The thirst for a quality sports motorcycle at non-exorbitant price tags was partially quenched by Yamaha’s R15. However, despite being a phenomenal track focused 150 cc, the R15 did leave enthusiasts in want for some more power. And in came the brute 44 horses loaded KTMs Duke and RC390s which have literally changed the game here in India.
Duke 390 and RC390 are two of the largest selling small-capacity performance motorcycles in India and in a very interesting leak, it has been revealed that KTM may be working on launching a new Duke 390 sometime in 2017.
As per Zauba, KTM has imported at least two units of the 390 Duke from Austria into India. Now, we know there is nothing real revealing here! However, look at the complete shipment detail and you will see ‘MY17’ where ‘MY’ stands for ‘Model Year’, which means these are 2017 model year products which have arrived in India for Research & Development from KTM’s home in Austria.
If you are unaware, KTM’s smaller motorcycles are manufactured and exported from India under the Bajaj-KTM alliance umbrella to save on costs.
This is the new 31.3PS Duke 250. Click on the pic for more details
The details also mention that the engine would remain the same 374cc, which anyways doesn’t need any capacity enhancement. It is unlikely that the company will increase the output as that will interfere with the A2 clearance. Nothing more than this is known at this point.
Apart from some cosmetic changes, we will love to see the introduction of projector headlamps along with any niggles that need to be ironed out…
The Duke 390 was recently updated with at least 20 changes which also includes addition of slipper clutch to the model. Here is the list…