The news about KTM launching a 125cc machine at around Rs. 1 lakhs really did not excite biking enthusiasts in India and why would it when the company launching it sells mostly 220cc machine. However there is a twist in the tale with new information surfacing from KTM headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria. The company has announced that the beginner Duke for South America and Asia will sport a 200cc motor. This 200 Duke will produce close to 22PS of power and weigh just 130kgs with WP suspension, steel subframe skeleton, alloy swingarm and sub-frames, 43mm upside down front forks and monoshock rear suspension.
The reason why the KTM Duke sports a 125cc engine in the first place is due to Europe’s beginner bike laws. This is the sole reason why the Honda CBR125 and Yamaha R125 exist in the first place. The KTM 200 Duke is expected to cost around the Rs. 1 lakh price point, which is fantastic value for a KTM machine. Also the company intends to sell accessories for the bike from day 1 through its KTM PowerParts brand. Production of the bike commences in March, 2011 and Bajaj Auto’s plant in Chakan is the sole place where the bike will be manufactured and imported to Europe. Later on a 350cc Duke will also be made, which will be launched in Europe and might make it to India too, depending on the demand of the 200 Duke.
