The KTM Duke 250 and RC 250 are being shipped from Austria to Indonesia instead of India and have been showcased at the 2015 Indonesia International Auto Show.
KTM pulled a pleasing surprise earlier this year by revealing the new Duke and RC 250 twins at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. However, it was soon confirmed that the new 250cc models will be sold in selective markets with India and Europe not being one of them, much to our disappoint. Now, adding a new market for the 250cc offerings, KTM has launched the Duke 250 and RC 250 in Indonesia revealing the motorcycles at the ongoing 2015 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).
Sporting downsized engines powering the 373.2cc Duke and RC 390, the KTM Duke 250 and RC 250 are powered by a 250cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor that produces 31.3 PS of power and 24 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The bikes also share the same mechanicals as the other models and save for the 250 badging, there is very little that sets both the models apart from larger KTMs. Both the models also sport ABS and slipper clutch as standard with Metzeler tyres wrapped around the multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Incidentally, the KTM Duke and RC 250 are being shipped to Indonesia from Austria instead of India. KTM India manufactures the 250cc models at its facility in Chakan for international markets, but has made it clear in the past that the new 250cc models won’t be making it to Indian showrooms. Launching the 250cc models in India also does not make sense due to the extremely close pricing between the 200cc and 250cc versions that would cannibalise sales of the former.
However, given the high taxation policies for bikes above 250cc in Indonesia, the KTM Duke and RC 250 make a lot of sense offering more bang for the buck and helps create better price difference, being a CBU import. In addition, the automaker has also announced a national racing championship for the RC 250 that will go on the floors next year.
2015 KTM Duke & RC 250 Indonesia Prices (on-road, Jakarta) –
* Duke 250 – 69.5 million Indonesian Rupiah (Rs. 3.31 lakhs)
* RC 250 – 74.5 million Indonesian Rupiah (Rs. 3.55 lakhs)
