Bajaj Auto’s master plan is helping KTM turn its balance sheet greener day by day. One platform and a multitude of vehicles is always a good mantra for high profitability. The Duke platform has already led to KTM overtaking BMW becoming the top premium motorcycle manufacturer in Europe. The said platform has already spawned 6 bikes – 125, 200 and 390cc versions of the Duke and RC series. Now another three bikes are set to arrive next year in supermoto form! This is indeed pushing the boundaries of optimum utilisation of resources.
KTM already makes supermoto bikes which are very popular in many markets. The 690 Supermoto and 990 Supermoto also share underpinnings with the Duke 690 and Duke 990 respectively. Thus churning out new Supermoto machines isn’t going to be much of a task for the Austrian firm. Just recently a Supermoto was spotted on test in Brazil. The bike resembles the Duke 390 to a large extent with the wheels, handle bar, mirrors, console, tyres, brakes, swingarm, suspension looking identical. Obviously the travel on the suspension will be altered to take care of off-road duties.
However unlike the other Supermotos in KTM’s range, the 390 Supermoto doesn’t get an underbelly exhaust. The ergonomics are altered for ideal off-roading with a low flat seat and plastic fuel tank. The Hero Impulse was the only Supermoto to be offered in India but production of the motorcycle has been curtailed. Will KTM start the Supermoto trend in India with the launch of the 200 and 390 Supermoto? A 2015 launch seems likely with the 200 and 390 Supermoto being priced between their Duke and RC alternatives. We expect the 390 Supermoto to be priced at around Rs. 2.3 lakhs.
Picture Source – KTMForum.eu
