Looks like KTM fans are up for some disappointment. The biking enthusiasts have long since been waiting for higher displacement KTM bikes. The closest was the 790 Duke, which was launched back in 2019, but had to be discontinued after the BS6 emission norms kicked in.
KTM fans always wanted to have larger capacity, more powerful bikes that KTM sells internationally. After the discontinuation, there were hopes that the 890 Duke would make its way to our shores. Sadly, it didn’t happen. At the 2022 India Bike week, the company displayed the 1290 Super Duke to gauge customer response. But there is no news on the same as well. Back at the 2019 India Bike week, KTM has similarly displayed that 790 Adventure but even it didn’t see the light of the day.
Recently, when KTM announced the one millionth bike to roll out from the Bajaj’s Chakan plant, Stefan Pierer, CEO at KTM told that India’s high tax rates along with the low volumes for the big bikes make it a challenge to sell such bikes in the country. The financial viability is no longer there due to these two aforementioned reasons. Further, the low volumes all but guarantee that local production can’t be justified for such small sales numbers.
The achievement showcases Bajaj Auto’s hunger as a global manufacturing hub for motorcycles across categories. Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant is one of the key centres for exports in the country. In fact, half of the KTMs were shipped to mature markets worldwide. Bajaj Auto co-develops and manufactures a range of motorcycles with other automakers. This includes KTM (125cc to 390cc) and Husqvarna (125cc to 401cc) brands. Many of the models produced get all the cutting-edge technology like Motorcycle Traction Control, Cornering ABS, Supermoto ABS, Quickshifter, and TFT displays. Some of these have been firsts in the segment. Most importantly, these introductions have also led to an upgrade in the technology landscape of Indian motorcycles as well as the vendor ecosystem.
Also Read – KTM 490 bikes cancelled, new 690 being planned.