KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Bajaj Auto and KTM are set to launch new KTM bikes in the Indian market this year
- Upcoming Bigs are expected to be the KTM 890 Duke and 890 Adventure
- Likely to Enter Only in Select Cities
There's been quite a buzz about the upcoming release of some exciting new KTM bikes. This excitement has only grown stronger with Bajaj Auto confirming during an investor call that new, high-displacement KTM bikes will hit the Indian market by the end of this year. Let's dive deeper into the details below. Also, don't forget to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group for all the latest automotive content updates.
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KTM Big Bikes Making Their Way To India
Bajaj Auto and KTM have had a longstanding partnership, jointly developing and manufacturing several entry-level motorcycles for the Indian market under the KTM brand. The company has confirmed that it will be launching some upcoming KTM bikes in the Indian market this year. While there hasn't been any official confirmation about which big bikes will be launched, there's a lot of anticipation around the possibility of the 890 Duke and the 890 Adventure hitting the Indian market soon.
Additionally, the chances of the KTM RC 8C and the KTM 890 SMT making their way to India seem very slim. There's also speculation about the potential launch of the 1390 Super Duke, given KTM's focus on introducing big bikes in the Indian market.
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KTM Big Bikes: Likely To Target Selected Cities
KTM's current lineup mainly consists of 390cc bikes, along with entry-level models like the 125cc and 200cc. However, there was a time when the 790 Duke was the flagship model. Launched in India in September 2019 at Rs 8.64 lakh, it boasted a powerful 799cc, parallel-twin engine delivering 105hp and 86Nm of torque. Unfortunately, when the BS6 emission norms came into effect, KTM didn't update the 790 Duke to comply. Over time, this model disappeared from the market.
Now, it appears that KTM's focus for their upcoming larger bikes will be primarily on select cities. This indicates a shift away from reaching Tier 2 and 3 cities, at least for the time being. The new bikes will indeed adhere to the BS6 emission norms, but there's also the requirement for E20 compliance for bikes above 700cc. Some of the models in India that meet this requirement include the Hero Super Splendor XTEC, Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, and V-Strom SX, among others.
Verdict
The upcoming Bigs from KTM are set to become a major attraction for enthusiasts. Given the enduring popularity of this brand, along with competitive pricing, it's poised to make a significant impact in the market. However, it remains uncertain what production approach will be adopted, and this will inevitably affect the final cost. It's a wait-and-see situation to gauge how things will unfold.
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