KTM Duke 790 launched at Rs 8.64 lakh

KTM launched the much-awaited Duke 790 in India on Monday at Rs 8,63,945 lakh (ex-showroom). This puts KTM 790 Duke more expensive than its Japanese rivals, the Suzuki GSX-S750, which costs Rs 7.52 lakh and Kawasaki Z900, which comes bearing a price tag of Rs 7.69 lakh. However, the bike is cheaper than KTM's European rivals such as Ducati Monster 821 and Triumph Street Triple S.

The mid-weight superbike boasts an all-new compact 799-cc LC8c parallel twin engine plonked into one of the lightest frames around which makes it an exceptionally capable, lightweight and agile package. Built for torque, this liquid-cooled 8 valve, DOHC unit delivers 87 Nm at 8000 rpm with a roaring 105 HP power.

The bike's braking systems feature cornering ABS by Bosch with lean angle sensitive Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC). The bike has a quickshifter+ with Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) for smooth clutchless up and down-shifting. There are four ride Modes — Sport, Street, Rain and Track — with varying throttle response and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC). The track mode offers utmost customisation for refined Riders with nine-step adjustable traction control, adjustable throttle response, switchable ABS and launch control.

The bike is equipped with a 43mm, non-adjustable up-side down WP fork and a pre-load monoshock. A dry weight of 169 kilos make the sport-naked motorcycle one of the lightest bikes in its class. The bike with a fuel tank capacity of 14 litres, has a returns a claimed 21 kmpl.

You can own the motorbike with a downpayment of Rs 1.7 lakh, the buyer repay with easy EMI of Rs 19,000/month at 7.75% interest rate that includes registration and insurance. The bike is brought to India via the CKD route and will be assembled at Bajaj's Chakan Plant. The bike, currently in BS-4 spec will be sold only in limite units in major cities.