Official: KTM Duke 390-based Adventure motorcycle CONFIRMED; Launch timeline revealed

The KTM Duke 390-based Adventure motorcycle has just been confirmed for launch in India during 2019. The confirmation comes straight from Mr. Amit Nandi, the president of Bajaj Auto’s Probiking division, which handles the KTM brand’s Indian operations.

Here’s what he said,

KTM is a niche brand for a select few. With the 390 Adventure, we would be making our long awaited entry into the niche premium dual-sport segment which is a very apt segment for Indian roads.

What this means is, India will get an all-new adventure motorcycle in the affordable segment. We expect the KTM Adventure 390 to be priced less than Rs. 3 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. The pressure will now be on BMW Motorrad to ensure that the GS 310R is aggressively priced. Enthusiasts will be the ones who benefit the most as stiff competition in this segment will give them affordably priced adventure motorcycles.

Based on the Duke 390, the KTM Adventure 390 is expected to share many parts with the former, including the 373cc four stroke, single cylinder engine. It remains to be seen if KTM varies the gearing and power delivery for the Adventure 390 considering the fact that the Duke 390 is a highly aggressive motorcycle. The KTM Adventure 390 is likely to get a slightly detuned engine, with softer power delivery. Currently, the motor that’s liquid cooled and fuel injected makes 44 Bhp of peak power and 37 Nm of peak torque. A 6 speed manual gearbox is standard, and so is dual channel ABS.

The KTM Adventure 390 is likely to get higher ground clearance, a fairing to prevent windblast to the rider’s torso, a flat, high-set handlebar, comfortable footpeg and handlebar geometry to favour long distance touring, luggage mounting points and various touring-ready accessories. The KTM Adventure 390 will be built at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan factory with heavy localization of parts. India will be a global export hub for this motorcycle. We expect affordable service and maintenance costs thanks to the heavy localization. The bike is likely to be shown at the upcoming EICMA motorcycle show during the end of this year at Europe, ahead of its 2019 launch in India.