Super performance bike KTM Duke 390 has been launched in its home turf of Austria last week. In India, motorcycle enthusiasts would have to wait till May 2013 for this bike, when it will be officially launched at an expected price around Rs. 2 lakhs. Currently, its younger sibling, the KTM 200 is available for Rs. 1.33 lakh (prices ex-showroom New Delhi).
As expected, the KTM 390 is more powerful than the KTM 200. It has a new 375 cc engine, which generates a maximum power output of 44 bhp. The new engine weighs only 39 kg and the bike comes with a supreme power-to-weight ratio of 339 bhp/ton, which is 199 bhp/ton for the KTM 200. In terms of performance, the KTM 390 accelerates from 0-100 kmph in under 6 seconds with its top speed recorded at160 kmph. It is easily able to maintain grip on the slippery and cold roads of Austria, due to special high-grip Metzler tyres.
The new KTM 390 will be built in partnership with Bajaj Auto, which is one of the top motorcycle manufacturers in the country. Competitive pricing of this performance bike has been possible due to localisation of various spare parts. This bike is being built at the Bajaj Auto plant in Chakan near Pune. From this factory, KTM 390 will also be exported to different markets of the world.
One of the bikes that would also fall in the same category is the Kawasaki Ninja 300 that has already been released. In the near future, Bajaj Auto may also launch a 300 cc version of its flagship bike, the Pulsar. Such performance bikes augur well for the growth of the Indian premium motorcycle segment. However, with great power comes great responsibility and riders must remember this while riding such powerful motorcycles.
