid class is on the way, with the 800, and we will see a naked model first, the Duke – but this will be closely followed by an adventure bike, so the Africa Twin should be aware that a serious competitor is coming.”
The new adventure tourer will be KTM’s entry level motorcycle in the adventure segment of its product portfolio and will go head on, not just against the Honda Africa Twin, but also against Triumph Tiger 800 and BMW Motorrad’s F800GS Adventure. The new middleweight adventure motorcycle will benefit from KTM’s vast experience in the adventure motorcycling segment and from the learning of the Dakar rally.
As mentioned by Pierer, the motorcycle will debut soon after the naked roadster. So expect to see the motorcycle rolling off the assembly line some time in 2017. While we wait for that to happen, keep your views and opinions flowing in through the comments section below.
Source: Pierer’s interview with Motorcycle News