Rumour: KTM 1290 Super Duke R to arrive in India before 690

Austrian manufacturer KTM has created quite a buzz in the Indian two-wheeler industry with its 200 and 390 Duke. At an aggressive price tag of Rs 1.35 lakh and Rs 1.87 lakh respectively, the two naked motorcycles have swept the Indian two-wheeler market like wildfire.

So, the next highly anticipated vehicle from the Austrian manufacturer is the 690 Duke which is likely to hit showrooms in India next year. But there is something more interesting that the company may have planned for us.

Latest rumour received from our sources in KTM reveals that the 1290 Super Duke R is likely to be launched before the 690. You read that right – “BEFORE” the 690.

The most powerful naked motorcycle from KTM is rumoured to hit the Indian shores as early as March 2015. The mid-range 690 will most likely follow the 1290 Super Duke R during the same month.

Powered by a 1.3-litre 75-degree twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, the 1290 Super Duke R churns out 178 bhp of power and 144Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and a PASC slipper clutch. Power can be transferred in three modes – Street, Sport and Rain. Other rider assistance aid includes ride-by-wire, lean-sensitive traction control (MTC) and Bosch 9M+ two-channel ABS. All this power propels the 1290 Super Duke R from a standstill to 200 kph in little over seven seconds.

Following the KTM 1290, Super Duke R will be the 690 Duke which is also likely to be launched in 2015. The 690 Duke is powered by a single-cylinder liquid-cooled 690cc engine which produces 66 bhp of power and 70Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission. Despite being a 690cc motorcycle, the 690 Duke is low on weight with a dry weight of just 150 kilograms. This gives the 690 Duke a power to weight ratio of 440 bhp per tonne!

We are eagerly awaiting get out hands on these hooligans. Are you? Share your thoughts through comments below.