World Exclusive: KTM to launch as many as 9 new models
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The success story of KTM is the stuff that dreams are made of. The Austrian brand was recovering in the able hands of Stefan Pierer. However, it was the announcement of KTM’s alliance with Bajaj which turned its fortunes. The alliance with Bajaj not only allowed gave it the much-needed capital but also the first-hand experience of succeeding in emerging markets. Today, KTM has 2 production sites Mattighofen and Pune) and 7 CKD assembly facilities (2 in Colombia and 1 each in Brasil, Argentina, Malaysia, China and the Philippines). To give you an idea of the massive rise in volumes, today KTM builds as many motorcycles in a week than it used to in a whole year back in the 90s!
KTM is now aiming to become one of the top three manufacturers of premium motorcycles. And to make this happen, KTM will be launching as many as 9 new models in the next few years.
Mass-market products will form the bulk of the volume game KTM is playing in emerging markets such as India and Indonesia. Besides that, these products will also help KTM get some share of the European pie of entry-level performance motorcycle. Interestingly, the leaked image does not mention of the 200 range and shows only the 125s, 250s and 390s. We believe that KTM will be discontinuing the 200 range with time and utilise the 250 platform for the world. What happens to the 200 cc engine? Well, that’ll likely be Bajaj’s return gift for believing in KTM!
KTM 390 Adventure
Now, this is one of the most awaited adventure tourers not just in India, but the world over. KTM’s rich off-road lineage, clever pricing and the power-packed package will be gracing the KTM 390 Adventure.
This motorcycle will be powered by the same 373.2 cc engine doing duty in the Duke 390 and RC 390 albeit in a different tune. In the naked machine, the engine produces 43.5 PS of power and 37 Nm of torque. Feature list will include long-travel suspension from WP, coloured TFT instrument panel, ride by wire, disc brakes at both ends and switchable ABS. We would love to see some form of adjustability in the front suspension as well.
The KTM 390 Adventure is expected to be unveiled at EICMA 2019 next month. An Indian launch may happen at India Bike Week. Production will take place at the Chakan facility and will commence in December 2019. Expect the price tag to hover around the 3 lakh mark.
KTM 250 Adventure
This is where KTM has pulled off a wonderful surprise. A quarter-litre adventure tourer which is just as capable mechanically as the 390 Adventure but cuts corners on few sections to save on costs. A recent spy shot confirms a halogen headlamp. However, there's a TFT instrument panel instead of the LCD unit of the Duke 250.
The powertrain will be the 248.8 cc engine which produces 30 PS of power and 24 Nm of torque in the naked model. ABS is expected to be disengagable in the rear to let the rear wheel slide at will. Expect the debut to take place along with the 390 Adventure at EICMA 2019. The sticker price may be slightly higher than the INR 2.5 lakh mark.
Supermoto range
The KTM Supermoto range currently includes just the KTM 690 SMC R. This will be joined by the 390 SMC R/SM R and 390 SM T. A 390 Enduro R is also on cards. However, what will be interesting to see is whether KTM brings this range with a 250 cc engine or not. KTM’s new Supermoto range may debut in concept form at EICMA 2019. However, we do not expect this range to be launched on Indian soil.
KTM 490 range
Yes, KTM is going twin soon with as many as 5 products based on the 490 platform. These will likely include a street naked KTM 490 Duke, KTM RC 490, KTM 490 Adventure, KTM 490 Supermoto and KTM 490 Enduro. These will be positioned at a premium over the 390s and we expect production base to be CFMoto-KTM JVs Hangzhou plant. This plant currently has a production capacity of 50,000 annual units which can be scaled up to 1 lakh units. However, KTM may produce a few models in India with time.
The KTM 490 range is expected to get a new 499 cc mill with a parallel twin layout. This liquid-cooled mill will have a DOHC setup and the usual bells and whistles like ride by wire and slipper clutch. Besides that, KTM might even throw in a traction control and riding modes to add to the premiumness.
Expect more details about the KTM range to be revealed next month at EICMA 2019. However, do not expect a launch before 2020. This range will give KTM an added edge in the US and European markets, both of which have shown strong growth. In Europe, the UK, Germany, France and Spain have been star performers for KTM. The company's market share in North America has risen to a solid 10%.
KTM’s rise to the top has been with the fact that they believe in providing high-performance products at an affordable price tag. This has helped it grow to a household name in India. If it manages to launch the 490 twins in India at an accessible price point, it may be able to help in starting a new trend in the country of sub 500 cc twins!
Also Read: KTM 790 Duke - First Ride Review
KTM 890 range
Yes, we all love the KTM 790 Duke and are awaiting a chance to swing a leg over the 790 Adventure when it is launched next year. However, that is not where KTM will stop. It will be launching as many as 4 new KTM 890 models which may include a street naked, Adventure, Supermoto and Enduro.
The KTM 790 Duke and the KTM 790 Adventure will likely continue to be on sale for the foreseeable future. The KTM 890 Duke should differ with adjustable suspension setup up front and stopping power from Brembo. In comparison, the 790 duke offers no level of adjustment at the front and J.Juan brakes. The comprehensive electronics package of traction control, Cornering ABS, Motor Slip Regulation, Wheelie Control and Launch Control should be the same.
A KTM 890 Adventure may give KTM the much-needed capacity upgrade to take on the Ducati Multistrada 950 and the Triumph Tiger 900 (upcoming).
The KTM 890 range will likely be manufactured in Hangzhou (China) and Mattighofen (Austria). The KTM 790 range and the KTM 890 range are unlikely to enter production in India any time soon. More details about the KTM 890 range are expected to be revealed at EICMA 2019.
