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| KTM Adventure Source Bikewale.com |
The new models cost KTM 390 Duke (350cc) at ₹2.77 lakh and 390 Adventure (350cc) at 2.80 lakh (around 2,80,905) ex-showroom price, Delhi, which is approximately 62,000 less than the 399cc models. The reason behind the savings is the GST model of India: engines of less than 350cc are subjected to 18% tax, as compared to the higher rate of 40% tax on engines of over 350cc.
The current 399cc models will still be sold together with the newcomers. The bigger-displacement Duke has been renamed the 390 Duke R, with the flagship Adventure versions renamed Adventure X, Adventure S or Adventure R. This two-range approach will enable KTM, in collaboration with Bajaj Auto, to expand its reach without compromising on the high-end products to customers who might want to achieve the maximum performance.
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Engine and performance modifications.
The core of the new variants is a smaller engine with a 349.32cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder. KTM has managed to develop a unit with a stroke shortening and 89mm bore was maintained, resulting in the following results: 41.5 PS at 8600 rpm and 33.5 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. That is compared to the 399cc engine with its 45.3 PS and 39 Nm a slight decrease, but one, engineers claim, which maintains the lively, rev-happy character KTM is regarded as having.
The everyday riding and spirited highway rides should be pretty familiar. The power to weight is also high, especially in the lighter Duke that weighs about 168 kg kerb, a bit less than the R model. The slightly torquier low- and mid-range delivery should be beneficial in real-world use, but top-end punch is unavoidably sacrificed.
Other mechanical factors remain relatively constant. Bikes both also share the same trellis frame, suspension system, braking hardware and electronics package, with cornering ABS, traction control, multiple ride modes and a quickshifter on higher models. The Adventure still provides spoke wheels, good ground clearance and 19/17-inch wheel ratio that is ideal in light off-road use.
Minor variations in sizes.
There are some practical changes that buyers might observe. The 350cc Duke is a little shorter in seat height, by 800 mm -20 mm than the R, hence accessible to shorter riders. There is also a slight decrease in ground clearance on certain models, but this will not have a significant impact on the practical use of most users.
The smaller displacement could result in a slight increase in fuel efficiency, but this has not been verified at this point. Maintenance costs and service periods are likely to be within the current range of 390.
Competitive market strategic move.
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| Image Source Bikewale.com |
Launch is a similar plan by Triumph, which launched 350cc versions of its own middleweight models to capitalize on the low tax bracket. In the case of KTM, the timing is calculated. Having soaked up the effect of increased GST on the 399cc bikes over a few months, leading to price increases of up to ₹40,000 on certain models, the Austrian brand is now transferring the tax cut to customers directly.
The expansion was explained by Manik Nangia, the President of Producing at Bajaj Auto as a means of realizing aspiration into reality to more riders. He said that the KTM 390 Duke and KTM 390 Adventure are the most aspirational bikes in India. This growth is concerned with turning that dream into reality of more riders and retaining all that makes these motorcycles unique.
The relocation also indicates the trends in the high-end motorcycle market in India. As the demand to have both the easy-to-use and exciting machines increases, manufacturers are devising ingenious methods of balancing performance, regulation and price. Retaining both 350cc and 399cc models in showrooms will not only ensure that KTM does not lose its current fans who are more likely to focus on pure power but also will allow it to attract a new generation of customers.
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What it implies to the riders.
Newcomers to the performance bike market, or those stepping up to larger KTMs like the 350 Duke or 350 Adventure, find the new 350cc models to be attractive. They provide the quick handling, sporty styling and state-of-the-art electronics that make the 390 family at a significantly lower price.
Hobbyists who want the remaining few horsepower can still use the 399cc R or more advanced Adventure versions. Regulars of the track or those who ride two-up with a luggage carrier may find the additional mid-range power and its possible higher performance at the top end of the bigger engine.
The dealers have already started taking bookings and soon deliveries will commence. Colour choices and complete feature selections are similar to the current line, with buyers having the option of base and full-loaded features.
Outlook
The move by KTM to operate parallel line-ups underscores the intricacies of the India tax system and the brand identity zeal to expand its presence in one of the most vibrant two-wheeler markets in the world. It is yet to be seen whether the sales of the 399cc models will be cannibalised by the 350cc variants or whether the pie will be larger. Initial signs are that there is a lot of interest, especially in urban riders and weekend tourers who want high-quality performance but are not willing to strain their wallets too hard.
With the Indian taste in adventure and naked bikes still in its infancy, such a step would be beneficial to the European high-end brands in keeping their speed ahead of the ever-growing local and Japanese competitors. In the meantime, the message that KTM is sending is clear: serious performance does not have to be serious priced - at least not to the taxman.
