(Note – The image shown here is not the spy picture of KTM Duke 390 but is that of a 2013 KTM 1190 Super Duke. The engine size, the broad tyres and that muscular panals, all of this shouts that the bike isn’t a KTM Duke 390.)
We have been constantly reporting that Bajaj Auto in collaboration with the KTM power sports is developing a 375cc sports bike. Now the folks at Zigwheels, reveal the more details of KTM Duke 390 (previously of KTM Duke 350 & KTM Duke 375 fame) continue to emerge ahead of the EICMA show in Milan, which is scheduled to start on the 15th of November.
It is expected that the Duke 390 will borrow most of the parts from Duke 200 like lightweight swing arm and other suspension parts, which will help Bajaj to reduce the cost. And also the instrument console is believed to be the same but with more features. Compared to Duke 200, the Duke 390 will get bigger tyres and disc brakes. However, KTM should incorporate some styling changes to make it look more premium, since the buyer is going to be paying a lot more than the 200.
The new motorcycle will in all probability be referred to as the 390 Duke, staying in line with KTM’s policy of naming its models like the 990 and the 690. Powering the 390 Duke will be a 375cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled 4-valve engine and feeding it will be an advanced fuel injection system delivering close to 45 horsepower! That makes for a staggering power-to-weight figure of 300 bhp/tonne! To put things into perspective, the KTM Duke 200 manages 184 bhp/tonne and it’s one quick motorcycle.
The Duke 390 will be manufacturered at Bajaj Auto’s factory at Chakan, Pune along side other duke member 200 and 125. It is speculated that KTM will launch the bike in international markets next-years (2013), and only after that we can expect the Duke 390 to be launched in India. Well, if rumours are to believed, the machine will have a price tag close to the Rs 2 lakh mark and if all these things turn out to be true, the Bajaj has clear winners on its hand!
Also see – Bajaj Auto confirms the launch of Pulsar 375 in 2013
KTM & Bajaj Auto started working on the 375cc sports bike
Image Credit – Asphalt and Rubber
Source – ZigWheels
