KTM Duke 390 goes black

KTM has released a new, black paint job for the Duke 390. While the black-orange coloured Duke 390, which was previously available only in white-orange shade, will be sold internationally, an Indian launch for this paint job is yet to be confirmed. Given the fact that the Duke 390 is built in India, at Bajaj Auto's Chakan plant, it is likely that the new black garb for the Duke 390 would shortly be made available domestically. 

Apart from the new paint job, there are no changes on the Duke 390. The motorcycle continues to retain the 373.2 cc four stroke-single cylinder engine that is liquid cooled and fuel injected. This motor outputs 43.5 PS of peak power and 35 Nm of peak torque. Mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox, the four stroke motor of the Duke 390 propels the motorcycle to a true top speed that's in excess of 160 Kph. ABS is standard on the Duke 390. 

The next big launch from KTM for the Indian market is the RC range of full-faired motorcycles based on the small capacity Duke. To be sold internationally in 125, 200 and 390 versions, the RC range is likely to be sold in India in the form of the RC 200 and RC 390 versions. The motorcycles, which borrow engines from the Duke 200 and 390, come with full fairings, smaller fuel tanks, different suspension geometry and a new sub frame at the rear that aids stiffness. 

Expect to pay a 30,000-40,000 rupee premium for the KTM RC 200 and 390 over the Duke 200 and Duke 390. In that light, the RC 390 is likely to replace the Duke 390 as KTM's flagship motorcycle for the Indian market. Like the small capacity Duke range, the RC range of sportsbikes will be built at Bajaj Auto's Chakan factory, for the domestic and export markets. The upcoming Bajaj Pulsar 200 SS and the 375 are likely to share parts with the RC range.