KTM RC 200 and RC 390 being readied for launch

Austrian bike maker, KTM created a lot of excitement when it displayed full-faired versions of the 200 Duke and 390 Duke a couple of months ago. Called the RC 200 and RC 390, these bikes were unveiled at the EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition, held in Milan, Italy. While it was certain that the RC 200 and RC 390 would be built at the Bajaj Auto plant at Chakan, near Pune, it was only speculated that these bikes would be launched in India, sometime in 2014. However, now, there are clear indications that KTM is gearing up to launch the RC 200 and RC 390 in the near future. The company’s website shows the two bikes with a “Coming soon to India” tag.

At the moment there is no mention of a specific date, but, we expect KTM to give us a clearer picture regarding this matter during the Auto Expo in February 2014.

The RC 200 and RC 300 will be mechanically identical to the 200 Duke and 390 Duke respectively. However, there are some features that distinguish the RC series bikes from their Duke equivalents.

• Full fairing
• Shorter wheelbase
• Clip-on handlebars
• Twin headlamps
• Turn indicators integrated into the rear view mirrors
• New tail-frame section

The RC 200 and RC 390 will be priced higher than the Duke 200 and Duke 390 respectively.