We always knew that the KTM Duke 200 is merely the tip of the iceberg. It may be noted that Indian motorcycle manufacturer Bajaj Autos holds 47% stake in Austrian bike maker KTM and the manufacturing process for Duke 200 and 125 is courtesy Bajaj. Bajaj KTM Duke 200 has taken the Indian premium bike segment by storm and thanks to the cool styling, terrific performance and an aggressive price tag; the Katoom has been eating into the sales of both Yamaha R15 and Honda CBR 250R.
However, Bajaj certainly has no plans to sit back and enjoy the worried faces of the Japs. Bajaj-KTM intends to continue its onslaught on rival manufacturers by soon introducing more KTM products in Indian market. Below are attached the scanned copies of a Bajaj-KTM document which speaks in detail about the objectives of the Austrian company. Regulars here might remember that we were the very first to report that KTM plans to introduce a 350cc + bike in Indian market and yet again, our sources have not disappointed us. The document here says that the duo will develop & sell a 375cc bike in Indian market and this bike will be based on one of the three all new vehicle platforms that KTM will develop in collaboration with Bajaj. KTM-Bajaj will also be seen working together on a 2 cylinder engine. This will be the same engine that will power the upcoming Pulsar 375, albeit, in a different state of tune.
In keeping with the tradition of naming its bikes with last two digits ending with 90, KTM will name the new bike as KTM Duke 390. The new bike is expected to make its first public appearance in the next few weeks, at the 2012 EICMA Motorcycle Show.
What we have as the lead image is a pic from Grease n Gasoline. The little known blog claims that this photograph is the first ever spy pic of the KTM Duke 390. However, the above pic, in all probability, is that of a 2013 KTM 1190 Super Duke. The engine size, the size of the tyres and that beefy end can, all of this shouts that the bike isn’t a KTM Duke 390. This pic being posted as a KTM Duke 390 test mule pic is nothing more than a clever attempt to trick us biking aficionados. We might very well need to wait for the 2012 EICMA motorcycle show to know what the KTM Duke 390 really looks like.
Check out the attached docs to know about all the plans that KTM-Bajaj have.
any news if this will be equipped with ABS ? without ABS a 47PS @only 150Kg weight machine will be scary fast.
Bajaj should name the naked series as pulsars and have a new naming for the faired versions. Otherwise it creates confusion. Please convey them Yatharth.
ktm n bajaj awesome collab.
waiting for t duke babes to get launched……so tht I can hav my whole soul on…………..
I personally feel its time bajaj take a decision in making pulsar a fully faired bike or a naked one.