Bajaj KTM to launch a 200cc single

Only a few days ago we showed you the exclusive spy pictures and videos of the India bound KTM 125cc. The test mule seemed to be running smoothly with most design elements also in place. The bike really didn’t look too far from production reality to us. Now a few sections of the automotive media are reporting that Bajaj-KTM is planning to launch the 200cc version of the bike.
The report is that KTM will come up with 200cc single cylinder liquid cooled bike, instead of the 125 cc which was supposed to make its way to India earlier. So was it a 200cc bike that we spotted? We cannot really be sure, as we managed to shoot the bike primarily from behind, with not much of the engine visible. However, it makes sense for KTM to bring a higher capacity bike, as the price point of Rs 1.3 – 1.5 lakh is not going to work for a 125cc machine. Our conversation with one of the lead guys at Bajaj also reminds us that he had suggested a bump up in the capacity of the bike so as to suit the Indian price sensibilities.

However, the slated launch time for the new bike is said to be December 2011, which is kind of indigestible by us. We really think that the bike will be launched much earlier than that and early-mid 2011 sounds like a more probable time for us.
The new 200cc bike (if it turns out to be that) will also feature a chromium-molybdenum trellis frame with alloy subframe, upside down forks and a monoshock rear. There will be disc brakes on both wheels.
Considering the new bike is indeed a 200cc, what according to you should be a good price for it? Knowing that it’s a 200cc single liquid cooled engine, we expect the power output to be in the region of 25PS.