In a mysterious turn of events, a couple of KTM Adventure bikes have been spotted in India. These bikes were spotted by one of our spies when he was driving back from Kolar a few weeks back.
There were a couple of bikes riding together. One of the bikes was a KTM 950 adventure, whereas the other was the bigger KTM 1190 Adventure. Both the riders were clad in full protective gear. On being asked by our spy, the riders of the KTM Adventures just remained mum.
The KTM 950 Adventure is a Dual-sport motorcycle that was produced in Austria. The bike is powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC 942 cc 75° V-twin engine, producing around 102 bhp of peak power. This bike was designed to embrace a compact, lightweight form and feel at home on trails and dirt roads. Yet, it had to be able to rev fairly high and perform well enough on paved surfaces.
The KTM 1190 Adventure is the bigger sibling when it comes to off-roading. In typical KTM manner, it is lightweight and nimble. It carries a 75-degree V-Twin called the LC8 engine. The engine is actually derived from the powerplant that pushes the KTM 1190 RC8 superbike forward. The engine squats on a well-designed chassis accompanied by latest electronic guardians like MTC ( Motorcycle Traction Control ), C-ABS ( Combined ABS ) and TPMS ( Tire Pressure Measurement System ).
Emerging of these bikes on Indian roads does throw up some questions in our minds. They do not have any registration plates. Especially, when the two riders refused to speak up on the grounds that they are not empowered to reveal much. However, the questions in our minds are riddled with doubts and contempt!!
Is KTM mulling over launching these bikes in India, atleast the smaller one of them? We run into a dead end here, as the requisite motorcycle segment is not even remotely existent in India. KTM has been running its show in India for a couple of years now, with their latest inroad being made with the help of the 390 Duke. A quantum jump in the engine displacement of their products, accompanied by a shift in the segment they want to concentrate on, does seem a bit far-fetched.
Nevertheless, it is KTM that we are talking about. Their maverick approach is well known. 😉
Do you have any hints or tips, do pass on to us..!
KTM Adventure Bikes India
