The 2016 Duke range will get updates to the rear subframe along with changes to the rear number plate hanger and position of the turn indicators.
KTM’s overwhelming entry-level street-fighter range comprising of the Duke 125, 200 and 390 have been doing excellently well globally. Manufactured in India at the Bajaj-KTM facility near Pune, the Duke 125 was first launched overseas in 2011, followed by the Duke 200 in 2012 and the Duke 390 in 2013. However, with shortening product lifecycles, the Austrian manufacturer is making sure to ready up a subtle facelift with technical upgrades to keep the model fresh over the next few years.
Refreshing the Duke range for the 2016 model year, the updated models were spied testing somewhere in Europe with a host of changes on offer. As seen in the spy shots, the models receive a newly developed rear subframe, which was a bolt-on on the test mule, but will be welded in the production version. The new subframe could be needed to make the bikes more crash resistant especially for learners. In addition, the Duke range gets changes extended to the rear number plate hangers, positioning of the rear turn indicators and also revised rider rearsets.
The most noticeable change of all was the new side mounted exhaust on the Duke 390 test mule, instead of the underbelly unit found on the outgoing model. The company could be making changes to the exhaust note for a sportier feel, while noise emission could also be a possibility. In terms of powertrain, either of the models are not expected to sport any changes and will continue with the existing engine options with minor tweaks. KTM could unveil the Duke 2016 model year motorcycles at the EICMA show late next year, while sales are most likely to commence by early 2016.
Source – Motorcycle News
