Bajaj to Launch KTM 690 Duke in 2014

The whole Indian motorcycle industry witnessed the launch of KTM 390 Duke last day. And before burning out the heat on KTM, here we have one more story that Bajaj is planning to launch its third naked street machine in India. Well, it's none other than the 690 Duke. The strategy was revealed by Bajaj Auto Managing Director, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj.



"Conquering BMW KTM is the top seller in the Europe. The company has a great brand value. Launching the 200 Duke in Indian last year, we have crossed more than 25,000 units of sales. That is the firm is selling around 2000-2500 units every month. Obviously, the 200 Duke is a big success. Hopefully, the 390 Duke ABS will also be the same. And the 690 Duke will be launched too," said Mr. Bajaj, while addressing the media on the launch of the 390 Duke.



So, it's transparent from his words that the arrival of KTM in India is a grand success. Selling more than 25,000 units of 200 Duke is not a simple task considering its pricing. Moreover, the bike has strong competitors such as the CBR 150R and the R15 as well.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bajaj replied when he was asked whether the firm would launch whole bikes of KTM in India that one liter motorcycles were currently unaffordable and didn't suit the current market of India. However, he said that Bajaj would launch the much anticipated superbike, the KTM 1190 RC8 R in limited numbers soon. Initially, the bikes will be launched in India via CBU route by the end of 2013. Well, by 2015 Bajaj will be setting up a new production plant to manufacture its superbike. This will reduce the price of the bike and will help the firm to meet more customers. The firm may also export India built machines to other countries.



Mr. Ravi Bajaj also commented on the quality of the bikes. He said that KTM is a world class product. So it has a brand value and so the reliability of its products are higher. Wherever its products are sold are manufactured, there won't be any compromise on its quality.

The introduction of KTM brand has added a milestone to Indian motorcyclism. Bajaj Auto holds 48% share in KTM.