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Bajaj Auto launches KTM Duke 200 with shock pricing

Every now and then, Bajaj Auto has this habit of creating ripples in the market. They did it with the launch of Chetak scooter many decades back, with the launch of the first-generation Pulsar twins one decade back and now this. KTM, the Austrian motorcycle brand known for its rugged off-road motorcycles and in which Bajaj holds a significant stake, launched its first motorcycle in India, the Duke 200. Most of the media friends have already driven this motorcycle which was conceived and developed for markets like India and are gungho about its prospects. The Duke 200 is manufactured at Bajaj's plant in Pune and is exported to many countries across the world. As part of indigenisation efforts, Bajaj Auto claims that it has localized about 95% of the components of the Duke 200.

Probably, that explains the shocker of a price in which the KTM Duke 200 is launched. When Bajaj announced that the Duke 200 will retail for INR 117,500 (Ex-Showroom Delhi), it not only created shock-waves amongst the general public, but also across the industry. Yamaha and Honda would definitely be spending sleepless nights trying to track the progress of Duke 200's demand. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto said “The launch of the Duke 200 is one of the many steps in Bajaj Auto’s association with KTM over the last five years. Between the Bajaj Pulsar and the KTM Duke we intend to further strengthen our dominant position in the sports motorcycle segment in India.The KTM 200 Duke is meant for people who are young at heart and like to be different".

The KTM Duke 200 is powered by a 200cc single-cylinder engine with a maximum power output of 25 bhp at 10000 rpm and a peak torque of 19.2 Nm at 8000 rpm. The 4-valve DOHC engine is liquid cooled and ushers the Duke 200 with an amazing power to weight ratio of 184 PS per ton. Reports indicate that the Duke 200 is capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds and its 126 kg weight makes it very nimble and fun to drive. The Duke 200 will be available in KTM's trademark orange color only and key features of this sporty motorcycle include a multifunction cockpit, Trellis Frame, aluminum swing-arm and upside down forks. The Duke 200 will be sold in exclusive KTM dealerships across India that will also sell the Kawasaki Ninja twins. The Duke 200 is expected to give tough competition to Yamaha YZF R15 and Honda CBR 250R.

With this, Bajaj Auto has dealt a mighty blow to the competition by offering a superb combination of looks and performance. Coupled with the soon-to-be-launched next-generation Pulsars, Bajaj is all set to continue its reign at the top of the performance motorcycling segment in India. Way to go Bajaj!

1 comment:

  1. Nice stuff, really helpful for readers.

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