Sometime in February last year, KTM boss Stefan Pierer had mentioned that complex platforms bearing 500cc and 800 cc engines are being considered for production in India, adding that the high import duty makes local production the only way to sell bikes fruitfully in the country. Now, German motorcycle magazine Motorrad has spotted a test mule of what could possibly be an 800cc Duke. Well, the spy images are only consigned to the magazine’s August issue, but their website already has a render ready.
The render suggests that the upcoming “Duke 800” will carry the Duke’s family resemblance and naked streetfighter character. Over the 690, the bigger brother will get dual front disc brakes and different, yet familiar styling. What’s more, the publication also suggests that the 800 will feature a new parallel twin motor, which will make it straddle the gap between the single-cylinder engine equipped Duke 690 and top-of-the-line Super Duke 1290 R with its twin-cylinder block.
Regarding the other 500 cc KTM that Pierer had mentioned about, no new reports on that, but it is also highly anticipated. Both motorcycles are expected to be launched late next year or in 2017. In all probability, they will be produced at KTM’s only production facility in India, which is Bajaj’s plant in Chakan, Pune. Stay tuned for more information on the KTM Duke 800 as it comes by.
via Shifting-Gears