The grapevine in the Indian motorcycle market is abuzz with the speculation that the much anticipated naked bike, KTM Duke 390 is about to be launched in the country. This motorcycle was unveiled by the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, KTM Sportmotorcycle AG at the 2012 EICMA show held in Milan. It is speculated that the motorcycle will be unveiled in the country alongside the launch of Kawasaki Ninja 300 by Bajaj Auto on April 10, 2013.
This motorcycle is a buffed up sibling of the Duke 200 already on sale in India. It is expected that the new bike will be featuring the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and 4-stroke, single-cylinder DOHC powertrain with 373.2 cc displacement at its disposal. This motor boasts of a maximum power output of 43.25 bhp at 9500 rpm and 35 Nm of peak torque at 7250 rpm. This motorcycle will be equipped with a 6-speed transmission unit and will be able to touch 100 kmph from a stand still in less than 7 seconds.
According to the Business Head, KTM India, Amit Nandi, the Duke 390 will be launched soon across the country and will come with a price tag in the range of Rs. 2.3 to Rs. 2.5 lakh. At present, this motorcycle from the Austrian two-wheeler manufacturer does not have any potential rival in the country. However, if rumours are to be believed than the Honda CBR400R is also heading towards the Indian shores and will lock horns with the KTM Duke 390. The Honda CBR400R is slated to be launched with a much advanced Combined ABS (C-ABS) and price tag of around Rs. 3 lakh, which makes it a tough contender for upcoming KTM Duke 390. Experts believe that it is high time a powerful 350-400 cc motorcycle is launched for the domestic bike enthusiasts and the advent of these two motorcycles will prove to be a delight.
