KTM Duke 390 and KTM Duke 200 to hit Indian stores soon

Yesterday, we reported that Bajaj Auto could launch the new KTM Duke 390 and the Duke 200 on 15th February. The reason, Bajaj had

Yesterday, we reported that Bajaj Auto could launch the new KTM Duke 390 and the Duke 200 on 15th February. The reason, Bajaj had mailed a ‘Block Your Date’ invite for an event on 15th February, which will be addressed by Rajiv Bajaj. The mail did not reveal anything else.

All it said was to block our date for an event on 15th Feb. Today, Bajaj sent more details about the event on 15th Feb. Sadly, it is not the launch of new gen KTM Duke 390 or the Duke 200. Instead it is an event where Mr Bajaj is going to talk about important perspective on BSIV norms.

But that does not mean that the new Duke 390 and Duke 200 are not coming. In fact, they are expected to be launched very soon. A dealer we spoke to, says that the deliveries will commence in April.

Last month Bajaj launched updated RC200 and RC390. The next in KTM line-up is the Duke 200 and Duke 390. Of the two, it is the Duke 390 which is a completely new bike, whereas the Duke 200 is the same generation bike, with noticeable updates.

New KTM Duke 390
Made in India at the Pune plant of Bajaj Auto, the new generation KTM Duke 390 has already been launched in Europe and the US – at a starting price of $5,299 (approximately INR 3.57 lakh). In India, expect the bike to be priced in the range of INR 2.25 lakh, ex-showroom.

Speaking about design changes, upfront it gets a bifurcated headlamp with LEDs, a new instrument console with more features like top speed clocker, 0-60 timer, etc. Side gets revised fuel tank design with sharp extensions emerging towards the headlamp. Also on offer is a revised exhaust system and a new rear sub-frame. Below are the points worth knowing about the upcoming Duke 390.

Highlights of 2017 KTM Duke 390
– Priced from €5,898 (INR 4,44,457.65) in Austria.
– New trellis frame that features a bolt-on rear subframe
– Larger fuel tank of 13.4 litres (old had 11 liters)
– Side-mounted exhaust system
– Wheelbase reduced by 10 mm to 1,357 mm
– Ground clearance increased by 15 mm to 185 mm
– Seat height increased by 30 mm to 830 mm
– Dry weight increased by 10 kg to 149 kg
– Power 44 hp (same as before)
– Torque 37 Nm (2 Nm increased)
– Ride-by-wire, LED DRL, LED headlight, LED taillight
– Colour TFT instrument panel
– KTM MY RIDE for smartphone tethering
– Ride modes
– New Brembo braking system via Bosch 9MB two-channel ABS

Unlike the new KTM Duke 390, the new Duke 200 comes with styling similar to that of the Duke 390, but is visibly different. For example, the headlamp is not split from center as seen in the 390, instead its gets a single unit with LED strips on the sides. The fuel tank has been reworked to fit those tank extensions and give the bike a more sporty look.

Just like the Duke 390, the 200 also ditches the underbody exhaust and gets a new full side exhaust system. Pillion grab rails have been repositioned for better access. Key slot has been moved to fuel tank while instrument cluster has been revised. It also gets new colour options.

New Duke 200 will continue to be powered by a 200 cc single cylinder FI engine generating 25 PS and 19.2 Nm. Some of the features include, upside down forks in the front, mono shock at the rear, 110/70 R17 MRF rubber in the front, 150/60 R17 MRF tyre at the rear, no ABS, no slipper clutch, etc. More details to be revealed at the launch. Until then, have a look at the images below.

This article has first appeared in Rushlane