The KTM 390 Duke and the Kawasaki Ninja 300R are easily the most awaited bike launches in Indian bike market today. Both the Kawasaki Ninja 300R and the KTM 390 Duke have been caught testing on Indian roads on a few occasions and the cyber space is full of rumours related to the launch of the two new bikes.
We reported in detail when rumours started doing rounds that the new Katoom would be unveiled in India on April 10. Quite interestingly, there also were rumours that the new Kawasaki Ninja 300R would be unveiled in India on the same date, i.e., on April 10. Just when we were close to taking bout the rumours with a fistful of salt, our friend Keith Xavier, from Hyderabad, confirmed that the KTM Duke 390 and the Kawasaki Ninja 300R would be unveiled in India on April 10. He was told this by the KTM Hyderabad dealer.
While the new KTM will be priced in the vicinity of INR 2.2-2.5 Lakhs, the price of the Ninja 300R could go upto INR 3.5 lakhs.
KTM 390 Duke
Visually, the new Duke 390 and the Duke 200 are identical. The difference between the two bikes lies in the engine performance. Powering the Duke 390 is a more powerful engine that is sure to tickle the taste buds of every performance hungry bike aficionado of India.
The KTM Duke 390 is powered by a single cylinder, fuel injected, liquid-cooled, 4 stroke, 373cc motor that has a max power output of 44 bhp and develops a max torque of 35 Nm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The international spec KTM 390 Duke comes with optional ABS unit. The ABS system on the 390 Duke is manufacturer by renowned auto component manufacturer Bosch. The worth-mentioning point about this Bosch ABS system is that it can be switched ON or OFF by the user. Luckily, KTM-Bajaj isn’t skipping on the ABS unit for the India spec bike and the KTM 390 will be launched in India with the Anti-lock Braking System. The Bosch 9M ABS unit on the Duke 390 has sensors located at the front and rear wheels. These sensors are linked to a microchip that monitors engine torque and enhances the braking capability accordingly. The KTM 390 Duke sports a 4-piston brake calliper against the 2-piston calliper setup on the Duke 200.
KTM 390 Duke Technical Specifications:
Engine: 4 stroke water-cooled single cylinder
Engine capacity: 373.2cc
Torque: 35Nm at 7,250rpm
Power: 44HP at 9,500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Dry Weight: 139Kg
Power-to-weight ratio: 316.5PS/Tonne
Clutch: Hydraulic operated
Fuel system: Bosch EFI
Ignition system: Bosch EMS83
Kawasaki Ninja 300R
Our first impressions are that the upcoming Kawasaki Ninja 300R is a more powerful version of the new Ninja 250R. Powering the Kawasaki Ninja 300R is a 296cc, parallel twin cyl, fuel injected motor that benefits from dual throttle valves.
This engine has a max power output of 39 PS@11000 RPM and a peak torque figure of 27 Nm @10,000 RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Kawasaki Ninja 300R too comes fitted with ABS. The new Ninja wears 110 section tyre up front and 140 section tyre at the rear wheel.
Colour options for the Kawasaki Ninja 300R include Green, Red and White.
We believe that the new Kawasaki Ninja 300R would kick open gates to a new segment in Indian performance bike industry and would surely appeal to those who want that wee bit more from an entry level sportsbike.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS-
Engine- 296cc, fuel injected, parallel twin
Max Power- 39PS@11000 RPM
Max Torque- 27Nm@10000 RPM
Transmission- 6 Speed Manual
Category: News
Check: KTM Duke 390 to be released in India on April 10, Kawasaki Ninja 300R