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  • Updated KTM Duke 250 Deliveries Start – First Look Video Walkaround

    The 2020 KTM Duke 250 gets new LED headlamp unit with DRLs
    Bajaj Auto Limited launched the 2020 KTM Duke 250 in India earlier this month. Now, the bike has started making its way into company dealerships with deliveries commencing in major cities. Bookings have also opened both at company dealerships and via the company’s online portal.

    Priced at Rs.2.09 lakhs, around Rs.4,000 over its earlier counterpart, the new Duke 250 receives full LED headlamp, a Supermoto mode and BS6 compliant engine. The two updates of a full LED headlamp unit and ‘SuperMoto’ mode have been borrowed from the 390 Duke.
    Dual Channel ABS with ‘SuperMoto’ mode
    2020 KTM Duke 250 is powered by the same 248cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine which is now in a BS6 compliant format. The engine makes 29.6 hp power at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm torque at 7,500 rpm mated to a 6 speed gearbox. It gets disc brakes on both wheels measuring 320mm in the front and 230mm at the rear with dual channel ABS and a new SuperMoto mode. Below is a walkaround video, credit to Youtube channel RGB Bikes.

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    This mode allows the Duke 250 to switch off ABS on its rear wheels with one touch functioning. Suspension is via 43mm upside down forks in the front and 10 step adjustable monoshock at the rear. The new KTM Duke 250 weighs 169 kgs and comes in with a 13.5 liter capacity fuel tank.
    Where feature updates are concerned, the full LED headlamp sets it apart from its earlier model which received halogen lamp with LED DRLs. The design of the new LED headlamps is similar to that seen on the KTM Duke 390. It also receives two new paint schemes of Dark Galvano and Silver Metallic both of which see new body graphics lending to a sportier appeal.
    Over the years, the KTM Duke 250 has gained much importance in the quarter liter segment in the country. It now goes on sale across all 460 stores spread over 365 cities and will rival the likes of the Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Yamaha FZ-25.
    KTM 250 Adventure testing
    In related news, KTM India is also testing the new quarter liter adventure tourer the 250 Adventure. Set for launch sometime in October, the test mule shows a striking resemblance to the 390 Adventure in terms of design. It will borrow its engine from the 250 Duke with the same 248.7cc engine making 29.6hp power at 9,000 rpm and 24Nm torque at 7,500 rpm mated to a 6 speed gearbox. Once launched in India, the KTM 250 Adventure would be priced around Rs.2.3-2.5 lakhs and compete against the RE Himalayan, which is also offered in a similar price range. More

  • 2021 KTM RC 390 spied in Europe with radically different front fairing

    The heavily updated model will get new sub-frame and revised ergonomics
    The KTM RC 390 received several new features in 2017 including slipper clutch but unlike its street fighter sibling, it missed out on significant visual updates. Now that the Austrian two wheeler brand has introduced the long overdue 390 Adventure, it has turned its attention towards redesigning the super sports variant of the highly successful family.
    2021 KTM RC 390 spied in Europe

    The 2021 KTM RC 390 with drastic technical as well as cosmetic changes has been spotted testing in Europe ahead of its world premiere which is reported to take place towards the end of this year. A quick first glance is enough to note that the new motorcycle features a completely redesigned fairing and a rear sub-frame.
    The 2021 KTM RC 390 adopt the Duke’s vertically bifurcated full LED headlamp which is turning out to be the brand’s new design identity. The fairing is designed around the LED unit and features a tall windscreen and aerodynamic two-layered side panels. The LED turn indicators are integrated above the headlamp. Overall, the new RC 390 looks sleeker than its already sleek predecessor. The motorcycle also receives new five-spoke alloy wheels.

    With increased popularity of KTM’s A2 license-spec motorcycles in Europe, the company has felt the need to make the RC 390 (which was primarily designed to target Asian riders) better accommodate taller riders. This seems to be the reason for an all-new rear sub-frame and some ergonomic tweaks.
    Engine, suspension and brakes
    The 2021 KTM RC 390 is expected to retain the widely acclaimed 373 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor but international media reports suggest that it will benefit from new cylinder head and revised exhaust system to comply with Euro5 emission norms. The current version’s power figure of 44 hp is not expected to change much.

    The sturdy WP inverted telescopic front forks and rear monoshock configuration will also be retained as evident from the spyshots. The 2021 KTM RC 390 prototype features a new disc brake at the front. Interestingly, the disc is mounted on the spokes rather than being fastened to the hub. This way, the rotor is made only of the part that comes in contact with the brake pads, thus leading to reduced unsprung mass. The caliper as well as ABS encoder disc are mounted on the hub as usual.
    Launch
    The 2021 KTM RC 390 is expected to be ready towards the end of 2020. India being the sole production location, we are likely to receive the updated model first. Similar design updates can be seen on other variants of the RC family as well.

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  • KTM 250 Adventure spied testing in India – Wearing accessories

    The KTM 250 Adventure shares its platform and internals with existing ‘250’ models
    KTM India, under Bajaj Auto, has made a strong statement on the Indian market after launching the 390 Adventure dual-sport motorcycle. It is arguably the best single-cylinder motorcycle on sale today, with good value for money in terms of output and equipment. Worthy rivals include Royal Enfield’s Himalayan and BMW Motorrad India’s G 310 GS (yet to receive BS6 update). The 2020MY KTM 390 Adventure comes at a starting price of Rs 2.99 lakh ex-showroom.

    The Austrian motorcycle manufacturer has already confirmed that a lesser ‘250’ version will be introduced in its Adventure range. Similar to the usual trend, KTM India’s upcoming 250 Adventure will share its assembly line and internals with existing ‘250’ models. It was only recently that the KTM 250 Duke received a major update.
    Bajaj Auto’s Chakan manufacturing facility, home to Indian-spec KTM and Husqvarna products, also makes the KTM RC250 for exports markets. A random KTM 250 Adventure prototype has been spotted whilst being tested on public roads. Images are credit to Prem Kumar.

    The quarter-litre adventure tourer was spied multiple times over the months, but this particular example looks production-ready than ever before. In addition, it is seen with off-road accessories.
    Since KTM India has updated all its products to BS6 emission norms alongside some welcome cosmetic and mechanical changes, it is safe to assume that the 250 Adventure would be launched soon. Rumours suggest that KTM India is aiming for this festive season, after which it could potentially be the most desirable choice in our market’s growing 250cc single-cylinder segment. Speculative pricing stands at roughly Rs 2.40 lakh ex-showroom.
    Specs & Features
    Key highlights include full-LED headlamp, split 6-spoke alloy wheels, USD forks, TFT instrument console (not available in the current-gen 250 Duke and RC250), dual-channel ABS (switchable), slipper clutch, etc. This particular example does not wear an adjustable flyscreen. The final version might lack knuckle guards, cornering ABS, corner-sensitive traction control, bidirectional quickshifter (KTM Quickshifter+), etc., to bring prices down. If not for different paint schemes, the 250 Adventure would look almost identical to its bigger sibling.
    As mentioned before, the KTM 250 Adventure will borrow several components from familiar ‘250’ models. Powering the dual-sport motorcycle is a 248.8cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine good for 30.57bhp @ 8,000rpm and 27.4Nm @ 6,500rpm. Coupled to 6-speed gearbox, the unit is identical to the one powering Husqvarna Motorcycles India’s Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250. However, riding characteristics would be considerably different thanks to offroad-focused sprockets.
    In comparison, the KTM 390 Adventure employs a 373.2cc motor. It churns out 43bhp @ 9,000rpm and 37Nm @ 7,000rpm. More

  • 2020 KTM Duke 250 Prices Increased – Gets Switchable ABS, LED Headlight

    The updates have added around INR 4k to the 250 Duke’s price tag
    The first pictures of updated KTM 250 Duke with full LED headlamp emerged online last week. We also brought you the information about its pricing. KTM India has now made an official announcement in this regard. The quarter liter street fighter is priced at INR 2,09,280 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
    The upgrades

    The most obvious upgrade is the LED headlamp which is a direct lift-off from the 390 Duke. The inverted trident shaped unit looks racy and is claimed to have better illumination compared to the 250’s old halogen unit.
    The 2020 KTM 250 Duke BS6 also gets ‘Supermoto‘ ABS mode which has also been derived from its bigger engined sibling. In Supermoto mode, the dual-channel ABS will function as a single-channel unit by modulating the brake pressure only at the front, leaving the rear brake pressure control entirely with the rider. Skilled riders would appreciate this while riding hard in a controlled environment.

    Another noteworthy addition to the 2020 BS6 250 Duke is the one-touch start function made possible by what KTM calls as contactless cranking. The feature is claimed to improve cold starts. The updated motorcycle also features two new liveries Dark Galvano and Silver Metallic.
    Specifications at a glance
    The 2020 KTM 250 Duke BS6 is positioned between the 200 Duke and 390 Duke to strike a fine balance between performance and affordability. The motorcycle which is made in India for select markets is powered by a 249 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor which is paired to a 6-speed transmission. The power and torque figures stand at 30 hp and 24 Nm respectively. The 250 Duke is more powerful than its segment rivals Yamaha FZ25, Suzuki Gixxer 250 and the newly launched Bajaj Dominar 250. The Dominar 250 shares its engine with the Duke but at INR 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom), it is considerably cheaper.

    Being the most premium product in its segment, the KTM 250 Duke is equipped with trellis frame, WP inverted telescopic front and monoshock rear suspension, dual-channel ABS, slipper clutch, 17-inch alloy wheels with 110 front and 150 rear (section) tyres. While the 390 offers a color TFT instrument console, the 250 makes do with a fully digital amber-backlit unit in the interest of cost saving.
    The new updates come at a mild inflation of around INR 4k compared to the BS6 update earlier this year. We think the LED headlamp, switchable rear ABS, one-touch start and the new liveries will enhance the motorcycle’s appeal significantly. The new version has already started reaching showrooms across the country. More

  • KTM India Sales vs Exports June 2020 – RC, Duke 125, 200, 250, 390

    KTM India exported almost 5 times more motorcycles than they managed to sell in domestic market for June 2020
    Just like other two-wheeler manufacturers, KTM has also registered negative YoY growth in June 2020. YoY sales are down by -60.64%, from 4,924 units in June last year to 1,938 units in June 2020. Although most showrooms are now operational across the country, it may take some time for sales numbers to bounce back to pre-Covid levels.
    KTM Domestic Sales June 2020

    Top selling KTM continues to be KTM 125 (Duke + RC) with sales of 938 units in June 2020. In comparison to 2,108 units sold in June last year, KTM 125 YoY sales are down -55.50%. KTM 125 has emerged as a popular choice for folks looking for an entry-level performance bike. Its 124.7 cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, FI engine generates max power of 15 hp and max torque of 12 Nm. Engine is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox.
    At number two is KTM 200 (Duke + RC), which was the first KTM to be launched in the Indian market. It was the top selling KTM till the time the most affordable KTM 125 arrived on the scene. A total of 584 units were sold in June 2020, registering YoY de-growth of -69.12%. Sales during the corresponding period last year stood at 1,891 units.

    KTM India Domestic sales vs Exports June 2020
    Next in the list is KTM Duke 250 with 300 units sold in June 2020. YoY sales are down -47.37%, as compared to 570 units sold in June last year. KTM 390 (Duke + RC + ADV) takes the fourth place with 116 units sold in June 2020. As compared to 355 units sold in June last year, YoY sales have dropped by -67.32%.
    KTM 790 Duke is not featured in the list, as it is yet to be updated to BS6. It is expected that BS6 compliant KTM 790 will be launched in August 2020. The bike was imported into India via the CKD route. Only limited units were imported, all of which have been sold out.
    KTM exports June 2020
    Talking about exports, all KTM bikes have registered positive growth in June 2020. A total of 9,633 units were exported, which is YoY growth of 128.87%. KTM total exports in June last year was 4,209 units.
    KTM 390 range leads the pack with 4,575 units exported in June 2020. In comparison to 1,617 units exported in June last year, YoY growth works out at 182.93%. This huge growth registered by the 390 range was because of the ADV 390. Next is KTM 125 with 2,526 units exported in June. YoY growth is 128.18%, as compared to 1,107 units exported in June last year.
    At number three is KTM 200 with 1,817 units, registering YoY growth of 32.53%. Exports during the same period last year stood at 1,371 units. At fourth place is KTM 250 with 715 units exported in June 2020. YoY growth has jumped by a massive 527.19%, the best of all KTMs in percentage terms. Exports during the same period last year stood at 114 units.
    Also Read
    Bajaj Sales vs Exports – June 2020
    Husqvarna Sales vs Exports – June 2020
    No
    KTM Domestic
    Jun-20
    Jun-19
    Diff
    %
    1
    125
    938
    2,108
    -1,170
    -55.50
    2
    200
    584
    1,891
    -1,307
    -69.12
    3
    250
    300
    570
    -270
    -47.37
    4
    390
    116
    355
    -239
    -67.32

    Total
    1,938
    4,924
    -2,986
    -60.64
     
     
     
     
     
     
    No
    KTM Exports
    Jun-20
    Jun-19
    Diff
    %
    1
    125
    2,526
    1,107
    1,419
    128.18
    2
    200
    1,817
    1,371
    446
    32.53
    3
    250
    715
    114
    601
    527.19
    4
    390
    4,575
    1,617
    2,958
    182.93

    Total
    9,633
    4,209
    5,424
    128.87
     
     
     
     
     
     
    No
    KTM India
    June 2020 Domestic
    June 2020 Exports
    Diff
    %
    1
    125
    938
    2,526
    -1,588
    -62.86
    2
    200
    584
    1,817
    -1,233
    -67.85
    3
    250
    300
    715
    -415
    -58.04
    4
    390
    116
    4,575
    -4,459
    -97.46

    Total
    1,938
    9,633
    -7,695
    -79.88 More

  • 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