Austrian motorcycle maker KTM has been spotted testing a new 650 Duke abroad, hinting at an entry-level twin-cylinder roadster that will be placed below the 790 Duke. Going by the reports, the motorcycle will use a 650cc engine to take on the likes of Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Triumph in the segment.
New KTM 650 Duke: Design
The new KTM 650 Duke is likely to be made by KTM and Bajaj in India, which will help keep the costs in check, while also allowing KTM to enter the 650cc category which consists of the Kawasaki Z650, Triumph Trident 660, and the Yamaha MT-07.
Going by the pictures, the KTM 650 Duke seems to be based on the same platform as the 790 Duke, while featuring a slightly relaxed rider triangle as well compared to the 790. This will help garner a wider customer base for the motorcycle.
New KTM 650 Duke: Specifications and features
Going by reports again, the engine could be a modified version of the 790cc parallel twin used in the 790 Duke, detuned to make around 70bhp. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox, however, will it get a quickshifter is a question that we will have to wait for.
On the features front, the KTM 650 Duke gets USD forks, a monoshock at the rear, alloy wheels, dual disc brakes up front and a single disc at the rear, LED lights, and a TFT display. On the electronics front, expect KTM to offer dual-channel ABS and traction control.
New KTM 650 Duke: India launch
Now, the big question is will KTM launch the 650 Duke in India? Since the motorcycle will be made in India and KTM does not offer an upgrade within the family, it is likely that the KTM 650 Duke (or 690 Duke, perhaps?) could be launched here.
Also, taking the relation Bajaj and KTM have had in the past, it is also likely that Bajaj could enter the 650cc segment with the help of KTM’s technology, and use the engine for a motorcycle of its own, like how the 390 Duke is to the NS400Z — fingers crossed!
