KTM 390 Duke Launched

Bajaj Auto launched the much anticipated naked motorcycle, KTM 390 Duke ABS today. The bike is equipped with much needed ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) technology, which is standard. The 390 Duke has been unbelievably priced at Rs. 1,80,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) for its introductory version. The booking will start on 26th June, 2013, across 72 dealerships in 60 cities in India.



The all new machine from the Austrian naked motorcycle brand will be a new chapter for the whole Indian motorcycle industry. Bajaj is the sole distributor of KTM in India and the company has 47% stake in KTM.



There is nothing much difference in appearance. At a mere glance, we may think that it is the same Duke 200. Yup! It almost looks like its younger sibling. Well, if you keenly look at the bike, you can witness some interesting differences. Its steel trellis subframe in orange color is the highlight, which ensures a new look to the bi-wheeler. The body graphics on visor, fuel tank, engine cover and everywhere is totally dissimilar. And we can see a bigger label '390 Duke' on the fuel tank. Moreover, couple of orange alloy wheels are placed rather than the blacked wheels. Nevertheless, we all know that it's not the design but the performance is what the criteria that makes one to switch to one.



The Duke 390 comes with a 373.2 cc, Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine, liquid-cooled engine. It has electric starting system. Mated with a massive engine, the naked street beauty produces maximum power of 43.5 Ps @ 9000 Rpm and maximum torque of 35 Nm @ 7000 Rpm, which is certainly very aggressive to the other machines comes under the same price tag. Its engine is coupled with a 6-speed, claw shifted transmission.



Since it owns a bit larger engine, to have a better cooling technology is a must. So KTM has installed a liquid cooling system, which does things with continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump. While, the contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment ensure better pick up and powerful ride.



To reduce weight, the Austrian manufacturer has used tubular space frame which is made from powder-coated chrome molybdenum steel. This never questions the reliability and manoeuvrability of the tw0-wheeler. Additionally, a WP Suspension Up Side Down fork and a WP Monoshock shock absorber work for suspension to certify the best in class riding comfort.



Sport bikes are meant to fly, especially naked bikes. So braking is ought to be the boldest. A disc brake with four-pot brake caliper at front and a disc brake with one-pot brake caliper, floating brake discs at rear do a brilliant job even at high speeds. It has an 11 liters fuel tank and the bike weighs 145 kg without fuel.



Honda CBR 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 300, and Hyosung GT250R are the rivals of the 390 Duke.