KTM will make a splash with its Made-in-India engine, know launch date

New Delhi: A major change is about to come in the world of performance biking. KTM is reportedly developing a brand-new twin-cylinder (parallel-twin) engine in India. Interestingly, this engine is being developed entirely in-house, not in Austria, but by Bajaj Auto's Pune-based research and development team. This move is considered a major shift in KTM's global strategy. Let's explore the details in detail.

Why is this such a significant decision?

When the Duke 390 was launched in 2013, it redefined the performance bike segment in India. Now, KTM is taking the next big step in that segment. Demand for bikes in the 300cc to 500cc segment is growing rapidly in India. This segment has seen a CAGR growth of over 15%. Young professionals are upgrading from commuter bikes.

Will the new engine replace the 390 platform?

What's surprising is that this new twin-cylinder engine could replace the existing 390 platform in the future. Until now, the Duke 390 and RC 390 were based on single-cylinder engines, but single-cylinder engines have some limitations.

It suffered from high vibration and lacked refinement on the highway. It lacked the smooth feel of a larger bike. The new twin-cylinder engine will address these issues. It will offer smoother power delivery, reduced vibration (improved NVH), and a premium riding experience. This engine is estimated to produce around 47 bhp, making it a direct competitor to bikes like the Aprilia RS 457 and Yamaha R3.

What will happen to the single-cylinder?

KTM won't completely eliminate single-cylinder engines. The current 399cc engine could be downsized to less than 350cc, delivering around 40bhp. This could help price the entry-level performance bike below ₹3 lakh, appealing to more young customers.

What are the Made in India advantages?

The new twin-cylinder engine will be manufactured entirely in India. It will be manufactured at the Chakan plant in Pune, which exports to over 40 countries.

How will local manufacturing influence costs?

Local manufacturing will keep costs low and pricing competitive. It could offer a cheaper alternative to CBU bikes like the Yamaha R3.

When will it be launched?

This is a completely new engine platform, so it will take time. Its global unveiling was expected at EICMA 2027. An India launch could take place in early or mid-2028. This engine is expected to debut in the new Duke model, followed by the RC and Adventure variants. KTM's move could revolutionize the Indian performance bike segment. Just as the Duke 390 transformed the market in 2013, a "Made in India" twin-cylinder platform could be a game-changer by 2028.