Bajaj launches European bike maker KTM's 'Duke 200' in India
24 Jan 2012
New Delhi: Bajaj Auto Limited today announced the launch of the KTM brand in India along with its maker KTM Sportmotorcycle AG. Known for its legendary racing achievements, KTM is Europe's second-largest motorcycle manufacturer and dominates the off-road segment across the world.
KTM is entering India with its premium streetbike brand, the Duke. The first offering from the KTM stable in India, the Duke 200 would be retailed through the 34 former Bajaj Probiking Stores, now rebranded as dedicated KTM stores in India along with KTM's famous range of accessories and merchandise called KTM PowerWear and KTM PowerParts.
The KTM 200 Duke has been launched at an introductory price of Rs1,17,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
At the launch of the Duke 200 Stefan Pierer, CEO, KTM-Sportmotorcycles AG, said, ''With our unique design and engineering philosophy, we have managed to develop our unique brand identity which we are confident that our customers in India will appreciate."
In a segment crowded with full-faired Japanese motorcycles, the KTM 200 Duke will be the only bike sporting the naked streefighter styling that all KTM Dukes, like the Super Duke 990 and the Duke 690, are renowned for.
The 200 Duke will be powered by a single cylinder, 200cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, four valve engine which will pump out a peak power of 25bhp and a maximum torque of 19 Nm.
"Like all KTM's the 200 Duke has the best–in-class power to weight ratio of 184 Ps/ton thanks to high strength- low weight components of the highest quality. It features first in class features such as a trellis frame, upside down forks by European specialists WP, an aluminium swing arm, a multifunction cockpit and many mor, " the companies said in a statement.
Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto, said, ''Between the Bajaj Pulsar and the KTM Duke we intend to further strengthen our dominant position in the sports motorcycle segment in India. The KTM 200 Duke is meant for people who are young at heart and like to be different."
