KTM to Bestow Honda Africa Twin Rival with 800cc engine

When talking about adventure motorcycle segment, KTM needs no introduction. The Austrian bike maker has a long history of making all-terrain bikes which can tackle any kind of challenge without breaking a sweat. However, with Honda's CRF 1000L Africa Twin and Triumph's Tiger already in the market, KTM has lost ground in adventure touring motorcycle segment. Now, it has decided to take the fight to Honda and Triumph with a new mid-size adventure bike. Yes, instead of using a litre-class engine, KTM will use an 800cc engine in its new offering to beat Honda's Africa Twin and Triumph's Tiger.

KTM has been hard at work developing a new liquid-cooled parallel-twin 800cc engine. This engine will see the light of the day in a new naked bike, which will replace the Duke 690. tHis is the engine KTM wants to use in the new adventure motorcycle it is planning. The adventure touring segment is a lucrative motorcycle segment as these bikes have go-anywhere ability which appeals to both practical riders and adventure-seekers.

KTM's new adventure touring motorcycle may come to India too. Adventure touring motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Himalayan have worked wonders for their makers. KTM would want to benefit from the rising popularity of this segment in India too. As of now, KTM is one of the top bike makers in Europe in the premium motorcycle space and now, it would also like a similar position in terms of volume. Also, KTM would like to bring this bike to India as it does not offer anything more powerful than the Duke/RC 390 in India. It is difficult to estimate when this bike would come to India, considering KTM is currently more focused on the 800cc Duke.