Frankly, we are really tired of waiting for the India launch of the KTM 390 Duke. There have been at least half a billion speculations regarding the launch date and price of KTM 390 Duke and most of these want us to believe that the bike would come to us only by late June/early July and would be priced around INR 2.25 lakhs.
The hotly anticipated 390 Duke is sure to kickstart a new segment of entry level performance bikes in Indian bike market. The fact that the bike can dismiss 100kmph from standstill in a matter of 5-6 secs and has a top whack of around 160kmph alone points out that upcoming bike would be a pocket rocket. Other than mindblowing performance figures, the KTM 390 Duke also boasts of a well sorted out handling package. The upcoming 375cc variant of the Duke enjoys a max power output of 44bhp and a peak torque figure of 35Nm. The engine comes mated to a 6 speed manual transmission. (Full technical specs at the end of this page).
It is being said that the India spec KTM 390 Duke will come factory fitted with Metzeler M5 Sportec tyres. Metzeler is the premium brand of Pirelli and is known as the makers of one of the best two wheeler tyres in the world. The KTM Duke 390 will also come to us with ABS. This ABS system is build by Bosch and can be switched on or off by the rider.
Visually, the KTM 390 Duke will be almost identical to the 125cc and 200cc variants, with the only change being KTM Orange paint on the trellis frame, alloy wheels and different decals.
A KTM 390 Duke test mule was recently spotted in Pune and it seems like we will also get a variant of KTM 390 Duke that will have black alloy wheels. Unlike last time, the Bajaj test rider can be seen wearing a good helmet and a riding jacket. It seems like Bajaj officials paid some attention to us and our readers criticizing the lack of proper safety gear while testing the bike.
KTM 390 Duke Technical Specifications:
Engine: 4 stroke water-cooled single cylinder
Engine capacity: 373.2cc
Torque: 35Nm at 7,250rpm
Power: 44HP at 9,500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Dry Weight: 139Kg
Power-to-weight ratio: 316.5PS/Tonne
Clutch: Hydraulic operated
Fuel system: Bosch EFI
Ignition system: Bosch EMS83
via IAB