What To Expect From KTM In 2020

KTM’s lineup in India grew at both ends in 2019, with the addition of the little 125 models as well as the much-awaited 790 Duke. Next year is set to be equally eventful for the orange brand, with a whole bunch of BS6 updates as well as some entirely new models coming in. Here’s what you can expect from KTM in 2020:

390 Adventure

Yes, we will have to wait just a little bit longer for the hallowed 390 Adventure to launch in India. Our journey started off with spy shots in both India and Austria, followed by an international unveiling at EICMA this year and then the India unveiling at India Bike Week (IBW) more recently. The official launch is slated for January 2020, and we can’t wait to finally get our hands on the bike!

Powered by the same motor as the 390 Duke but considering the proximity to the BS6 deadline, we expect the motor to comply with the upcoming norms. Other differences are in the form of long-travel suspension, a 19-inch/17-inch alloy wheel combo, and dual-purpose Metzeler Tourance tyres. A comprehensive electronics package has also been thrown in, with cornering ABS, traction control and a quickshifter as standard. With all this extra kit, we expect the 390 Adventure to set you back by around Rs 3 lakh once eventually launched.

250 Adventure

The 390 Adventure won’t be the only one of its kind in India. We also expect KTM to bring us a 250 Adventure based on the 250 Duke. It will follow a similar drill in terms of powertrain and underpinnings, but will arrive later in the year, possibly in the second half. While it’ll miss out on the 390’s electronic aids and LED headlight, we expect it to get a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity. Prices should be in the Rs 2.5 lakh range once launched.

790 Adventure

The Adventure onslaught will culminate with the mighty 790 Adventure. This bike is already on sale in international markets, powered by the same 799cc parallel-twin motor as the 790 Duke. There’s no messing about when it comes to cycle parts on the 790 - a 21-inch/18-inch wire-spoke wheel combo, 200mm of suspension travel at both ends and 233mm of ground clearance on offer. 

It also gets a comprehensive IMU-assisted electronics package tailored for off-road riding. This engine needs to be updated to meet BS6, and we expect KTM to bring us the 790 Adventure towards the end of next year. Once it arrives, we can expect a price tag of around Rs 10.5 lakh with a more hardcore, more expensive R variant to follow later.

BS6 390 Duke & RC 390

The 390 Adventure is the only KTM model in its displacement range to be unveiled with a BS6-compliant motor, but the rest of the 390 range will also be updated early next year to meet the upcoming emission norms. The RC 390 has been lagging behind the Duke when it comes to technology and equipment, but we expect the BS6 update to bring with it a TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity and perhaps electronic rider aids as well. A complete redesign with more comfortable ergos is also in the works, and we’ve spotted KTM testing the updated RC 390 ahead of its unveiling.

The 390 Duke will also receive a reworked motor but considering that it is already quite a well-equipped, up-to-date motorcycle, we’re not sure what other upgrades KTM will throw in, if any at all. Electronic rider aids could be thrown in since the bike already features ride-by-wire technology and a TFT dash, but only time will tell. Since the RC is getting a more comprehensive update, expect a price hike of around Rs 20,000, while its naked sibling could become dearer by around Rs 10,000.

BS6 250 Duke

The 250 Duke, just like every other KTM model that’s currently sold, is BS4-compliant and hence will need to be updated early next year. Considering that the 250 Adventure has been spotted testing with a TFT dash, we think this feature could make its way to next year’s 250 Duke as well. The addition of the screen along with the engine being updated to be BS6-compliant could result in a price hike of around Rs 15,000.

BS6 125cc & 200cc Models

The 200 Duke is the oldest model in KTM’s lineup at the moment, and its motor will need to be quite significantly reworked in order to meet BS6 norms. It might also lose its underbelly exhaust system for a side-slung unit like those seen on all the larger KTMs. We hope KTM uses this opportunity to update the styling of the bike as well since it now looks rather dated. Needless to say, the RC 200 will get the updated BS6 motor as well, with a minor facelift possibly being thrown in too.

The same goes for the 125 Duke and RC 125, which look almost identical to their 200cc siblings. These being the smallest model in KTM’s range, they could also face the biggest drop in engine performance in the transition to BS6. A price hike of around Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 for all these models can be expected.