Rumour: Bajaj-KTM to launch new adventure tourer range

Just when you thought attainable adventure tourers are hard to come by, Royal Enfield revealed the Himalayan. Now, ahead of the Himalayan's launch this month, it has emerged that the Bajaj-KTM alliance is working on a project of its own to attack the segment.

This news may sound familiar as around 2 years ago, many reports speculated that KTM would launch an adventure tourer based on the Duke 200/390 platform. It was believed that those plans were shelved as the platform would not support the demands of an adventure tourer - a perspective that many would agree with, given the way the Duke and RC are designed to be high-revving urban speedsters and not low-end torque-focused terrain tamers.

According to a report by Autocar Pro, the alliance has been developing an all-new platform for new adventure tourers. The models are reportedly being developed with two engine options that are being locally made in Chakan, near Pune. In all likelihood, the engines will be redesigned versions of the 373.2cc and 199.5cc engines offered with the Duke and RC series.

A source in the report stated that the bikes could be out "as early as April-May 2016" and the models will most likely cater to the domestic and export markets as well. While the Royal Enfield Himalayan will be a landmark launch for the Chennai-based motorcycle maker, KTM's international range of dirt bikes, enduros and adventure tourers highlights the fact that these possible new launches will come from experienced hands in the segment.

*Image for representation only.