Kathmandu

After the launch of the KTM Duke series in 2012, followed by the RC 200 and RC 390 in 2014, Hansraj Hulaschand, sole authorised distributor of KTM bikes in Nepal, launched a whole new range of upgraded KTM motorcycles on June 2. These include the latest versions of RC 390, RC 200, 200 Duke and 390 Duke as well as the brand new 250 Duke.

Bijay Moktan, Business Head of KTM, claimed that the brand has been among the highest selling premium naked motorcycles in the country, acquiring 42 per cent market share. “We have sold close to 800 units of the KTM Duke this year,” he said, adding that the 200 Duke has been by far their most popular premium naked bike in the country, accounting for 60 percent of their total sales. According to Moktan they are expecting to sell around 2500 units of the new range of bikes from KTM. “Our target customers for the new range are mainly youths and bike enthusiasts,” he revealed, adding that the Honda CBR250 and Yamaha R15 are the chief competitors for these models. He further stated that the upgraded bikes are more technologically advanced than their predecessors, have greater visual appeal and will be more comfortable to ride.

During an event celebrating the launch, Shekhar Golchha, Managing Director of Hansraj Hulaschand, said the new range of KTM bikes incorporated exciting upgrades. “With all of these new products, the KTM brand will strengthen its already dominant position in the premium sports segment,” Golchha claimed.

The new KTM 250 Duke is an upgraded option for those who have already experience the 200 Duke. It shows its racing genes with 3O PS power, a slipper clutch and an ultra-light chassis with a bolt-on sub frame that is supposed to allow the bike to soar around bends and slice through traffic with precision. It is available in the colours white and orange.  The model boasts a maximum power of 30 PS at 9,000 rpm and max torque of 24 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The KTM 200 Duke does not get major upgrades, expect for a refreshed visual scheme.  Its updated engine churns out 24.6 BHP, develops a peak torque of 19.2 Nm and supports a 6-speed gearbox.

The 390 Duke gets even more potent, with a radical new design underlined by split LED headlights, a larger steel fuel tank and a dual colour lightweight steel trellis frame. The aggressive design is complemented by the powerful engine churning out 43.5 PS power at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm torque at 7000 rpm. It hosts new premium features like ride by wire, which is supposed to provide a smooth throttle response by eliminating the throttle cable and using sensors instead. Its console screen can connect to a smart phone, allowing riders full control over incoming calls and the audio player. They can accept calls on their Bluetooth device directly through the instrument console. The buttons on the left side of the handlebar can toggle through various functions of the motorcycle. They can even switch the console’s many features on or off through a pre-designed menu bar on the screen. The screen displays the expected mileage of the remaining fuel alongside a digital tachometer and speedometer in an interesting new layout

The KTM RC range includes the models RC 390 and RC 200. The RC 390 boasts of features like ride by wire, slipper clutch and an anti-lock brake system (ABS). It has a maximum power of 43.5 PS at 9000 rpm and max torque of 36 Nm at 7000 rpm.  The RC 200 comes with features like an aluminium swingarm, trellis frame and upside down suspension. Its motor continues to deliver 25 PS of power at 10000 rpm and 19.2 Nm of torque at 8000 rpm.