Official word about the KTM 200 Duke launch date in India..
I hate to spread useless speculations without the backing of some solid info. This time economictimes carries the news of the launch date of the KTM 200 Duke in India.
According to the news, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer has revealed plans of the launch of the KTM Street bike (Yeah..it's NOT an offroader), the 200 Duke in India in the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi..!!
Interestingly Mr. Pierer also revealed plans of a 350 cc KTM model for India to be launched a year later (probably by 2013).
It's almost certain the the KTM 200 Duke would look the the KTM 125 Duke, which Bajaj manufactures for KTM and exports to Europe (exports started just a couple of months back). Indian bikers can rejoice as the "Baby" Duke slated for India will have a more powerful 200 cc engine instead of the 125 cc for europe.
It's not clear if the next 350 cc model will share the looks of the 125/200 Duke or will be an entirely new model. Anyway, the 350 cc KTM would definitely be out of my budget.
Engine/Power specs and pricing have not been revealed yet. But just from the fact that the 125 cc Duke can belt out 15 Ps of max power, I am expecting at least 22-23 Ps of power from the 200 Duke (provided it's not detuned too much for India). 22-23 Ps of power coupled with a light weight kerb weight of around 130 kgs would mean that the KTM 200 Duke would have a healthy "power-to-weight" ratio (to easily take on bikes like the Honda CBR250R) and will be an absolute fun machine.