KTM DUKE 790 MIGHT BE LAUNCHED IN APRIL – REPORT

FRESH REPORTS CONFIRM THAT KTM DUKE 790 IS SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH IN APRIL. IT WILL BE A CKD UNIT WITH SOME OF THE PARTS SOURCED FROM THE LOCAL MARKETS. 

KTM Duke 790 is set to enter the middle-weight naked motorcycle segment, mostly by next month. Fresh reports say that some 100 units have already arrived in the country for testing purposes. 

Apparently, KTM is setting up an all-new assembly line at Bajaj’s other plant. At the new plant, the setup of the Duke 790 will be supervised and managed. This is done so as to maintain the standard quality of KTM bikes. 

Earlier, it was speculated to be launched alongside Duke 125 in December 2018. A couple of weeks back it was spotted in full flesh at Bajaj’s plant in Pune. 

Also Read: KTM Duke 790 spotted in India; launch expected soon

KTM Duke 790 will enter the Indian market via the CKD route, and not as an imported unit. The headlamps, tail lights, indicators and wiring will be locally sourced. The chassis, suspension, engine and technology will be imported. 

Powering the Duke 790 is a 799cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin cylinder engine. The motor churns out 105 BHP at 9000 RPM and 86 Nm of peak torque at 8000 RPM. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox with Up and Down Quick Shifter. 

It also gets Ride-by-wire technology, which maintains the fuel economy as well as limits the air-supply and fuel supply to the engine. 

Also Read: KTM 500cc Twin-cylinder engine bike confirmed; to be manufactured by Bajaj

Features onboard include a TFT colour instrument panel, Slip and Assist Clutch, LED headlamps, Traction Control, Quick Shifter, Wheelie Control, WP Steering Damper and a couple of features more. 

For suspension purposes, it uses 43mm WP Split USD Forks at the front and gas-charged adjustable monoshock absorber at the back. Braking is handled by dual 300mm discs at the front and a 240mm disc at the back with Switchable ABS. 

Since there will be a certain amount of local sourcing, we expect the prices of KTM Duke 790 to stay under Rs 6.5 Lakhs (ex-showroom).