[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by Kameshwar

^^Just got back from a sublime ride to lavasa... I check my phone and the thread is back to life...what are these rumors about the 500 twin? Can you share more details or link please?

Here's one on the 800 twin http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/n...win-800-spied/

And another http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bike...ke-spy-photos/

And a final one where there are spy shots of testing being done along side a Beemer. http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/01/07...a-coming-soon/

[Red Liner]

KTM 800 twin spied! http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...ied/30865.html

[timuseravan]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

KTM 800 twin spied! http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...ied/30865.html

Superb news! If built in India, it should have killer pricing like D390. Hoping for 5.5 lakh on road.

[VW2010]

it should have killer pricing like D390. Hoping for 5.5 lakh on road.

I too love that price. But being 800 expect to see around 6.75-7.5 EX showroom while if 690 takes local route that would end up at the 5L ex showroom price point.

The 800 cc market is such that even a 8L on road price with local manufacturing support looks very attractive compared to other offerings including the sexy DSK TNT 899.

[Sid13]

All good news. I believe KTM is unlikely to introduce 890 before introducing 690 in India. Also currently there is no indication that even the 690 is being tested in India. In India KTM must be busy revamping 200 and 390 for 2017.

Considering existence of 690 the 890 may not come soon if it does it would be likely in 7+lac category

[Red Liner]

Guys the 690 is being phased out and there is a 500 twin which will be coming in along with this 800. 2016 is the last model year of the 690.

[Sid13]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Guys the 690 is being phased out and there is a 500 twin which will be coming in along with this 800. 2016 is the last model year of the 690.

Please share the source of this news.. Would be a good read.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by Sid13

Please share the source of this news.. Would be a good read.

Google is your friend! Though the 500 twin has never been spotted, Stefan has gone on record saying that these two middle weight twins will replace the 690 single and take the fight to the cbr 500 and the kawi 650 ''s.

Also, ebonho, a member here has got information about the bhp figures on the 500 twin but has not been forthcoming about any more details.

[Sutripta]

Can someone dig up the original agreement between Bajaj and KTM? IIRC, only the lower capacity bikes were to be built in India by Bajaj.

Regards
Sutripta

[Kameshwar]

I wonder if they're testing the new KTM in and around Pune. This is where we normally spot camo covered bikes and cars doing trips outside of town area..I'd love to spot one myself.

[Sid13]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Google is your friend! Though the 500 twin has never been spotted, Stefan has gone on record saying that these two middle weight twins will replace the 690 single and take the fight to the cbr 500 and the kawi 650 ''s.

Also, ebonho, a member here has got information about the bhp figures on the 500 twin but has not been forthcoming about any more details.

http://www.amcn.com.au/news/intervie...ready-to-race/


I think KTM made clear that they won't introduce 690 in India way back in 2014.


Google is cluttered with news mainly posted by wannabe Indian moto sites full of speculations. Unfortunately could not find any solid source (abt CEOs comments)

[emperorofindia]

Why exactly are they not launching the 690 here? It will devastate 600 offerings from kwacker and honda (especially honda as its so overpriced). I've seen MCN reviews of 690 duke and even they wonder how KTM has managed to make the engine so refined despite being a single cylinder mill.

If manufacturered in India, the 690 would've been a super hit. What you waiting for Bajaj?!

[timuseravan]

Originally Posted by emperorofindia

Why exactly are they not launching the 690 here? It will devastate 600 offerings from kwacker and honda (especially honda as its so overpriced). I've seen MCN reviews of 690 duke and even they wonder how KTM has managed to make the engine so refined despite being a single cylinder mill.

If manufacturered in India, the 690 would've been a super hit. What you waiting for Bajaj?!

If they do plan to phase out the D690, it might not make financial sense to setup the assembly plant, suppliers, mech training etc etc for the bike.

[Sid13]

Originally Posted by emperorofindia

Why exactly are they not launching the 690 here? It will devastate 600 offerings from kwacker and honda (especially honda as its so overpriced). I've seen MCN reviews of 690 duke and even they wonder how KTM has managed to make the engine so refined despite being a single cylinder mill.

If manufacturered in India, the 690 would've been a super hit. What you waiting for Bajaj?!

For KTM India is a major market but not promising enough to set production line for D690. You have to look at it from a global perspective. KTM looks at India as a low cost production hub and is not here only because they can sell bikes in domestic market. Globally 690 will be replaced by a more refined twin. In that scenario it doesn't make financial sense to launch 690 in India as it's not a viable option. 690 might sell well in India compared to other over priced options but even at lower cost India is not a market promising enough to set up production line for 690 as even 200 or 390 are not volume players.

[Red Liner]

Alright katoomers, here's more dope on the 800 twin and man this thing is gonna smoke everything in its path!

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...spy-shots.html

India plans!

When KTM Chief Executive Officer Stefan Pierermentioned new mid-sized bikes at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, he noted that they will be produced in India for the Indian market to avoid the country's stringent import duties. If this remains part of the strategy, we can expect bikes bound for external market also to be manufactured in India by KTM's partner*Bajaj, which builds KTM's*390 Duke*andRC390.

And yes everyone's expecting an adventure version too.

And a 500 parallel twin... Very excited!

I am not waiting for these bikes though. I will get the 2016 390 and wait out for the first model year of any of these bikes to wash over before wringing out my cash register.