The KTM 390 Duke is one of the most popular entry level performance bikes in India. It offers good performance, has an extensive list of features and is still relatively affordable. KTM has been updating the Duke 390 at regular intervals; however, a new generation of the motorcycle will be unveiled at the 2016 EICMA motorcycle show. The 2017 Duke 390 will be based on a new design language, which is inspired from its elder sibling, the 1290 Super Duke.
The biggest talking point is the adaption of LED headlight and ride modes on the new motorcycle, which are segment-first features. Power was something that the 390 Duke never felt lacking and the next-generation motorcycle might get marginal bump in power, with more focus on engine refinement and smoother power delivery. Also, instead of the underbelly exhaust, the 2017 KTM 390 Duke will feature a conventional exhaust muffler to comply with the new Euro 4 norms. Features like USD forks, Metzeler tyres, ABS and slipper clutch will be carried forward in the new bike. Apart from the 390 Duke, we can also expect KTM to unveiled the 2017 200 Duke and its 125cc sibling.
KTM 790 Duke:
KTM has been working on a middleweight parallel-twin-powered motor for a long time as first spy pics of the bike emerged in early 2015. Ever since then, few production-ready test mules have been spotted testing in Europe and we expect the KTM 790 Duke to make its debut at the 2016 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. The new bike will sit above the 690 Duke that received a facelift last year and the twin-cylinder motor will be more refined than the single-cylinder unit found on the 690 Duke.
The styling for the motorcycle will be minimalistic and aggressive, something that has been a KTM trademark. There are no details regarding the 800cc powerplant but we expect the new KTM 790 to churn out between 90 to 100PS. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutch will also come as standard. Given the additional bump in power, KTM engineers have equipped the 790 Duke with dual front disc brakes for better stopping power and a single disc unit at the rear. It is likely that the KTM 790 Duke will be manufactured in Europe instead of India and the upcoming bike will compete against the Kawasaki Z800 and the Triumph Street Triple in our market.
KTM 790 Adventure:
When the KTM 790 Duke was spotted testing it was clear that an adventure version based on the same platform was inevitable. And the above theory was proved right when the KTM 790 Adventure was caught testing in Europe earlier this year. We expect the upcoming bike will follow the same design language as seen on the KTM 1050 Adventure, with a tall windscreen, raised exhaust muffler, bash plates and spoke wheels. The KTM 790 Adventure will feature a long travel suspension and new subframe to better suit its off-road exploits. Powering the bike will be a parallel-twin motor of 800cc displacement, with the impetus being more on low-end torque. The new KTM 790 Adventure will rival the likes of the Triumph Tiger 800 and the Honda Africa Twin.
KTM E-Speed:
KTM might spring a surprise at EICMA and just might showcase a production version of the E-Speed electric scooter that was first showcased at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The Austrian bikemaker had shared in its annual report that it is working on a new drivetrain system for “urban mobility,” giving rise to an electric scooter speculation. The KTM E-Speed was positioned as an electric scooter for the urban commuter market with zero emissions. Powering the KTM E-Speed was an electric motor that generated 15PS of peak power and 36Nm of torque, which is delivered to the rear wheel via a belt drive. KTM claimed that the electric scooter could hit speeds up to 80kmph.
Source: Zigwheels.com
