Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has seen a new 650 Duke overseas, hinting at an entry-level twin-cylinder roadster that will be placed underneath the 790 Duke. The motorcycle will reportedly use a 650cc engine to compete with companies like Yamaha. , Kawasaki and Triumph in the segment.
The new KTM 650 Duke will most likely be manufactured through KTM and Bajaj in India, which will keep prices in check while also allowing KTM to enter the 650 cc category that includes the Kawasaki Z650, Triumph Trident 660 and Yamaha MTArray -07.
In the photos, the KTM 650 Duke appears to be based on the same platform as the 790 Duke, while also featuring a comfortable riding triangle compared to the 790, which will help attract a wider visitor base for the motorcycle.
If the reports are still to be believed, it’s possible that the engine is simply a modified edition of the 790cc parallel-twin used in the 790 Duke, which produces around 70bhp. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox, but we’ll have to wait and see if you’ll get advantages from a quick shift.
Feature-wise, the KTM 650 Duke is supplied with USD forks, rear monoshock, alloy wheels, dual disc brakes at the front and single disc brakes at the rear, LED lighting fixtures and a TFT display. Electronically, expect KTM to offer ABS and dual-channel traction control.
Now, the big question is: Will KTM launch the 650 Duke in India? Since the motorcycle will be manufactured in India and KTM will not offer an update within the family, chances are that the KTM 650 Duke (or 690 Duke, perhaps?) may be released here.
In addition, if we take into account the appointments that Bajaj and KTM have had in the past, it is also very likely that Bajaj will enter the 650cc segment with the help of the KTM generation and use the engine for its own bike, as the 390 Duke does. The NS400Z: Hands Folded!
Get stock market updates, stock quotes, and the latest news from India. . . Read more and economic news on Financial Express. Download the Financial Express app for the latest monetary news.