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    2021 KTM RC 125 / 200 New Gen Motorcycle Spied – Revised Front Look

    Image – Varun Painter
    After getting spied for the first time on the road last week, the new KTM RC has been spied again
    India launch of the new 2021 KTM RC 200 and RC 125 is slated for later this year. Test mules in pre-production format have been spied on test since early September in Europe. Now, the test mules have started getting spotted on Indian roads. The latest spy shot of the new gen KTM RC test mule was shared by Varun Painter.
    The 2021 KTM RC range is expected to receive several updates to justify this price hike. For starters, it will do away with the twin pod headlamp cluster and get new fairing with halogen lighting in its stead.
    The updated RC motorcycles will also receive DRLs and integrated indicators. Revised fairing will also be a part of the update while design changes to the rear will include an LED unit.
    More Comfortable Ride Position?
    The rider of the new KTM RC range of motorcycles is likely to be assured of a more comfortable ride. The upcoming model is expected to get a well cushioned seat, handlebars fitted closer to the rider for more comfort and foot pegs thus positioned for a more upright stance so as to enable better touring. The bike will also get a larger windscreen for better aerodynamics and to offer better wind protection to the rider.
    2021 KTM RC 200
    The new KTM RC 200 / 125 will also sport new body graphics in a black and orange colour scheme and a revised instrument cluster (could be same as the one seen on new gen 390 Duke and 390 ADV). It will come with smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth.
    BS6 Engine Specs
    The current KTM RC200 is powered by a 199.5cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine delivering about 25 hp power at 10,000 rpm and 19.2 Nm torque at 8,000 rpm. This is the same engine which will power the 2021 KTM RC200, with minor tuning. The engine will come mated to a 6 speed sequential gearbox, with slipper clutch as standard.
    Considering these updates, the 2021 KTM RC200 could be priced higher than the current model by about Rs.10-20k. Once launched, KTM will also bring in updated versions of the RC 125, RC 250 and RC 390 as well.
    New KTM Duke RCs planned for the year ahead also include the RC 390 which would get updated parts and reworked styling along with new LED headlights and TFT display. These updates will position the RC390 as a more premium offering than it is today.
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    2021 KTM RC 200, 125 Spied Testing In India For First Time – New Gen

    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    The 2020 KTM RC 200 and its family members will feature revised rear sub-frame and new fairing panels

    The next generation KTM RC family of compact fully faired sportsbikes have been in the news for quite sometime now. The RC 125, 200 and 390 are much older than their Duke siblings but that is going to chance soon.
    A camouflaged prototype of what appears to be either 2021 KTM RC 200 or 125 has been spied testing in India for the first time. Images are credit to Wheel Tronicz on Instagram.
    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    2021 KTM RC 200 – New styling
    We think this prototype is either an RC 200 or 125 because the RC 390 prototypes which were spotted testing in Europe featured a conventional side slung exhaust canister to meet the stringent emission norms. This particular mule continues to employ underbelly exhaust indicating that a smaller displacement motor does not need larger catalytic converter and hence can manage with an underbelly unit.
    As with the new KTM RC 390, the smaller engined siblings will feature a completely overhauled styling. The new headlamp is in-line with the brand’s new design identity and the fairing around it has a slightly larger surface area than before.
    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    On the sides, the panels are more revealing than before. For example, the current motorcycle hides the base of the crank case but the upcoming model makes no attempt at concealing it.
    The bodywork is sharper than before but there is an awkward gap between the steering mount and the instrument console which may take a bit of getting used too. Another important change is the rear sub-frame but the tailpiece appears to be retained without significant styling changes. KTM has reportedly worked on making the 2021 RC family more comfortable for taller riders, so expect considerable change in ergonomics.
    Specifications at a glance
    The New Gen KTM RC 200, or the 125 and 390 for that matter, is likely to retain the engine without any change. In case of the RC 200, the existing 199.5 cc liquid-cooled mill dishes out a healthy 25 hp and 19.2 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed unit. Despite no changes, the motor will still be the most powerful unit in its segment.
    2021 KTM RC 200 / 125 Spied in India – New Gen
    The trellis frame will continue to employ WP inverted telescopic front fork and rear monoshock suspension system. The 2021 KTM RC 200 and its brethren adopt new front disc brake whose rotor is mounted to the spokes rather than the wheel hub. The India-spec RC 200 is expected to carry forward a single-channel ABS to keep the costs in check while the export-spec variant is likely to offer dual-channel system as a standard fitment.
    The 2021 KTM RC 200, 390 and 125 will be made in India at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan facility for global consumption. India is expected to be the launch market for the new generation family of compact sportsbikes. Launch is expected sometime later this year. More

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    KTM 390 Custom Motorcycle By Rajputana Is Ready For Track

    KTM 390 Kush by Rajputana Customs
    The KTM 390 Kush custom motorcycle receives aftermarket Brembo brake kit, new fuel tank, a rear sub-frame and slick tyres

    Rajputana Customs is known for some of the most tasteful custom motorcycles ever to have come from India. From Triumphs to Harley Davidsons to Royal Enfields, the Jaipur-based outfit has come up with some beautiful projects both independently and in collaboration with the OEMs. Latest bespoke motorcycle to get the Rajputana treatment is a KTM 390 which goes by the name Kush.
    KTM 390 Kush
    Commissioned by one Kush Bhansali, the KTM 390 Kush custom motorcycle hardly has any visual relationship with the donor motorcycle in a typical Rajputana fashion. The most significant visual feature of the custom KTM 390 is its new muscular fuel tank in a unique brown paint job. The pronounced knee indents with black plastic padding add to the sporty appeal.
    While the motorcycle retains the trellis frame which is now painted in grey instead of the flashy, Rajputana customs has equipped it with a completely bespoke rear sub-frame which appears to be made of machined aluminium.
    It also doubles up as a tailpiece and accommodates a thin saddle and custom LED taillight. A shield like panel at the front houses eccentrically placed LED headlight elements. An edgy engine cowl round off the minimal bodywork.
    KTM 390 Kush by Rajputana Customs
    Salient features
    While technical details are not available, one look is all you need to know that this motorcycle has no intentions of being road legal. The motorcycle eschews turn indicators and is equipped with slick track spec tyres.
    The aggressive clip-on handlebars and rear-set foot pegs makes for a sporty riding posture. The KTM 390 comes factory fitted with top-shelf WP suspension system which the custom motorcycle builders opted not to fiddle with but the 17-inch wheels were ditched in favor of custom spoke units.
    While the front and rear brake discs appear to have been carried forward, the master cylinder and circuit have been upgraded to aftermarket Brembo kit. The dual-channel ABS system seems to be retained. Like any other quintessential Rajputana mod, the KTM 390 Kush sports bespoke exhaust pipe with a golden tipped sleek black canister.
    KTM 390 Kush by Rajputana Customs
    Engine
    There are no obvious evidence of any engine related modifications but that is not surprising. The stock 373.2 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor with its 44 hp and Nm of torque already has ample performance to boot. The custom motorcycle is devoid of several components of the stock bike, making it lightweight. So, even without any performance enhancement, the Kush should be peppier than the stock motorcycle.
    Pricing details of the modification are not available but given the extent of changes and new components, we estimate the project to have costed over INR 1 lakh. It would have taken quite a few weeks to execute.

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    KTM Plans To Launch GasGas Enduro Motorcycles In India

    GasGas EC250F
    With is new street-legal lineup, KTM’s subsidiary would be aiming to cater to India’s under served off-road motorcycle segment

    Riding on a strong global sales performance in the recent years, KTM went on an acquisition spree in a bid to consolidate its position as Europe’s largest motorcycle brand. After bringing the Swedish Husqvarna brand into its umbrella and successfully widening its scope, the Austrian brand went ahead and acquired Spanish off-road specialist GasGas in 2019. We have learnt that KTM is gearing up to introduce GasGas in India later this year.
    GasGas enduro motorcycle coming to India
    GasGas specializes primarily in medium displacement and pure electric off-road motorcycles but with access to KTM’s well established road-legal platforms, the brand is preparing to foray into new volume-rich segments. International media reports speculate that GasGas is currently working on as many as 3 street motorcycles which are mostly likely to adopt enduro and/or adventure tourer body styles.
    While two of them are expected to be based on KTM’s 790 Duke platform, the entry level model is most likely to be a 250 cc model based on India-made Duke’s platform. So, we believe this quarter liter enduro is going to be the first GasGas to be introduced in our market.
    While the critical components of this platform are already heavily localized in India, some parts including the bodywork are likely to be imported. We expect the GasGas to have a relatively low volume run compared to its KTM and Husqvarna siblings.
    GasGas EC250F
    GasGas 250 motorcycle
    GasGas already has a 250 cc hardcore, track-focused off-roader in its international portfolio in the form of EC250F which retails at 9,700 euros (over INR 8.5 lakh) but we don’t it is a viable product for India. The brand’s new range of street motorcycles are still under wraps and India is likely to be the launch market for one of them.
    The enduro segment in India is heavily under served as of now. The Hero Impulse 200 is the closest one could get to a compact displacement enduro motorcycle in India but it still not serious enough to appeal to hardcore off-road enthusiasts.
    The upcoming GasGas motorcycle based on KTM platform would be aiming to address this niche. With WP suspension setup, high ground clearance, off-road tyres, spoke wheels and lightweight body, the motorcycle is expected to have an entirely different character compared to its platform-mates.
    Launch timeline
    If things progress as per schedule, the new street-legal GasGas enduro motorcycle should be launched in India sometime later this year. In fact the imported kits for the motorcycle have already reached India. GasGas products will be retailed through well established KTM dealership network in the country. We expect the pricing to be on the premium end and dearer than the existing KTM 250 products. More

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    2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Detailed In Official Video

    2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
    Priced at £15,999 (equivalent to INR 16.39 lakh), KTM 1290 Super Adventure R gets revised styling and a new powerplant

    KTM is known to possess a wide array of motorcycles under its portfolio which makes it an ideal brand to look out for if one is a true biking enthusiast. Among all the segments, we feel that adventure motorcycles are its forte since it has a long list of derivatives and configurations plus the fact that they are easily customisable.
    The Austrian bikemaker has now revealed the latest avatar of the meanest and the baddest adventure tourers under its roof. The brand has given its flagship 1290 Super Adventure R a significant makeover for 2021. Recently, its sibling Super Adventure S made its debut with which it shares a lot of mechanicals.
    Revised Styling
    To start with its styling, 1290 Super Adventure R looks nothing like its other adventure tourer siblings from KTM. it wears a heavily revised bodywork and it isn’t just for show. The new panel improves ergonomics when the rider decides to trot on to some broken paths.
    In fact, the colour scheme with respect to other KTM models is rather funky. Flashes of orange have been retained in the frame and external crashes while panels have been sprayed predominantly with blue and white that resemble the brand’s machines seen in the Dakar Rally.
    [embedded content]
    The bike’s frontal area is reduced which makes it slimmer than before, thus making it easier for handling on tougher undulated terrains. More noticeably it misses out on a traditional beak which most contemporary ADVs get.
    It boasts a shorter, rally-inspired adjustable windscreen along with a high-strength tapered aluminium handlebar. It gets an all-new single-piece stepped-up seat but at 880mm, it is one heck of a climb even for taller riders even though it is down by 10mm.
    Mechanical Specifications
    Underneath that skin, it features a new Euro 5-compliant 1301ccc LC8 V-twin liquid-cooled engine which kicks out 160 bhp and 138 Nm of peak torque. It is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a hydraulically actuated slipper clutch.
    2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
    Also by shredding around 1.6 kg, which has been achieved by employing new crankcases, this bike now gets a stronger power to weight ratio. This motor has also received an updated cooling system and fresh coatings in its latest update.
    The hardware setup is equally impressive for adventure trails. The Harley Davidson Pan America-rival is built on a Chromium-Molybdenum Steel trellis frame with an aluminium subframe suspended on a fully adjustable WP XPLOR 48mm fork at front and a WP XPLOR shock absorber at rear with both units having a travel of 220mm. It rides on 21-inch rear and 18-inch rear wrapped around by Bridgestone tubeless tyres. Stopping power comes from 4-piston and 2-piston Brembo callipers at front and rear respectively.
    Features & Electronic Aids
    Being a flagship, the ergonomics and mechanicals are complemented by loads of electronics that assist the rider. These include a 6-axis IMU, motor slip regulation, a quick shifter, off-road ABS, traction control and stability control. It gets four standard riding modes including Rain, Street, Sport, and Offroad and an additional Rally mode as an option. Other notable features include a 7-inch TFT instrument display which is compatible with KTM My Ride connectivity app. More

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    KTM Sales, Exports Jan 2021 – Duke, RC 125, 200, 250, 390 ADV

    Image – KTM
    KTM domestic sales in Jan 21 increased due to added demand for the 200 and 125 models while exports surged thanks to 390 and 250

    KTM India has been doing well in terms of sales, reporting YoY growth both where domestic sales and exports for Jan 2021 were concerned. MoM domestic sales also showed positive results while MoM exports fell 14.95 percent.
    Total domestic sales in Jan 21 stood at 6,777 units, up 33.80 percent as against 5,065 units sold in Jan 20 while MoM sales increased 21.31 percent as against 5,595 units sold in Dec 20. Exports on the other hand, increased 8.66 percent YoY to 6,814 units in Jan 21 as against 6,271 units exported in Jan 20 while MoM exports dipped 14.94 percent, as compared to 8,011 units exported in Dec 20.
    KTM India YoY and MoM Domestic Sales Jan 21
    In domestic markets, it was the KTM 200 that commanded the most attention. Sales in Jan 21 stood at 2,979 units, up 98.47 percent over 1,501 units sold in Jan 20. The KTM 200 currently holds 43.96 percent share in the company lineup in domestic markets.
    However, it is not as much of a draw in global markets where the KTM 390 and 250 is found to be more attractive. In terms of monthly sales, KTM 200 also increased substantially by 56.61 percent as against 1,902 units sold in Dec 20.
    KTM Sales Jan 2021
    KTM 125 sales in Jan 21 stood at 2,516 units, up 15.63 percent as against 2,176 units sold in Jan 20 while MoM sales were flat as against 2,525 units sold in Dec 20. The KTM 390 also noted a marginal increase in sales in Jan 21 at 722 units, up 5.87 percent as compared to 68 units sold in Jan 20 while MoM sales increased significantly from 394 units sold in Dec 20.
    YoY and MoM sales of KTM 250 dipped 20.68 percent to 560 units in Jan 21 down from 706 units sold in Jan 20 while MoM sales also fell 27.65 percent from 744 units sold in Dec 20.
    KTM 390 Leads Exports Jan 2021
    In global markets, it was the KTM 390 that saw the most demand despite marginal de-growth. Exports of the 390 in Jan 21 stood at 3,354 units, down 3.51 percent as against 3,476 units sold in Jan 20. It was the KTM 250 that noted the maximum growth in global markets in the past month, up 328.66 percent to 1,376 units, up from 321 units exported in Jan 20.
    KTM Exports Jan 2021
    MoM exports also surged 72 percent as compared to 800 units exported in Dec 20. Exports of the KTM 200 increased YoY but suffered a MoM de-growth while sales of KTM 125 fell both in terms of YoY and MoM basis.
    Upcoming KTMs
    A new range of KTM RC series of sportsbikes are also in the making and an RC 890 prototype has been spied testing. It comes based on the 890 Duke motorcycle and will be powered by the same 889cc parallel twin engine.
    The 2021 KTM RC390 has already been spotted testing multiple times and is slated to come in with a major overhaul over its earlier counterpart with several feature updates. It will get its power via the same 373cc engine but will now comply with stricter emission standards to produce 44 hp power and 35 Nm torque. More

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    Stolen KTM Motorcycle Found In Just 30 Hours – Owner Thanks Mumbai Police

    Image – Sujay Shivan Warrier / HVK
    Vehicle theft is a big problem, with maximum number of cases remaining unsolved

    Having one’s motorcycle stolen can be a hugely stressful experience. It not only results in financial loss, the owner also has to follow a tedious process of lodging an FIR and following up with police officials. Till they find their vehicle or buy a new one, their everyday routines could go for a toss.
    However, such experiences can also bring joy if the motorcycle is found within a reasonable time limit. Most vehicle theft cases go unsolved, but some lucky ones do get their possessions back.
    How KTM got stolen
    In a recent case that had a happy ending, a KTM owner has been able to find his stolen motorcycle in just around 30 hours. This is remarkable considering the fact that some stolen vehicles are recovered months or even years after they were stolen.
    In this particular case, the owner had left the keys on the bike. This made it easier for the thieves to put their plans into action. The culprits have not been caught yet, so it’s not certain what they intended to do with the motorcycle. It is possible that the theft could be the work of some random people who came across an opportunity and acted on it.
    Owner shares update about his stolen KTM motorcycle
    In the past, there have been cases where youngsters were found to be stealing premium motorcycles just for fun rides. Once they had exhausted the fuel, they would simply ditch the bike and leave. In comparison, hard-core vehicle thieves are in the business purely for money. The stolen vehicle is either sold in remote locations at cheap rates or parts are removed and sold in black market.
    In this case, there’s a greater possibility that amateurs were involved in the theft. The owner has stated that the culprits have been captured on CCTV and the police are actively looking for them. Their intentions will be revealed when they are caught and questioned by the police.
    Owner thanks Mumbai Police
    Expressing his gratitude, the KTM owner has thanked Mumbai Police (Juhu Branch) for finding his bike in a prompt manner. It is likely that the police had used their network of informers to trace the motorcycle.
    The bike had eye-catchy decals, which could have made it easier to spot it. Had it been a standard KTM, the job to identify it would have become a lot more challenging. That’s because there are quite a few of these in streets of Mumbai.
    Lessons learned, the owner will surely double-check here onwards, not to leave the keys on his motorcycle. It’s also necessary to ensure that KTM’s inbuilt GPS system is in working condition and related services have not expired. It’s not clear if the GPS was active in this case or if it was used to trace the stolen motorcycle. More

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    2021 KTM RC 390 Spied In Production-Ready Guise Ahead Of Launch

    2021 KTM RC 390. Image – Motorrad
    The fully faired KTM supersports motorcycle is expected to go on sale sometime later this year

    The KTM RC390 has been on the market for quite sometime and is due for a replacement. Ever since its launch in 2013, the fully faired medium displacement bike has been dominating its segment but competition has gotten intense in recent times. KTM is working on a new generation model which has been spotted in Europe without any camouflage in its near-production-ready guise.
    2021 KTM RC 390 – What’s new?
    As the previous spyshots already confirmed, the 2021 KTM RC 390 employs a completely new design. Enjoying the center stage is a full LED headlamp which has now become the Austrian-brand’s signature.
    The transparent fairing around the headlamp is wider than before to facilitate better wind protection to the rider. It also houses funky boomerang-shaped LED turn indicators. Side panels of the fairing sport air vents for optimized flow. Even the new gen KTM RC 200 gets similar design, which was recently spotted at Bajaj plant in India.
    The new generation RC 390 also benefits from a larger fuel tank for improved range, and a new rear sub-frame which is designed to make the motorcycle more comfortable than before for tall riders. The new handlebar is also expected to bring about an improvement in the supersport motorcycle’s overall ergonomics.
    2021 KTM RC 390. Image – Motorrad
    Not surprisingly, the 2021 KTM RC 390 adopts the brand’s color TFT instrument cluster which is also seen on the Duke 390. This particular prototype seems to be testing different front and rear alloy wheels but the production version would be sporting identical units at the front and rear.
    Specifications
    The 373 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine has achieved much fame among performance enthusiasts with its sprightly 44 hp and 35 Nm of torque. The motor is connected to a 6-speed gearbox by means of a slipper clutch. Save for a few emission tweaks including a larger exhaust canister, the 2021 KTM RC 390 is not likely to feature any drastic change in performance.
    While the WP inverted telescopic front and monoshock rear suspension system has has been retained, the new motorcycle benefits from a larger front disc for better stopping power. Dual-channel ABS will be standard and KTM could throw in an IMU to make it sensitive to corners.
    2021 KTM RC 390. Image – Motorrad
    Launch
    The 2021 KTM RC 390 is scheduled to go on sale internationally later this year. Just like its predecessor, the fully faired compact displacement motorcycle will be made by Bajaj Auto at its Chakan facility near Pune. The new platform will also spawn other displacement variants including 125, 200 and 250 depending on the market. We expect the new model to be accompanied by a nominal increase in its price tag.
    In global markets, competition would come from fellow A2 warriors such as the Kawasaki Ninja 400, Honda CBR500R, Yamaha YZF-R3 and so on. We expect the new model to continue its edge as the most powerful product in its segment.
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