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  • New KTM Duke, RC buyers could win Free iPhone 11 every week

    KTM India has also announced FREE road side assistance and warranty extension
    KTM has now announced multiple benefits on booking a new KTM motorcycle in India. Benefits include free three year additional warranty (over the standard two yrs); free one year Road Side Assistance (RSA) plan. The limited period offer is valid till September 20, 2020.

    Booking also puts you in the pool where one stands a chance to win an iPhone 11, and multiple KTM merchandise (KTM fan package) during each week, the benefits are on offer. The offer is valid on purchase of any new KTM motorcycle, including Duke 125, Duke 200, Duke 250, Duke 390, RC 125, RC 200 and RC 390.
    KTM India has had no trouble in establishing itself as a premium motorcycle, and enjoys quite the reputation. The KTM fan package giveaway is valued at about Rs 5k, but is been given to KTM customers at no cost during the campaign period.

    Image – KTM Ankleshwar
    Sumeet Narang, President (Probiking) at Bajaj Auto Ltd. said “KTM is the most loved European brand among the biking enthusiasts in India with a phenomenal response for every product upgrade & introduction. To further encourage brand aspirants to own a KTM, we have raised the value proposition by providing a limited period offer of free three years extended warranty and one year road side assistance. All that the customers have to do is rush to our stores and book their favourite KTM to avail the benefits.”
    Having started business in India in 2012, KTM is now available in more than 365 cities with 460 stores. The auto manufacturer has the endorsement of 2.7 lakh bikers here, which makes India the largest global market for KTM.
    New KTM Duke 250
    KTM India will soon launch updated Duke 250 along with a price hike. The new D250 will come with LED headlight setup, instead the halogen setup which is seen on the current Duke 250. The new LED setup is borrowed from the more expensive Duke 390 and comes with same specs. Price of new Duke 250 is Rs 2.09 lakhs, ex-sh. It is Rs 4,000 more expensive than the Duke 250 with halogen headlight.
    Delay in deliveries
    Some owners have reported that deliveries of KTM motorcycles is taking longer than expected. If you are wondering why the delay, it is due to multiple reasons. As mentioned earlier, the auto industry ecosystem has been majorly disrupted by the lockdown. Even though restrictions have been eased during Lockdown 4.0, entities like auto component manufacturers and other suppliers are not 100% operational. Achieving stability and efficiency in the auto industry will take some time, which will naturally result in delays. Furthermore OEMs are yet to start production at full capacity. This is bound to create a gap between demand and supply.
    In case of KTM, another key reason for the delay is the significant backlog in exports. The company exports around 5k units per month, which has not been happening since the lockdown. It is likely that the company will try to clear the export backlog in the immediate future. The good thing for KTM is that international markets are now opening up including Europe. Even KTM’s production facility in its home country Austria has resumed operations.
    Soon after resuming operations, KTM had increased prices across its BS6 range. KTM motorcycles are now costlier by around 4k-5k. Husqvarna 250 twins have also become costlier by Rs 4,736 each. Delay in delivery periods are expected to come down to usual levels in the coming weeks. More

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    KTM EMotion Electric Scooter Concept Sketch – Looks Sharp

    The European-funded EMotion research project will use two technology demonstrators to develop a versatile, scalable and cost-effect EV architecture
    A sketch of what is purported to be Bajaj Chetak-based KTM electric scooter is doing rounds on the internet. While it does have KTM branding on it and clearly derives its design inspiration from the manufacturer’s E-Speed electric scooter concept, it is certainly not related to Chetak.
    KTM EMotion Concept – Background

    The project EMotion is a European-funded research project which involves 11 partners with Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) taking the lead. KTM Technologies GmbH and KTM AG are also part of this 3-year research project which aims to develop inexpensive, energy-efficient and comfortable electric two-wheelers belonging to European Category L electric bicycles. What you see in the sketch is merely a representation of one of the technology demonstrators which will be realized during the course of the project.
    The project aims to develop zero-emission two wheelers for young (16-18 years) and older (50+ years) generations with reduced footprint and improved environment friendliness compared to conventional two wheelers.
    EMotion Research Project – Key Focus Areas

    The research project will attempt to eliminate the weaknesses of current electric two wheelers by developing modular, scalable and highly efficient electric drives and batteries, with specific focus on reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Several technologies will be explored to maximize energy efficiency in addition to improving stability and handling.
    The research objectives are split into three areas namely, 1. innovative lightweight construction and component arrangement, 2. highly efficient electric drive and charging components, and 3. user-oriented human-machine interface together with a novel on-board information system.
    Next Plan
    Two technology demonstrators (one 4 kW and one 8 kW unit) are slated to be built in the first 8 months of the project. With KTM being the only two wheeler OEM among the 11 partners, we expect both the EMotion demonstrators to be built by the Austrian firm. The test prototypes will undergo pilot trials for 8 months in urban and rural environments around Salzburg area.
    So, to recap, the KTM EMotion is not a product but a research platform which is expected to spawn several commercially viable technology solutions for compact zero emission mobility. Most of these solutions can be expected to be implemented on future KTM electric vehicles. The European research project is scheduled to conclude in February 2023.
    Bajaj KTM synergy on electric scooters
    KTM is indeed working on several electric two wheeler projects most of which will be made by Bajaj Auto in India. Bajaj will also develop its own versions based on the KTM electric two wheeler architecture. So, we won’t be surprised if we find solutions developed by EMotion research project on board future Bajaj EVs.
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  • KTM 250 Duke gets LED headlight from Duke 390 – Spy Shots

    There are no other changes on the quarter liter street fighter except the full LED headlamp
    When KTM introduced the new 390 Duke with upmarket equipment, it also introduced a 250 cc variant with a few cost cutting measures to cater to select markets including India. The bigger-engined Duke with its configurable color TFT display and a sharp looking full LED headlamp positions itself as a premium medium displacement street fighter, the 250 with halogen lamp (plus LED DRLs) and amber-backlit LCD instrument console has a mid-premium appeal to it. Well, not anymore.

    The 2020 KTM 250 Duke with updated full LED headlamps just like the one of 390 Duke has been spied. It looks like the new version has already started reaching dealer stockyards in the country. The naked bike which received its BS6 update earlier this year retails at a little over INR 2 lakh (ex-showroom) but the headlamp update is likely to inflate the price even further. We expect to know more in the coming days. The instrument console, however, continues to be a simple digital unit.
    The new full LED headlamp units is identical to the one on the 390 Duke. In fact, the entire Europe-spec Duke family employs the same unit in international market including the entry level 125 cc variant. The sharp looking unit is bifurcated vertically and alights with the brand’s latest design identity. Hat tip to auto enthusiast Miraj and Akshay for sharing the details with us.

    Existing KTM Duke 250 with halogen headlamp
    2020 KTM 250 Duke at a glance
    There seem to be no other changes to the India-spec 2020 KTM 250 Duke. The quarter liter motorcycle continues to be underpinned by steel trellis frame, WP upside front forks, WP rear monoshock, and 17-inch wheels with 110 mm (section) front and 150 mm rear tyres. Braking system comprises a 300 mm front and 230 mm rear disc by ByBre which are governed by Bosch dual-channel ABS (can be switched off).
    Power comes from a liquid-cooled 249 cc single-cylinder engine which is mated to a 6-speed gearbox via a assist and slipper clutch. The motor produces an impressive 30 hp and 24 Nm of torque.

    New KTM Duke 250 with LED headlamp
    The 2020 KTM 250 Duke rivals the Yamaha FZS 25 and Suzuki Gixxer 250 in India. Both the competitors recently received BS6 updates and are priced significantly lower than the Duke but they are also significantly low on power output.
    The lockdown has forced all OEMs including Bajaj to suspend product temporarily and this has resulted in delivery delays. We expect the LED headlamp equipped 250 Duke to be officially launched in the coming weeks with a noticeable bump in price tag. More

  • KTM 390 Adventure at Rs 6,999 EMI – Exchange offer, up to 95% finance offer

    The KTM 390 Adventure is arguably the best single-cylinder motorcycle available in India
    KTM India launched its flagship adventure tourer or dual-sport motorcycle, 390 Adventure back in January 2020 at a starting price of Rs 2.99 lakh ex-showroom. It is one of the first products from the brand to attain BS6 specifications and arguably the best buy in India’s emerging single-cylinder sports motorcycle category. KTM India, part of Bajaj Auto, further plans to launch a trimmed-down ‘250 Adventure’ in the near future.

    Ex-showroom (Delhi) pricing of the KTM 390 Adventure currently stands at Rs 3.04 lakh. This is still a reasonable figure considering the host of segment-first features offered with it. The motorcycle primarily rivals the Royal Enfield Himalayan while BMW Motorrad India is almost ready with the BS6-compliant G 310 GS. If rumours are correct, the entry-level BMW G 310 siblings will come with a hefty discount in their updated BS6 format.
    KTM 390 Adventure – Finance Options
    KTM India has partnered with Bajaj Finance and HDFC Bank to offer finance coverage up to 95 per cent, with competitive interest rates and flexible tenures. However, the primary highlight is the brand’s very own EMI programmes starting at Rs 6,999 per month (for five years) with up to 80 per cent coverage on its on-road price.

    KTM 390 Adventure
    Sumeet Narang, President (Probiking) at Bajaj Auto, states that the KTM 390 Adventure is a “pivotal addition” to the brand’s expanding portfolio which recently included the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250. He added that the adventure tourer is a promising, capable and versatile product for India’s biking enthusiasts. Hence, the new finance schemes are aimed to open new possibilities for potential buyers to own the KTM 390 Adventure.
    KTM 390 Adventure – Overview
    The 2020MY KTM 390 Adventure is powered by a 373.2cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine generating almost 43bhp @ 9,000rpm and 37Nm @ 7,000rpm. The powerplant is familiar from KTM’s other ‘390’ offerings, Duke and RC. This is mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch alongside a bidirectional quickshifter, dubbed Quickshifter+.
    Other features include full-LED headlamps, adjustable windscreen, TFT instrument console, KTM MyRide smartphone connectivity (optional), three-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) coupled to cornering ABS; ride-by-wire, offroad mode, cornering traction control, etc. It rides on Metzeler Tourance tyres and weighs about 177kg. Fuel tank capacity stands at 14.3 litres. There are only two colour choices: White and Orange.
    India is one of the very first markets to get KTM’s all-new single-cylinder adventure tourer. In global markets, it has already become a highly desirable starter bike. More

  • KTM RC 250 fairing removed – Modified into a neo-retro Cafe Racer

    Minority Custom Motorcycle (MCM) has taken a unique styling approach for the KTM RC 250 platform
    Austrian] two-wheeler manufacturer KTM has three single-cylinder BS6 model lines in its Indian portfolio: Duke, RC and Adventure. The range starts with the KTM 125 Duke in the 125cc sports category and goes up to the 390 Adventure in the 300-400cc sports tourer or dual-sport segment.

    The faired KTM RC line has two variants: 200 and 390. Meanwhile, the KTM RC 250 is not available on the Indian market despite being assembled at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan manufacturing facility for exports.
    KTM India might consider its launch at some point in the future, especially since the 390 Adventure is getting a trimmed-down ‘250’ sibling soon. There has not been a compelling choice in the 250cc faired-sports category since Honda Motorcycle India discontinued its CBR250R.

    Minority Custom Motorcycle (MCM), based in Indonesia, has modified an RC 250 into a neo-retro cafe racer. Headed by Jonathan Evan, MCM has definitely chosen a challenging aesthetic approach in the project. One does not usually come across a faired motorcycle customised into a cafe racer, let alone a neat example. The motorcycle belongs to a client in eastern Indonesia.
    The Aim
    Jonathan and his team have retained some of the original KTM DNA with its bright orange theme against dark metallic grey (in line with the engine’s shade). Minority Custom Motorcycle states that the project is a tribute to ‘60s cafe racers. It gives an insight into how a KTM cafe racer would look like. At present, the closest thing to a ‘KTM 250 Cafe’ is the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250.
    Notable Features
    Proper attention was given to change the angular looks of the donor motorcycle without any chances of abruptness in the final design. To make this happen, the RC 250 wears a handmade steel-sheet fuel tank of the same capacity.

    KTM RC 250 Modified
    Key highlights include single-seat layout, wasp tail cowl with integrated brake lamp; ‘halo’ LED headlamp + visor, custom clip-on handlebars, single-pod instrument console, Bridgestone Battlax tyres, stainless steel exhaust piping with Scorpion muffler and more. Extra bodywork had to be installed to cover off some of the electricals hidden by the stock fairing. The new clip-ons changed its original rider triangular substantially that MCM had to set the footpegs further back.
    Power Plant
    MCM has not made any major revisions to the power plant. In Indian-spec BS6 format, the 248.8cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine churns out 30.57bhp @ 8,000rpm and 27.4Nm @ 6,500rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch.

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  • KTM RC 200 modified by owner in Kerala – Gets styling upgrade, new colour

    The modified KTM RC 200 also sports some styling upgrades from Pune-based Autologue Design
    KTM India updated its entire single-cylinder line-up to BS6 specifications earlier this year, in addition to launching the all-new 390 Adventure dual-sport motorcycle. The Austrian-origin automaker primarily has three model lines: Duke, RC and Adventure. While the naked-sports Duke is available in 125, 200, 250 and 390 formats, the faired-sports RC range lacks a ‘250’ version (although it is assembled in India for export markets). The KTM RC 200 is arguably the most popular choice among them.

    In BS6 format, the KTM RC 200 (as well as other KTM ‘200’ models) gets new choices of colour and graphics. Prices start at Rs 1.97 lakh ex-showroom. It is powered by a 199.5cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine making 24.65bhp @ 10,000rpm and 19.2Nm @ 8,000rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed transmission.
    Thanks to its different styling approach and impressive performance (for a 200cc single), the KTM RC 200 is a hit among young buyers. While some build capable track machines over it, many others personalise its aesthetics using aftermarket parts and unique paint/wrap schemes (oftentimes tastelessly). In a sea of weirdly-customised examples, this particular RC 200 from Kerala stands apart in a good way.

    KTM RC 200. Credit – the_demonspeed
    The owner (the_demonspeed on Instagram) has opted a gloss metallic blue/white combo against a gloss-black theme. Orange details are kept to a minimum, unlike its stock avatar. As the images suggest, the wrap was done at a detailing centre called Zed One. The motorcycle also wears some custom components from Pune-based Autologue Design.
    Combined with an extended visor, number plate delete (cannot remain like that on the road) and decals, the KTM RC 200 (BS4 version) looks good in the pictures. However, the single-seat configuration, without an actual seat or cushioning, might compromise on practicality or at least daily useability. Even MotoGP bikes that sport the most committed riding position have some form of cushioning.
    Mechanically, it remains the same. The BS4-compliant ~200cc engine generates almost identical figures as its newer BS6 counterpart. KTM AG has been working on an all-new RC generation for quite some time. The only images of it are those of early test mules or prototypes with temporary body panels.

    Rumours suggest that KTM will debut its next-gen single-cylinder faired sportbike at EICMA 2021. Meanwhile, both EICMA 2020 and INTERMOT 2020, two of the biggest motorcycle shows in the world, were cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. More

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    KTM 490 Duke, Adventure under development in India for 2022 launch

    KTM 390 ADV image for ref. The news of KTM working on a 500 cc multiple-variant platform is not new. Back in late 2018, the Austrian motorcycle brand’s CEO Stefan Pierer went on record to confirm the existence of this project. He also added that Bajaj Auto would be developing the medium-displacement architecture in India […] More

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    KTM Adv 390, Duke 125, 200, 250, 390, RC prices increase – 2020 May

    As India completes its third phase of COVID-19 lockdown protocols, automotive dealerships in select cities (green and orange zones) are gradually opening for business. Last week, Bajaj Auto shared the full list of KTM India dealerships (which also double up as Husqvarna outlets) that have been opened following all recommended COVID-19 safety guidelines. Previously, the […] More