Bajaj Auto tightens its hold on KTM Power Sports by buying another 6.3% stake.

Bajaj Auto has tightened its grip over the Austrian Motorcycle KTM by buying another 6.3%, taking its total tally in the Austrian motorcycle to a little over 47% . Bajaj Auto is the second-largest shareholder in KTM. Other large shareholders include Stefan Pierer and Rudolf Knuenz-hold more than 51% stake. Currently Bajaj Auto are only willing to be the minority stake holders in the Austrian Motorcycle KTM .

Bajaj and KTM are working together well as a team , KTM is helping Bajaj by providing technical assistance whereas Bajaj has provided a great platform for KTM to launch its Duke series under its name . Bajaj launched the KTM Duke 200 a few weeks ago , and the response that the Duke 200 is receiving is tremendous .

Over the next few years now Bajaj Auto,  will launch bigger and more powerful Pulsar and KTM motorcycle models in the 200cc to 700 cc range will take on rivals Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki and build on its leadership position in the premium motorcycle space.
Bajaj aims to position the Pulsar in the value-for-money sports bike segment and Austrian partner KTM's motorcycles at the premium end of the market.

This strategy of KTM-Pulsar acting together in the sports segment is a valid strategy anywhere in the world not just in India and they will look at leveraging this in many of the overseas markets in Latin America, Africa and South East Asia .

Read More

KTM to bring ' STREET BIKES '

Europe’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer KTM has launched KTM 200 Duke in India, through its association with Bajaj, and has outlined plans to bring in more models including a ‘Street bike’.

“The response to the introduction of the bike known for its rustic features and yet refinement, has been very encouraging. There is also demand for these bikes in tier II and III cities, where we plan to grow the dealerships from 32 now,” representatives of KTM said. Currently, KTM, Yamaha and Honda are offering bikes in this category.But looking at the response , KTM is soon going to get these competitors down !!

“The KTM brand has a wide range of accessories and parts that go well with bike lovers. As a part of expanding the business in India, we are set to bring in these merchandise, including jackets, gloves and helmets,” Mr Prakhar said.

Mr Amit Pawar, Zonal Manager of Bajaj Auto Ltd, said: "The aspirations of young bike lovers is changing and their expectations too. They now want all the features of naked bike in a regular street bike. This means, we will have to offer them what they want with new models.”

Naked bike is a motorcycle with rugged looks where most of the engine and other parts are visible. In the case of a street bike, most of the parts are covered and well protected.

Read More

2012 KTM Duke 200 - Ride Review

KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and moped manufacturer.
KTM is most commonly known for its off road motorcycles though in recent years it has expanded into street motorcycle production . They are the acknowledged world leaders for off-road motorcycles, and have made a habit of dominating off-road motorsports events. Indian giant Bajaj’s stake in this European firm has steadily climbed to a hefty 39 percent, which makes it high time we ride our first KTM.

The single-cylinder 125 Duke is a street bike jointly developed by KTM with Bajaj and already introduced in select European markets. It’s taken no time to charge into the lead and become a segment leader there, while Indians have patiently stood by waiting for a 200cc variant of the same bike to be specially prepared for our market. The eagerly anticipated KTM 200 Duke will be backed by the sales and service might of Bajaj Probiking. It boasts remarkably potent specifications, which is why we couldn’t wait to get behind the handlebars and tell you how it all comes together as a package.

The bike looks sporty, feels sporty, and don’t go by the 200cc engine, because this monster is expected to generate 25 Bhp of maximum power which is much higher than the normal 200cc commuter bikes which deliver 15 to 17 Bhp power.

The new KTM Duke 200 is very distinctive and attractive sports bike which carries lots of attitude with it. The advanced aerodynamic design used in the new KTM Duke 200 is extraordinary and has a great charismatic effect which spells bounds the costumer with its unmatched appearance and racer look.
The new bike is specially designed for the racer with dynamic body graphics which is very impressive. The front portion of the bike has only cowl which has stylish halogen headlight in it which is very well stacked and looks very elegant. The straight handle bars of the new bike KTM Duke 200 is also very sporty and also very comfortable, specially designed for racing purpose. The stylish turn indicators are placed beneath the front cowl and looks very stylish and unadulterated. And the riding saddle is roomy and well padded, although the same can’t be said for the compromised pillion seat. Split alloy grab bars lead to a slender tail lamp, behind which extends a lengthy mudguard and number plate holder.The revolutionary and stylish large and bold alloy wheels of the new KTM Duke 200 will enhance the style and looks. The rear portion of the bike is also very impressive with sweeping style side indicators. The rear tyre-hugger and saree guard are parts we feel the 200 Duke would look best without, but you can’t help but marvel at the sleek, clear-lens turn signal indicators on this spanking new motorcycle. A ‘stand down’ warning system is standard.

The distinctive center console comprises of fuel gauge, speedometer, trip meter, turn indicator signal, etc. The stylish and unmatched fuel tank of the new KTM Duke 200 is also very appealing and has a feel of racer bike in it. The foot pegs available in the bike are very stylish and tuck in neatly when unused.
Overall quality, as well as the turnout of rubber and plastic parts is as good, as expected on the KTM 200 Duke.

You couldn’t ask for a more tech-rich engine on an Indian motorcycle. The new KTM deploys a short-stroke, four-stroke and single-cylinder, 199.5cc powerplant with 72mm bore and 49mm stroke measurements. State-of-the-art specs with no-compromise engineering ensure you receive the works; fuel injection, liquid cooling, a twin-camshaft-driven quartet of valves and a bantamweight, compact, six-speed gearbox.

The riding position is upright, comfortable and good for daily use with the wide handlebars providing excellent leverage. Ride quality is good, pliant and still firm enough to enable sporty handling, but our ride was too brief and only over smooth surfaces, so a final verdict must again remain reserved for our road test. The KTM 200 Duke handles with a light, nimble feel, always steering with neutral manners and the MRF radial front and rear tyres provide terrific grip. This is a stable bike at all speeds, with superb cornering manners and brakes which always offer a powerful and reassuring bite.

We expect the KTM 200 Duke to return close to 25-30kpl for every litre of fuel. Bajaj is offering a variety of KTM merchandise as optional with this bike, including a pair of tasteful knuckle guards.

Also to mention is the KTM Duke 200's lap timing . The KTM  Duke 200's 0-60 kmph time is 3.3 sec while its 0-100 kmph time is 9.2 seconds , which is quite impressive .


FACT FILE OF KTM DUKE 200 :

Engine: Four-stroke Single, 4-valve DOHC
Displacement: 199.6 cc
Bore x Stroke: 72 x 49 mm
Peak horsepower: 25.5 bhp @10,000 rpm
Peak torque: 20Nm @ 6,800 rpm
Starter /Battery: Electric starter
Transmission: 6 gears
Fueling: Electronic fuel injection


Primary Drive: 22:72
Final drive: 14:43
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Clutch: Multi-disc wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, steel subframe
Front suspension: Inverted WP 43mm fork, 5.9 inches travel
Rear suspension: WP monoshock, 5.9 inches travel
Front brake: 300mm disc
Rear brake: 230mm disc


Tires front/rear: 110/70 x 17 x 150/60 x 17
Trail: 3.9 inches
Wheelbase: 53.5 inches (1360 mm)
Seat height: 31.9 inches (810 mm)
Fuel tank: 2.9 gallons (11 liter)
Dry Weight: 278 pounds (126.4 kg)



Bikoholic Verdict :
KTM 200 Duke is a special motorcycle, just as comfortable puttering around town as a zippy commuter bike or being thrashed while you attack your favorite section of twisty tarmac. KTM and Bajaj have certainly found a sweet spot, as the Indo-Austrian KTM 200 Duke has all the trappings of quickly becoming a best-in-class 200cc street motorcycle.

For latest updates and news on the 2012vKTM Duke 200 Click HERE

Read More

KTM Duke 200's Rev Limiter , Key Code Card , Mileage,Top Speed plus some more details revealed!

The KTM Duke 200 is the first of many KTM’s that will come to India via the 40% Bajaj connection.A few media outlets were invited by Bajaj Auto to spend some quality time with the Duke 200 and give thier feedback . No doubt it is an outstanding performer but there was a small disappointment, Bajaj had introduced a rev limiter in the KTM Duke 200 which kicks in at 10,000 RPM. This restricts the speed at a mere 126  km/h which won’t be liked by the motorcycle enthusiasts.Bajaj Auto seems to have addressed the problem somewhat and increased the limit from 10,000 to 10,500 RPM thus taking the top speed to about 138 km/h (on the speedometer).

When you hit 10,500 rpm, the rev limiter cuts in quite sharply; so sharply that riding at full throttle, even in 6th gear is impossible as the ECU keeps killing the power when the bike touches 138 kmph. They bike definitely can go way faster. At a constant 137 kmph though, everything is fine and you can keep cruising. Increase the speed by just another 1 kmph and engine seems to be stuck deciding between delivering full power & delivering no power. That’s how sharp the cut off is.. In case you won’t be satisfied with the speed, you have to wait for sometime as we have news of people working on removing the rev limit altogether.

All KTM Duke 200s which are being delivered to the first customers across the nation have had their rev limiter raised by 500 rpm to 10,500 rpm. So, the top speed of the Duke is now 138 Kph on the digital speedometer it comes with. with an average speedo error of about 5%, the Duke 200 effectively does a true 130 Kph, which is no means a slow speed. Even so, speed hungry folks will have to resort to after market piggy back ECUs or remaps to get past the rev limiter on the Duke 200 or go in for a sprocket change to improve the true top speed by 5-10 Kph. According to the on-board computer, we obtained mileage figures between 21 & 34 kmpl depending on the riding conditions and speeds. Expect no more than 22-23kmpl if you ride around the city mostly in the first 4 gears. On the highway, we obtained a decent 34kmpl while cruising in 6th.

• Bajaj is offering a 2 years/30,000 kilometer warranty on the Duke 200 with free service intervals at 1,000 Kms, 5,000 Kms and 10,000 Kms.
• For the first 1,000 kilometers, the Duke 200′s revs will be limited to 7,500 rpm as a measure for good running in of the engine.
• This limit will be raised to 10,500 rpm post 1,000 kilometers.
•  Service interval for the Duke 200 is 5,000 Kms.

A surprise touch on the Duke 200 is the key chain that it comes with. The key chain (known as the Key Code Card) is a smart card which contains all your service information and you can get your bike serviced from any location in the world, yes, in the world.All you need to do is swipe this card to retrieve your motorcycle's service data . By this new innovative idea there's no need to carry the service booklet for your general services and warranty claims.


KTM 200 Duke is a special motorcycle, just as comfortable puttering around town as a zippy commuter bike or being thrashed while you attack your favorite section of twisty tarmac. KTM and Bajaj have certainly found a sweet spot, as the Indo-Austrian KTM 200 Duke has all the trappings of quickly becoming a best-in-class 200cc street motorcycle. All in all, the KTM Duke 200 brings a lot of refreshing features, many of which are segment firsts and mates it to a high performance-high value package .Deliveries of this motorcycle have already begun and you can head to your nearest KTM store to test ride the Duke 200.

For latest news and updates on KTM regarding its technical specifications , performance and accessories click here
via

Read More

2012 KTM DUKE 200 DELIVERIES HAVE STARTED IN MUMBAI, PUNE, BANGALORE AND DELHI!

Bajaj-KTM have started delivering the vehicles to the early bird customers, much before than that anticipated by the customers and even promised by the company officials.

Deliveries of the KTM Duke 200 have just begun across major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune, with the first owners of the Duke 200 riding off with their steeds. The Duke 200 will soon head to other countries in South East Asia and Latin America.

Earlier, Bajaj Auto Limited has launched the KTM Duke 200 in India at an introductory price of INR 1,17,500, ex-showroom Delhi. This terrific pricing, albeit an introductory one has Bajaj and value-for-money written all over it.The KTM Duke 200, assembled at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant is a motorcycle designed and developed by both Bajaj Auto and an Austrian motorcycle brand, KTM, a firm in which Bajaj holds a 40% stake in. The KTM Duke 200 will also be launched in other developing countries like Malaysia and Brazil very soon.
via

Read More