KTM Duke 390 India launch soon. Spotted testing

The KTM 390 Duke India launch is easily the most awaited bike launches of recent times. There have been numerous speculations regarding the KTM 390 Duke India launch date and price but if our guess is that the bike won’t be here before late June/early July and would be priced above INR 2 lakhs.

The hotly anticipated 375cc variant of the Duke is sure to open gates to a new segment of entry level performance bikes in our country. As we reported earlier, the bike would have a 0-100kmph timing of around 5-6 secs and would have a top whack of almost 160kmph. The KTM 390 Duke is also capable of hitting 130kmph in scant 10-11 secs. That the KTM 390 Duke will come with a really well sorted out handling package is a given. The upcoming 375cc Duke has a max power output of 44bhp and has a peak torque figure of 35Nm. The engine would be mated to a 6 speed manual transmission that is derived from the 200 Duke’s transmission but comes with different gear ratios. (Check out the full technical specs at the end of this page).

There are good chances that the India spec KTM 390 Duke will come factory fitted with Metzeler M5 Sportec tyres. These tyres should give the 390 Duke really nice grip, even in the wet conditions. It may be noted that 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 Duke 390 will be seen sharing its crankcase castings with the Duke 200. The 390 Duke’s 375cc engine benefits from forged piston and a chrome plated cylinder. The KTM Duke 390 will come to us with ABS as standard. 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 undergoing road testing in Pune and it is being said that the first batch of 390 Duke is very close to being dispatched to the dealers. The ‘unofficial’ bookings of the bike have already commenced at various dealerships across the country and on our friends recently booked his KTM 390 Duke for a paltry amount of INR 2000!

The KTM 390 Duke is expected to be priced around INR 2 lakhs and would become the flagship product of KTM India. The mouth watering price tag is courtesy high level of localization.

Good times ahead for Indian bike aficionados. No?

KTM Duke 390 Image Gallery:

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 ICB