More stories

  • in

    KTM RC8C Makes Global Debut – Production Limited To 200 Units

    This limited edition KTM RC8C comes off as a tempting proposition for corner carving at one’s favourite trackKTM RC8C Gen 2KTM is synonymous with offering explosive performance with the least possible amount of weight. It has been that way ever since I could remember the brand. Its ethos holds true in India as well and its explosive 390 platform is a testament to that. Not just that, India was also blessed with 790 Duke as well for a brief period.The Austrian brand has extensive pedigree in motorsport as well. Recently, KTM even launched MotoGP Edition of its RC series of motorcycles in India. This was a cosmetic change and draws inspiration from KTM’s MotoGP bike. KTM has been making headlines again. This time, not for something that pretends to be a track bike. Instead, it is a track bike. Let’s take a look.Limited Edition KTM RC8C RevealedRight off the bat, RC8C is the real deal. It is so track-focused that it is not even road-legal. The Austrian brand seems to have thrown everything at this limited edition KTM RC8C to make it one of the most ferocious animals on the track. An animal so exquisite, KTM has decided to limit its production to just 200 units.One look at this machine, it is immediately evident that it certainly looks the part. With massive aerodynamic winglets, it looks even meaner. These winglets are designed to enhance the downforce at front, which adds a front-end feel and communication with the rider. A central air intake takes care of engine cooling.KTM RC8C Gen 2This is the second-gen RC8C and KTM has made it lighter and more powerful. With a rise of 7 bhp, RC8C now makes 135 bhp at 11,000 RPM and 98 Nm of torque at 8,250 RPM. This was possible for KTM with a combination of factors. These include Titanium connecting rods, a higher compression ratio, two-ring pistons, an increase in fuel pump pressure and lastly, a physically larger throttle body.Taming this power is a strong suite of electronic packages in the form of adjustable functions for traction control, engine mapping and engine braking as well. This limited edition KTM RC8C comes with an onboard data logger and lap timer. Handlebar controls are derived from the RC16 MotoGP race bike by KTM. Also on offer is an up-and-down quick shifter.Specs & FeaturesBuilt by Kramer Motorcycles, RC8C gets quickly replaceable body parts that are prone to crash damage. KTM RC8C gets delicious cycle parts in the form of WP Apex Pro front forks and rear mono-shock. Braking is handled by Brembo Stylema calipers and RCS19 Corsa Corta master cylinder along with twin discs at the front.Pirelli Diablo racing slicks are on offer and along with it, an auxiliary panel oil cooler. When looked at as a whole, this limited edition KTM RC8C comes off as a tempting proposition for corner carving at one’s favourite track. Tying it all together beautifully, we have the fact that this track machine only weighs 142 kg (dry). This last point makes it more of a scalpel while its rivals might feel like an axe. More

  • in

    New KTM RC 200 MotoGP Edition Arrives At Dealer – First Look Walkaround

    KTM 390 range is currently the Austrian brand’s highest-selling motorcycles when domestic and exports are combinedNew KTM RC 200 MotoGP EditionAustrian brand KTM is one of the most sought-after premium performance motorcycles in India. It has a ton of products under its portfolio offering a range of motorcycles under RC, Duke and Adventure lineup. RC lineup is fully-faired lineup, Duke is a street fighter and Adventure is as the name suggests, an adventure lineup.All these forms and variations are powered by varied platforms. We have 125, 200, 250 and to top it all off, 390 series. RC range of motorcycles by KTM claim to offer a feel of super-sport bike category. RC lineup is populated by RC 125, RC 200 and RC 390. These machines offer sharp styling and impressive riding dynamics.KTM recently updated its Duke lineup with new colourways at the same asking price. But folks that didn’t get their hearts racing with that report, may want to buckle up for this one. KTM has launched a new Moto GP Edition. This will get RC16-inspired KTM Racing livery and is expected to attract a lot of eyeballs.KTM MotoGP Edition RC 200 & RC 390KTM RC16 is a litre-class Grand Prix racing motorcycle developed to race in MotoGP. It is an 86-degree V4 that displaces 1,000cc. Due to its racing spec, it weighs in at 160kg wet. It gets Red Bull livery on its side body along with a KTM livery. KTM MotoGP Edition for RC 200 and RC 390 don’t get Red Bull livery pattern as previously speculated. Take a look at the walkaround video below, credited to Biker Prakash Choudhary.[embedded content][embedded content]Just like the new colourways Duke series got at no additional cost, MotoGP Edition will also be sold at the same price as RC 200 and RC 390 have been selling currently. This MotoGP Edition is sure to generate a lot of footfall into KTM’s dealerships and most of them are likely to translate into sales as well.Specs & PricingVisually, both KTM MotoGP Edition RC 200 and RC 390 are identical to the highest possible degree. In terms of chassis, hardware and components, both bikes are identical. Both get the same “KTM Ready To Race” livery at the exact same spot too.One would be hard pressed to find the difference between a 200 and a 390 MotoGP Edition. Where they differ is in engine department. KTM RC 200 gets a 199.5cc engine with 25.4 bhp of power and 19.5 Nm of torque.KTM RC 390, however, is powered by a 373.27cc engine that is currently KTM India’s creme de la creme. It makes 42.9 bhp of power and 37 Nm of torque. For reference, RC 390 is priced from Rs. 3.16 lakh and RC 200 is priced from Rs. 2.14 lakh (both prices ex-sh). More

  • in

    KTM RC 200, RC 390 MotoGP Edition Launched – Price Same

    Along with functional and performance upgrades, KTM has introduced new colour options for its bikes at regular intervalsKTM RC 390 MotoGP EditionEarlier this month, KTM had announced new colours for the entire Duke range in India. In case of KTM RC 390, two new colour options were introduced for the 2022 model, earlier this year in May. Existing colour options for RC 390 are Factory Racing Blue and Electronic Orange. RC 200 has colour options of Ebony Black and Metallic Silver.While existing colour options for RC 200 and RC 390 are pretty good, the new MotoGP is in a different league altogether. MotoGP editions are quite popular here and a similar response can be expected with the MotoGP edition of KTM RC 200 and RC 390. In case of RC 390, the bike also gets a new colour option.KTM RC 200, RC 390 MotoGP editionMotoGP editions of RC 200 and 390 will borrow their livery from KTM RC16 that had made its debut in 2017. The MotoGP shades creates an exciting theme that’s a real treat for the eyes. It also resonates with the sense of power and performance associated with both these brands.It was expected that MotoGP editions of KTM RC 200 and 390 will be available at a slightly premium pricing. But that is not the case. They are priced the same as standard KTM RC 200 and RC 390. KTM RC 390 GP: Rs. 3,16,070 (Ex-SR Delhi) and KTM RC 200 GP: Rs. 2,14,688 (Ex-SR Delhi). KTM had not increased prices when its Dukes had received new colour options.KTM Prices Sep 2022Apart from the visual upgrade, there are no other changes to KTM RC 200 and 390. RC 200 is powered by a 199.5 cc liquid cooled motor that makes 25 PS of max power and 19.2 Nm of peak torque. RC 390 has a 373.27 cc motor that churns out 43.5 PS and 37 Nm.Sumeet Narang, President (Probiking), Bajaj Auto Ltd.: “The fully faired KTM RC motorcycles have a strong and growing contribution to the KTM portfolio. The next-gen KTM RC range has brought in younger and performance focused customers, helping us strengthen our position in the premium performance motorcycle segment. The special GP edition launched today complements the aggressive performance bias of the motorcycle with a livery that showcases its racing genes.”Other MotoGP editions to considerAs MotoGP editions are preferred by enthusiasts, several other OEMs such as Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki have introduced their respective versions over the years. Yamaha has an association with Monster Energy. Yamaha currently offers MotoGP Monster Energy edition for RayZR 125Fi, Aerox 155, MT15 2.0 and R15. 2022 Yamaha Aerox MotoGP Monster Energy edition was launched recently at Rs 1.41 lakh.Honda has Repsol MotoGP edition, which was introduced for Honda Grazia 125cc scooter in 2021. Internationally, Honda had introduced Repsol edition for CBR150R a few months back. Suzuki has MotoGP livery for Gixxer SF250, which was introduced in 2019. A lot more options are available in international markets. More

  • in

    KTM India Sales Aug 2022 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    Even as KTM sales took a slight dip YoY in domestic markets, MoM sales and exports increased significantlyImage – Yo RiderKTM India sells motorcycles in three body styles. These include the RC which is sports oriented, Duke – a range of street bikes and the Adventure range. Powered by engines in the 125-373cc range, these bikes have each found a distinct fan following both in domestic and export markets.KTM recently updated their Duke range with new colour schemes each distinct to the Duke lineup while the company could also introduce the RC 390 and RC 200 in MotoGP factory colours sometime in October, just ahead of the festive season.KTM Domestic Sales August 2022KTM sales in domestic markets in August 2022 stood at 4,255 units, down 3.05 percent YoY as against 4,389 units sold in August 2021. This was a 134 unit volume de-growth. Sales however improved by 43.65 percent on a MoM basis from 2,962 units sold in July 2022.KTM 200 (Duke + RC) models were at the top of sales charts with 1,757 units sold in the past month, up 23.04 percent compared to 1,428 units sold in August 2022. Share percentage was at 41.29 percent. MoM sales grew by 9.33 percent from 1,607 units sold in July 2022 when share had stood at 54.25 percent.KTM India Sales Aug 2022Sales of KTM 250 (Duke + ADV) dipped 2.70 percent YoY to 1,405 units from 1,444 units sold in August 2022 while MoM sales improved by 65.88 percent from 847 units sold in July 2022. Share percentage increased from 28.60 to 33.02 percent MoM.But 390 (ADV + Duke + RC) saw a 9.21 percent YoY growth to 830 units last month from 760 units sold in August 2021 while MoM sales were higher by 68.02 percent from 494 units sold in July 2022. There was the KTM 125cc at the bottom of domestic sales charts with 263 units sold in the past month, down 65.26 percent over 757 units sold in August 2021 while MoM sales grew significantly by 1778.57 percent from just 14 units sold in July 2022.KTM India Exports Aug 2022In the export market, KTM sales grew by 216.98 percent YoY to 8,907 units from 2,810 units sold in August 2021. MoM sales were also higher by 17.17 percent from 7,602 units sold in July 2022. It was the KTM 390 that posted the most exports with 3,672 units shipped in the past month, up 818 percent when compared to just 400 units exported in August 2021. MoM exports however, dipped marginally by 0.65 percent from 3,696 units shipped in July 2022.KTM India Exports Aug 2022KTM 200 saw higher exports both on YoY (38.99 percent) and MoM (18.64 percent) basis in August 2022 to 2,183 units. There had been 1,582 units and 1,840 units shipped in August 2021 and July 2022 respectively. KTM 125 exports stood at 2,092 units in the past month leading to a 107.13 percent MoM growth from 1,010 units sold in July 2022. 250cc exports increased 15.94 percent YoY to 960 units over 828 units shipped in August 2021 while MoM exports dipped by 9.09 percent from 1,056 units sold in July 2022.KTM India Total Aug 2022Total sales of KTM India improved YoY and MoM by 82.83 percent and 24.59 percent respectively. Sales in August 2022 had stood at 13,162 units up from 7,199 units sold in August 2021 while in July 2022 the company had sold a total of 10,564 units. It was the KTM 390 that saw the most sales at 4,502 units, up 288.10 percent from 1,160 units sold in August 2021 while MoM sales grew by 7.45 percent from 4,190 units sold in July 2022.KTM India Total (Sales + Exports) Aug 2022KTM 200 and 250 sales increased by 30.90 percent and 4.09 percent respectively on a YoY basis and by 14.30 percent and 24.28 percent MoM to 3,940 units and 2,365 units sold in August 2022. Total sales of KTM 125 also saw a 211.10 percent YoY growth to 2,355 units from 757 units sold in August 2021 while MoM sales improved by 129.28 percent from 1,024 units sold in July 2022. More

  • in

    New KTM Duke 125, Duke 200 Colours Arrive At Dealer – Walkaround

    While KTM 390 Duke gets two new colour options, 125, 200 and 250 Dukes get one new colour option eachKTM New Colours – Duke 125 and Duke 200In line with its strategy to refresh its portfolio, KTM has introduced new colour options for entire Duke range. 390 Duke gets two new colour options, Liquid Metal and Dark Galvano. 250 Duke gets Ebony Black whereas 200 Duke will now come with a Dark Silver Metallic shade. Entry-level 125 Duke gets Ceramic White colour.Combo of KTM’s signature orange shade, highlighted against grey/black/white colours continues to be the primary theme. Various combinations of these colours have been used in the past and KTM seems to get it right every time. 2022 colour updates will ensure a more premium, sharper look and feel for KTM Duke motorcycles.KTM 125, 200, 250 Duke new coloursSmallest Duke 125 gets the most vibrant Ceramic White colour theme, a combo of orange, white, blue and black. Orange shade is primarily used on the wheels, whereas white covers the top section such as headlight cowl, tank shrouds and rear sub-frame. Duke lettering on the tank shrouds is done in orange, blue and white.KTM 200 Duke’s Dark Silver Metallic has glossy metallic shade on front mudguard and tank shrouds. Remaining surfaces largely have either black or orange shade. A small hint of blue can be seen on ‘Duke’ lettering on tank shrouds. This colourway looks a bit chaotic, but can work for folks who have a taste for things metallic. Take a look at the detailed walkaround of KTM Duke new colours in the video below by Biker Prakash Choudhary.[embedded content][embedded content]New colour Ebony Black for KTM 250 Duke is essentially a simple combo of orange and black. However, things are a bit different here in comparison to Dark Galvano, as orange shade has been used on headlamp cowl, front mudguard and rear sub-frame. Most significant differentiator is ‘250’ decal in big font size on tank shrouds.KTM 390 Duke new coloursTrue to its name, Dark Galvano colour ensures an electrifying profile for 390 Duke. It’s a simple combo of orange and black, and yet it seems just perfect for the bike. Most of the surfaces have the black shade, which creates a suitable background for the lively orange coloured frame. Orange shade has been used only on the central frame and not on the subframe that comes in black. Rear monoshock in white also stands out against the blacked-out theme.Second colour option of Liquid Metal has a similar profile, but orange is more liberally used for this colourway. In addition to the frame, orange shade has been added to the headlamp cowl, fuel tank, wheels and rear tail section.Another highlight is varying shades of grey on the tank shrouds. While Dark Galvano ensures a dominating presence, Liquid Metal colour theme has more friendly vibes. Apart from the new colours, there are no other changes to KTM Duke bikes. Also, pricing is the same as earlier. More

  • in

    2022 KTM Duke New Colours Launched – 125, 200, 250, 390

    KTM 390 series is currently the highest selling series comprising of Duke, RC and adventure range2022 KTM Duke 200 New ColourWhat comes to your mind when you think of a KTM? A lightweight and sporty machine that looks as funky as it can look. But definitely in orange, isn’t it? Orange has been one of the most identifiable colour options for a KTM product. But in a way, the company tastefully does the orange combinations to strike the right balance. Kudos!But that perception is slightly changing as black, white and even hints of blue are coming into the mix. But still, KTM does it tastefully and appeals vastly to youngsters. Truth be told, orange wheels are a little too much for my taste. KTM has been listening to feedback from people like me too and hence 390 Duke now doesn’t get orange wheels. Let’s take a look at what all is new.KTM Colourways UpdatedLet us start with 390 series as it is the highest-selling of all KTMs. For MY2022, KTM RC 390 and 390 Adventure get black wheels. But the same was not translated to 390 Duke as it still has orange wheels since its inception 9 years ago. But now, 390 Duke gets two new colorways, Dark Galvano and Liquid Metal.Liquid Metal gets orange majorly including the frame, but has blue and black highlights while the sub-frame and wheels are now black. Dark Galvano looks the best of all KTM Duke colourways, I should say. Coming to 250, 200 and 125 Duke, and Husqvarna Svartpilen 250, they all get one new colourways each while 390 got two. Hey, 390 Duke has bragging rights, okay?2022 KTM Duke 390 New ColourHusqvarna Svartpilen 250 gets a new black/blue/beige colourway that replaces the one currently on sale. 250 Duke gets a grey/black shade that is called Ebony Black and it is accentuated by subtle orange.I literally rubbed my eyes twice to see one of the most subtle colour schemes that KTM ever offered. It is called Drak Galvano and 390 gets it for the first time now. It looks stealthy and immaculate at the same time. Silver colour is axed, though.125 & 200 Duke200 Duke and 125 Duke also get one colourways each. 200 Duke gets a new grey colour that acts as the base while a combination of blue/white/orange goes on top. This colourway gets is called Dark Silver Metallic and gets a black frame coupled with a black subframe along with orange wheels. Electric Orange colourway is carried over as is. But the Ceramic White colourway that was offered before, is no more with 200 Duke.2022 KTM Duke 125 New ColourKTM’s smallest machine gets the flashiest colour of all KTM Duke colourways. Again, tastefully done and executed too. It is a tasty white subframe along with a black frame and orange wheels. The colourway is white/orange/blue and is called Ceramic White similar to one offered with 200 Duke. It looks very funky and youthful. Just like its bigger sibling 200 Duke, Electric Orange is carried over too. Mechanically, all bikes are identical. More

  • in

    KTM India Sales, Exports Jul 2022 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    KTM may not be doing very well domestically, but when it comes to exports, reported good YoY and MoM sales growthKTM India SalesKTM has been on the verge of rejigging its product lineup in India. In that regard, we have seen the launch of 2022 versions of most of their lineup. Speaking about KTM’s Indian lineup, the Austrian brand has three variations in its body style. They are RC, a sports machine, Duke, which is a street machine and lastly, we have Adventure, which is a, well, adventure machine.All three body styles get a different set of engines too, ranging from 125cc to 373cc. KTM has registered a mixed bag of sales figures with both dips and growth in sales. But that is likely to change soon when 2023 Duke range is launched in India which is in testing phase right now.KTM Sales – Domestic & ExportsWhen we take domestic sales into account, we see a sharp dip in sales YoY. KTM 200 series (Duke + RC) models sold 1,607 units in July 2022 while they sold 2,019 units in July 2021 with a 20.41% drop in sales YoY. But they sold just 767 units in June 2022 and hence registers 109.52% growth MoM with a difference of 840 units. But when it comes to exports, 200cc models follow a similar pattern. With 1,840 units sold in July 2022, they register an 11.33% drop in sales YoY and 10.18% growth in sales MoM.KTM 250 series (Duke + ADV) models follow the same pattern. In domestic market, with 847 units sold in July 2022, 250cc models register a dip of 15.47% YoY and gain 288.53% MoM with just 218 units sold in June 2022. But with exports, with 1,056 units sold in July 2022, 250cc models see a drop in sales of 12.58% YoY and 24.03% MoM. When it comes to KTM 125 series (Duke + RC) models, with just 14 units sold in July 2022, they have been a hard sell domestically and hence are likely to not be updated to MY2022 in India.KTM Sales & Exports July 2022 – DomesticBut 1,010 units of KTM 125 range models have been shipped in July 2022 with 33.25% YoY growth and a 10.46% drop in sales MoM as it shipped 1,128 units in June 2022. In domestic markets, 200cc models take up 54.25% share of all KTM products and are followed by 250 with 28.60%, 390 with 16.68% and 125 with 0.47%. But 390 (ADV + Duke + RC) is the most shipped at 48.62% share of all KTM bikes followed by 200 with 24.20%, 250 with 13.89% and lastly, we have 125 with just 13.29% share.KTM Sales & Exports July 2022 – ExportsTotal SalesWhen we take into account the total sales of all KTM models, things get a little interesting. At the top, we have 390 series with 4,190 units sold in July 2022 registering a 30.86% YoY growth with 988 units difference from 3,202 units sold in July 2021. It also register 53.59% MoM growth in July 2022 with just 2,728 units sold in June 2022.200 models take second spot with 3,447 units sold in July 2022 registering a 15.80% drop YoY and gaining 41.44% MoM in July 2022 with 2,437 units in June 2022. 250 series are next with 1,903 units sold in July 2022 registering a 32.05% drop YoY and gaining 18.35% with a difference of 295 units in July 2022. But 125 series loses 32.05% YoY and 9.30% MoM with just 1,024 units sold in July 2022.KTM Sales & Exports July 2022 – TotalTotally, KTM registers a dip in sales of 4.08% YoY with just 10,564 units sold in July 2022 and 11,013 units sold in July 2021. But KTM gains 33.69% MoM because it only sold 7,902 units in June 2022 and gained 2,662 units. KTM’s 390 series is by far the most popular of the lot with a 39.66% share of all KTM products sold. 390 range is the only one to register growth everywhere, be it domestic or exports or YoY or MoM charts. More

  • in

    2023 KTM Duke 200 Spied Near Pune – New Frame, Swingarm

    New-gen KTM Duke 200 is expected to hit markets in India sometime next year2023 KTM Duke 200Earlier this year, we saw KTM launching new gen versions of their RC range of motorcycles. Now, focus is likely to shift towards the naked streetfighter body style with the Duke range expected to receive an upgrade very soon.Test mules of the new Duke 200 have been spied near Pune. The 200cc naked streetfighter in its upcoming avatar was first spotted testing somewhere in Europe a few months ago, along with the new Duke 390.New-Gen Duke 200 Spied- Styling UpdatesBy the looks of it, the new Duke 200 is expected to receive significant upgrades over its predecessor. Along with new styling elements, Duke 200 has incorporated some major changes under its skin in the form of an updated chassis and powertrain. Overall design appears to be sharper and more in line with the larger twin cylinder Dukes.Another prominent update is a new split headlamp casing which is a stark departure from the present single unit. Also, it has been equipped with full LED internals this time unlike the ones retailed in India which get halogen headlamps. Interestingly, its tail section looks a little flatter in comparison to the present model which should make it more accessible for a pillion.2023 KTM Duke 200Hardware UpdatesSome major changes have been made to the chassis of Duke 200 which now features a completely redesigned tubular steel space frame. The two-piece configuration of the frame has been retained but it gets additional crossbeams to make construction look more robust. The rear subframe has also been reworked and the tubular design has been replaced by a screwed-on die-cast aluminum.It also gets a new swingarm with a new support brace that arches up and over the chain drive. Another significant change is an offset rear mono-shock which replaces the centrally mounted unit in the existing model. Additionally, the engine now sits on new cast aluminum brackets.Powertrain ChangesSpeaking of engine, the upcoming Duke 200 is expected to receive an updated heart. The single-cylinder motor gets a completely new design with a new casing which is aimed at offering a more powerful ignition as well as better fuel efficiency. The exhaust tailpipe has been shortened and though the new Duke 200 gets an underbelly exhaust, it flaunts a new muffler.Other visible updates include new 5-spoke alloy wheels with new cast rims which appear lighter. Further, single disc brake setup on the front wheel moves from left to right side although it is clamped by similar radially mounted callipers. It will be interesting to see which changes actually trickle down to the production-spec bike when it is launched. KTM will also give new gen updates to Duke 125, Duke 250 as well as Duke 390.Source More