[Tushar]

KTM currently sells the Duke 200 and RC 200 along with the Duke 390 and RC 390 in India. Both models have found favour with Indian motorcyclists and while many have been waiting for word on the launch of models like the 1290 Super Duke R and 1190 RC8 R, KTM has revealed quarter litre versions of the Duke and RC at the Tokyo motorcycle show.

Based on KTM’s 373.2cc single cylinder engine, this 250cc motor produces 31 BHP @ 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm of torque @ 7,250 rpm. This equates to around 6 BHP and nearly 5 Nm of torque more than the Duke/RC 200. The engine weighs in at just 37.2 kgs and would bridge the narrow gap between the Duke/RC 200 and Duke/RC 390.

The target markets for these models remain unknown. Bajaj’s close association with KTM makes India a possible target. However, the current price gap between the Duke 200/Duke 390 and RC 200/RC 390 is around Rs 60,000. If brought to India, the gap between the three variants would be too small, unless KTM plans to replace the 200 with this mill.

Source: moto.it

[man_of_steel]

This completely reminds me of the Pulsar 150-180-200-220 family. But hey, its in the genes!

On second thoughts though, this might be aiming for customers who want the fun of the 390 but cannot cope up with its hot headed nature.

[unk9ja]

Originally Posted by man_of_steel

This completely reminds me of the Pulsar 150-180-200-220 family. But hey, its in the genes!

On second thoughts though, this might be aiming for customers who want the fun of the 390 but cannot cope up with its hot headed nature.

As quoted by Tushar, if the underpowered 200 can be phased out, this will fill the gap. Most of the 200 owners have complained about the bike being underpowered and hitting the rev limiter that steals the thunder of the otherwise magnificent bike. So this will be a clever move.

[barcalad]

This is pretty bewildering, to be honest. The pricing will be pretty much predictable. Could've altered the design, though. Nevertheless, it's evident that an entire Duke dynasty has been created, but personally I feel launching a D250 was un-necessary. It's going to cause a lot of trouble for it's younger sibling.

If it's launched in India sometime in the future, I really hope KTM replaces the 200 brothers with this. The sub 250cc market in India has heated up a lot, of late, and KTM might just makes things very interesting, which peculiarly, it always does.

After the RC200, we have two more '390 jaisa' bikes now. Sigh!

[Chida]

First image is of RC390 or is it new RC250? If it is RC250, I do not see much difference in 390 & 250 (except for 250 sticker ofcourse). I don’t really see much value in bringing in a 250cc when the price difference as has quoted above is only about Rs.60,000/- Will this not dilute the KTM brand??

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by man_of_steel

On second thoughts though, this might be aiming for customers who want the fun of the 390 but cannot cope up with its hot headed nature.

I believe the heat from the engine roasting the riders legs is a thing of the past with the 2015 model. Among the 20 changes to the 2015 Duke 390, Motorbeam mentions - "Heating dissipation to the bottom with radiator fan assembly changed".

Do not know how effective this has been as I have not ridden the updated 390. Perhaps someone who has ridden or bought it could clarify the matter.

Cheers

[Sutripta]

Any word on the gearbox?

Regards
Sutripta

[payeng]

Originally Posted by man_of_steel

This completely reminds me of the Pulsar 150-180-200-220 family. But hey, its in the genes!

Really..??


Guess which is Ninja 250's largest market in the world, its Indonesia. The reason why the Ninja 250 cc still exists along with the new Ninja 300, so does Yamaha with its R25 for Indonesia and R3 for the world..

.. its not because Indonesians have a crazy affinity for the 250 cc mark but because the Indonesian govt. taxes anything above 250 cc heavily.


So does the KTM 250 cc's make some (Global) business sense now?

[Sutripta]

^^^
Actually (upper limit) 250 was supposed to be an ASEAN standard for 'for the masses' motorcycling. Which also meant that every manufacturer should have a flagship 250. Wonder what happened to those.

Regards
Sutripta

[blue_pulsar]

The 250 Duke has ABS from the pics, which is awesome news!

I'd say, the 200 should be put to rest now. And get the international 125 in. That would make the lineup perfect. 125, 250 and 390.

[man_of_steel]

Originally Posted by payeng

Guess which is Ninja 250's largest market in the world, its Indonesia. The reason why the Ninja 250 cc still exists along with the new Ninja 300, so does Yamaha with its R25 for Indonesia and R3 for the world..

Of course I am very much aware that both the segments are essential for the global market. Kawasaki/Yamaha is not selling both 250 and 300 versions in the same market right? (Or are they? I am not aware)

My comment was based on the strong doubt that BAL would sell 200 and 250 alongside here (in the genes part..). I am not sure if they would think about phasing out the 200 platform and sell 250 here or producing 250 as an export only version.

Anyways, I know that I am jumping the gun here. Lets wait what markets Bajaj is aiming at with the 250.

[anilp]

ABS (yes), slipper clutch (unsure, but possible) and 31 BHP. Very unlikely that this will be launched in India. Instead, this might be targeted more at other markets as a step up to the 125 Duke.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by man_of_steel

This completely reminds me of the Pulsar 150-180-200-220 family. But hey, its in the genes!

On second thoughts though, this might be aiming for customers who want the fun of the 390 but cannot cope up with its hot headed nature.

KTM always had the 250cc singles for racing. KTM RC 250R is used for Moto3 racing. I guess they decided to use the configuration for their road bikes as well now. The race version produces 51 bhp from 250cc though.

Originally Posted by unk9ja

Most of the 200 owners have complained about the bike being underpowered and hitting the rev limiter that steals the thunder of the otherwise magnificent bike.

Under powered? Since when did 25 hp and 125 kgs sound under powered in the Indian market - for that kind of money. It is true that the bike is very rev-friendly and hits the limiter, but I have read most people mention that as a positive rather than a negative, specially with the closer stacked gear ratios of the 200.

[john doe]

I seem to read "Bybre" on the front brake of the Duke 250. Then can we safely guess that this bike is also assembled in Pune/Aurangabad by Bajaj?

Or is Bybre as a brand available in other countries too?

[Live To Jive]

Originally Posted by blue_pulsar

That would make the lineup perfect. 125, 250 and 390.

Actually if the 390 was replaced by a 500 it would be a perfect line up. 125-250-500.