KTM Duke  Spy Image

SPIED: KTM Duke 800 with newly developed twin cylinder motor snapped for the first time

KTM Duke 800

KTM Duke 800 render based on the spy image

Last week, we saw the first ever image, although rendered, of the upcoming middle-weight KTM Duke series motorcycle, the Duke 800, courtesy German magazine Motorrad. The sketch of this new KTM Duke series motorcycle, equipped with an all new parallel-twin cylinder engine, was developed with the help of the actual spy image which was published in the magazine’s August issue. Now, thanks to the folks at Adventure Rider, what we have here are the first spy images of the upcoming KTM Duke 800, published in the German magazine.

Early this year, KTM’s President and CEO Stefan Pierer, at the India launch of the RC200 and RC390, had hinted towards two new twin-cylinder motorcycles, bearing 500cc and 800cc engines, being considered for production and sold in India. Going by the new reports, it appears that we may not have to wait for very long before we lay our hands on these new motorcycles. While the German website has named this new KTM as the Duke 800, going by the Austrian manufacturer’s product nomenclature (excluding the Duke 125/200), we expect the motorcycle to be named as the Duke 790 or even the Duke 890. Err… Let’s stick to KTM Duke 800 for time being.

KTM Duke 800 Spy Image

Presenting the KTM Duke 800 for the very first time

As seen in the spy images, this upcoming 800cc KTM will carry the naked street-fighter character of the Duke series of motorcycles, especially the Duke 690, and will be equipped with a slew of premium features including dual front disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, WP upside down front suspension and LED blinkers (standard across KTM motorcycles) to name a few. The front of the motorcycle will be defined by the flat, KTM Duke 690 style headlight while the tail end, including the split seat, will be derived from the Duke 200/390 motorcycles. The test mule of the Duke 800 was equipped with the Duke 690 style brawny, two-sided swingarm, instead of a single-sided unit, to keep the costs in check.

Let’s talk about that new power plant. Reports from the German magazine indicates that this upcoming KTM Duke will draw power from an all new 800cc parallel twin motor that is targeted to bridge the gap between the Duke 690 and quite literally in many aspects the rocket on wheels, the Super Duke 1290 R (when KTM says Super, they mean business). There is no word about the power output numbers but if the current breed of motorcycles is something to go by, expect to see industry leading and jaw dropping performance figures from this new parallel twin engine. The Duke 800, however, unlike the smaller Duke 200 and Duke 390, will not receive an under-belly exhaust. Instead, it will come equipped with a KTM Duke 690 style outlet but that would not disrupt the sweet handling of the machine by any means.

ktm-duke-690-India-Launch-1

The KTM Duke 690 in action. Notice the similarities between the headlight and exhaust pipe?

There are no reports about the 500cc KTM available yet.

Both motorcycles are expected to be launched late next year or in 2017 and there is a great possibility that these new products would roll off from Bajaj’s production line in Chakan, Pune. If that happens, which we have a great feeling is a huge possibility, expect to see some really exciting products at ground shattering prices, that would give competitors sleepless nights, over the next two years.

We just have one thing to say – God bless KTM.

Once you are done jumping with joy, do share your views about this new KTM with us through the comments sections or via our social networking pages. Don’t forget to tag us so we hear your voice loud and clear.

Source: The good folks at Adventure Rider

10 thoughts on “SPIED: KTM Duke 800 with newly developed twin cylinder motor snapped for the first time”

  1. A great move by KTM I hope they launch it soon so they can focus on bringing out RC800. The headlight for now looks similar to Duke690 but I think they will change it with something new, we all remember how the spy pics of Superduke 1290 sported headlight of duke390

  2. Yeah!!
    Way to go KTM!! Hope they come out with the Touring Version also. Should focus on differentiating the bike from the existing breed. Will add to the oomph factor.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top