KTM India’s 2022 Is Going To Look Like This

As far as orange mania goes, 2021 wasn’t that enticing a year. The only new bike KTM launched was the new RC 200 (even the RC 125, but you know how absurdly it is priced). So, should we expect a flurry of launches from the Austrian bikemaker or is it going to be another sombre year ahead? You decide as these are the bikes that we think will come from Mattighofen (or Chakan):

2022 RC 390
You’ve seen the images, checked out the specs and made your assumptions about what the RC 390 is going to be like. However, just as the new RC 200 changed our perceptions, expect the larger RC to also do the same. Don’t forget it will get the lighter wheels, a bit more torque and a more welcoming riding posture, making it a bit more versatile.

There are two items that we are uncertain about. Firstly, will the India-spec RC 390 get adjustable suspension? We think not but hope it is offered as an option. Secondly, what tyres will it run? Given the current tyre import restrictions, sourcing Metzelers is out of the question. The MRF Revz C1 felt out of its depth on the RC 200 itself, so it would be foolish to give it on the 390. Please KTM India, slap on the Apollo Alpha H1s or the TVS Eurogrip Protorq Extremes.

390 Adventure Updates
No major changes like spoke rims or adjustable suspension but the 390 Adventure will get a few small tweaks for 2022. Firstly, the traction control will now have two modes: Street and Off-road. The cast wheels have been reinforced and there are new colour schemes on offer.

890 Duke And 890 Adventure
Big bikes, where are they, KTM India? Those handful of 790s have whet our appetite enough for something more enticing. How about the 890s? We were led to believe that KTM was working on getting the 790 Duke up to speed with the BS6 norms. But with no significant update on that front for over a year now, it seems that bringing the 890s would be the logical way forward. We are certainly praying for our wishes to come true and KTM bringing in both the 890 Duke and 890 Adventure.

Anything Else?
Although unlikely to be launched in 2022, we could see KTM’s first electric scooter, or at least a prototype, which would be based on the Bajaj Chetak, showcased at EICMA 2022. Bajaj’s new EV manufacturing plant would enable the Austrian bikemaker to build its own electric scooter there. Also, we might get to see the 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 200 Duke and 125 Duke spruced up with striking new colour schemes.