KTM Confirms 390 Adventure — Here's What The Future Holds For KTM In India

Rajiv Bajaj confirmed plans for the KTM 390 Adventure during the KTM RC range launch in India. Here’s more details.

By Rajkamal

Updated: Friday, January 20, 2017, 12:04 [IST]

The new KTM RC range was launched in India, priced at Rs 1.7 lakh for the RC200 and Rs 2.25 lakh for the RC390, both ex-showroom (Delhi). The launch of the two motorcycles was a much anticipated event for enthusiasts, and there's more news!

KTM Confirms 390 Adventure — Here's What The Future Holds For KTM In India

Rajiv Bajaj, the Managing Director of Bajaj Auto confirmed that the 390 Adventure has been given the 'go ahead' nod and will be made in India. However, the timeframe as to when the motorcycle will be launched in India was not revealed.

Speaking about the KTM 390 Adventure, Rajiv Bajaj said that the design for the 390 Adventure was confirmed only the day before the launch, as Sefan Pierer was in India. Also, the new KTM platform allows flexibility to build a naked bike (Duke), a fully faired one (RC), and an adventure, as the old platform had limitations.

The KTM 390 Adventure was already spied testing in Europe, although the engine and other components on the motorcycle, like the front fairing suggested it could be a different model. The front end of the motorcycle looked like a Dakar spec model, with the navigation housing.

Speaking about how the 390 Adventure would be received in the Indian market, the answer is simple - good. Primary reasons can be seen in the case of the Duke and RC models, as KTM offers good performance at an affordable price tag, which ticks all the boxes for an enthusiast, and more.

Primary competition will be in the form of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, BMW G 310 GS (yet to be launched), Kawasaki Versys 300 (yet to be launched), and possibly a contender from Hero MotoCorp. In terms of performance alone, the KTM Adventure will wipe out all the motorcycles mentioned above.

The KTM 390 Adventure is expected to be powered by the latest generation 373cc engine that will power the Duke and RC 390, but in a different state of tune to suit the purpose of the motorcycle.

The motorcycle is sure to receive long travel suspension, ABS, and a few bits from the new RC390, and is expected to be a bit more pricier, making it the range-topper in India.

While no dates have been revealed about the launch date for India, the KTM 390 Adventure is expected to be showcased at EICMA this year, and possibly launched in India the following year. Stay tuned for more updates.