KTM’s future plans for India

Bajaj Auto has launched the updated, 2017 versions of its RC twins, the RC 200 and RC 390. Both the bikes are now BS IV compliant, and while the RC 200 gets cosmetic updates only, the RC 390, which was pretty hi-tech already, gets a few comprehensive upgrades well. Both machines are hugely popular, particularly in metros, and the updates should help KTM grow further as an enthusiast focused motorcycle maker in the country, particularly the 390, with its updates like ride by wire, side-slung exhaust and bigger brakes. 

As has been the case with Bajaj Auto’s launch events earlier too, the company’s MD, Rajiv Bajaj took the opportunity to make a few announcements that had our ears perk up. For starters, Mr. Bajaj confirmed that the Austrian brand, which Bajaj Auto has a 48 percent stake in, will be launching its enviable range of adventure touring motorcycles in India. Hold your horses though – he didn’t give any timelines neither did he comment or hint towards particular models, apart from one. Rajiv Bajaj mentioned the 390 Adventure will be coming to India, though the motorcycle is currently in its development stage, and the design for the bike has been finalized. 

If you’re somebody who’s been yearning for a small-ish, affordable adventure tourer that won’t cost a fortune or need you to be six-and-a-half feet tall, the 390 Adventure could be the motorcycle for you. As mentioned, there are absolutely no details yet, but it is safe to assume the bike will continue using the same 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine in a similar state of tune as the Duke. We expect throttle maps to be different though, and usable power range could be moved lower in the rev range in keeping with need for better grunt at low revs in adventure motorcycles. 

Amit Nandi, Head, KTM India also announced that KTM’s famed RC Cup will make its way to India as well, though he clearly mentioned there’s still some time before the championship comes to our shores. Our guess is not before 2018 at least, though we’d be happy to be proven wrong. The RC Cup is a one-make championship run by KTM in several parts of Europe, as also the UK and USA. The bike used is an even racier version of the RC 390, with modifications to make it sharper, lighter, quicker and faster. The idea of the RC Cup is to help young racers hone their skills on track and accustom them to the world of competitive acing. 

The RC Cup would make for a good stepping stone for youngsters, as it will help them cut their teeth on a motorcycle that’s raced the world over, and is helping shape future champions already. The RC’s race version gets fully adjustable suspension, just like the bikes in Red Bull’s MotoGP Rookies Cup, along with adjustable levers and rear sets. Riders also have the option of a race shift gearbox pattern. Upshifts on these call for pressing the gear lever down, while to downshift you need to shift ‘up’. Race transmission are known to enable quicker shifts, thereby allowing riders to focus better on riding. 

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The race bikes gets a solo race seat with minimal cushioning and a bubble flyscreen to aid aerodynamics. The race RC 390 weighs a mere 138kg, which is a massive 20kg lighter than the road going version. Now, that’s a motorcycle we’d love to get our hands on! Also, although not confirmed, Rajiv Bajaj did not rule out the possibility of its Chakan plant near Pune supplying components for KTM’s bigger motorcycles sold internationally in future. If and when that happens, it would make bigger KTM machines (like the current 690 Duke, upcoming 800cc twins, and may be the 1050 Adventure, 1290 Super Duke) more affordable, whenever KTM decides to launch these in India that is. 

The icing on the cake though was Rajiv Bajaj confirming that Husqvarna (owned by KTM), the brand revered the world over for its motocross, enduro and supermoto motorcycles will come to India in the near future. We do know that Bajaj’s Chakan plant will also be manufacturing/supplying components for the Husqvarna 401 Vitpilen and 401 Svartpilen. As you might have guessed, 401 points to the fact that these bikes too, are powered by KTM’s 373cc liquid-cooled single, mated to the same six-speed transmission. The chassis is similar to the 390 Duke’s and so are cycle parts like the 43mm USDs upfront and rear monoshock, both from WP, along with ByBre brakes (short for ‘By Brembo’). ByBre is a more affordable sub-brand of the Italian manufacturer of braking systems, and has manufacturing facilities in India, including one at Chakan, in the vicinity of Bajaj Auto’s plant. 

All this points to the fact that we could very well have Bajaj/KTM launch the 401s in India as early as 2018. The production versions were showcased at EICMA last year, and both bikes are being launched internationally as 2017 models. The Vitpilen is a modern take on the classic café racer category of motorcycles, while the Svartpilen is similar looking but styled more like a scrambler and gets on/off-road tyres. We must say, all the news has certainly made our day, and we can assure you of some fun times ahead for motorcycle enthusiasts in the country!