KTM RC250 Spotted Testing in Pune; All Hints Point at its Launch

RC250 launch will plug the big gap in KTM’s portfolio…

In a very surprising update, we have the 2017 KTM RC250 being tested in India. This orange test mule was spotted in Pune by an XBHP member Shyam Mora. In the discussion he also tells that there was a 2017 Duke 390 accompanying this faired lady and had its engine hidden.

RC250 Launch in India Possible?

Earlier this year, KTM dropped a bomb by introducing the naked 2017 Duke 250 at the very last moment. The Duke 200 was kept as an older-generation model to prevent cannibalisation. When asked “Why Duke 250 and not RC250?“, Mr Amit Nandi, head of KTM India, said that Duke 250 is more broadbased and has a wider usage.

Now if we carefully look at it – the Duke 250 and RC200 are priced roughly around the Rs 1.75 Lakh mark ex-showroom Delhi. Then we have a big gap, followed by the 2017 Duke 390 and RC390 both of which are priced between 2.30-2.35 Lakhs (ex-Delhi). This Rs 60,000 gap has probably given Bajaj a sniff that they can plug it with a new motorcycle and nothing better than the faired 250.

RC250 launch

RC250, which can cost close to or slightly under Rs 2 lakh mark can be a good option for people considering a more powerful motorcycle than the 200 but the 390, for them, is probably a wee bit too wild.

Like the naked, RC250 produces 31.3 PS of peak power at 9000 rpm and 24 Nm of max torque at 7250 rpm from its 248.8 cc liquid cooled motor which is a re-sleeved version of the 373 cc mill of the hooligan Duke 390. It (RC250) weighs 147 kg and gets a slipper clutch, switchable ABS etc.

Also Read: Duke 390 Based Husqvarna Motorcycles Indian Launch Confirmed by Bajaj

Closer inspection reveals that this test mule pictured on this page is equipped with ABS however ride by wire, Duke 390’s LCD screen etc are expected to be given a miss.


Also Read: Officially Confirmed for India KTM 390 Adventure’s Speculative Render Pics

Since the motorcycle is ready and is being sold in few other markets, RC 250 launch in India may not take too much of a time.