Bajaj Auto Limited (BAL), the world's third largest and country's second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, is working towards the launch of its KTM Duke 390 sports bike in the domestic market. The company has developed the Duke 390 especially for Indian audience, which will be its most expensive offering in the country, till date. As per industry sources, Bajaj Auto has confirmed to bring its KTM Duke 390 model to Indian shores, by the end of March 2013.
Evidently, Bajaj Auto has recorded decent sales of its KTM Duke 200 model in the country. The domestic bike enthusiasts welcomed the company's collaboration with Austrian sports motorcycle maker KTM last year, through which the Duke 200 bike arrived. The yet-to-be launched Duke 390 will be the most powerful motorcycle developed by the Bajaj Auto and KTM tie-up, and has captured the imagination of most high speed loving adrenaline junkies of the country.
The upcoming 2013 KTM Duke 390 was unveiled at last year's edition of EICMA (Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori) auto salon, which is held annually in Milan, Italy. The futuristic looking Duke 390 sports bike was received well by automobile press media at the motorcycle show, besides managing some great reviews and comments from top industry experts.
Coming to the engine specifications of soon-to-be launched Bajaj KTM Duke 390, the sports bike will incorporate a 373 cc, single cylinder, injected motor in a DOHC 4 valve configuration. The powerful engine is anticipated to belt out a peak power output close to 44 bhp, along with a maximum torque delivery of 35 Nm. The engine assembly will come mated to a six speed manual transmission system, with short gear ratios developing pacy quick boosts and an immensely powerful pick up.
Upon its launch on domestic front, the KTM Duke 390 sports bike will become the most powerful two-wheeler ever made in the country. Bajaj and KTM are expected to introduce Duke 390 with the much fawned upon Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), as an option as well. The Duke 390 is expected to be locally assembled in the country, at the company's Pune based Chakan manufacturing unit. The pricing of KTM Duke 390 ABS is expected to be at least Rs. 30,000 dearer than its non-ABS standard variant. Industry sources suggest that Bajaj Auto could launch its Duke 390 sports bike with a starting price around Rs. 2 lakhs, which can go on till Rs. 2.3 lakhs for the ABS equipped model.
