KTM 650 Duke India Launch: Twin-Cylinder Power, Aggressive Price & Big Rivals Ahead

KTM is in the process of revising its approach to the Indian motorcycle market and the upcoming KTM 650 Duke is at the heart of this shift. After witnessing a slight sales slowdown in 2023, the Austrian brand is now strengthening itself in the naked bike segment, which Indian riders love, and at the same time concentrating on high-margin segments.

The KTM 650 Duke is being developed in partnership with Bajaj Auto and this is an extension of one of the most successful relationships in the Indian two-wheeler market. The new model, now specifically tailored to the Indian riding conditions, will assume the competition of Yamaha MT-07, Triumph Trident 660 and Honda CB650R.

KTM 650 Duke Development Strategy for India

KTM 650 Duke is not a global model that is being localised to India. According to the reports, this motorcycle is being engineered from the ground up by keeping Indian riders in mind. The preliminary test mule images indicate that the bike is based on the KTM 790 Duke platform, although with significant modifications to fit local conditions.

KTM is going to localise production heavily and production will be done by Bajaj Auto at its plant at Chakan. This localisation is critical in terms of containing costs whilst providing high technology in the middle weight segment.

KTM 650 Duke Engine and Performance Expectations

The core of the KTM 650 Duke will be a parallel-twin LC8c engine that will be based on the motor of the 790 Duke but reduced in size to 650cc-790cc range. KTM CEO Stefan Pierer has admitted that this downsizing model has enabled the brand to achieve the balance between performance and affordability.

No official figures have been provided but the engine will be available with 70-80 bhp and approximately 70 Nm of torque with a four to six speed gearbox. This design must provide strong rideability in the city and highways, something that the Indian consumers appreciate more and more.

KTM 650 Duke Ergonomics and Rider Comfort Focus

The ergonomics of the KTM 650 Duke will be one of the greatest changes. The 650 Duke will value comfort unlike the aggressively committed riding position of 790, 890, and 990 Duke models.

Expect:

• A more relaxed handlebar position
• Revised footpeg placement
• Better long-distance comfort

This change is clearly aimed at Indian riders who want performance without sacrificing daily usability or touring comfort.

KTM 650 Duke Launch Timeline and Expected Price

The KTM 650 Duke India launch  is planned to be introduced in early 2026, and may also have a showcase at EICMA 2025. The confidence of the launch is low so far because the motorcycle is not developed yet, it is still under development.

In terms of pricing, the price of KTM 650 Duke in India will be in the range of  ₹6.5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh (ex-showroom). In the case of aggressive localisation, KTM will be able to undercut competitors such as Trident 660 and CB650R, which makes it one of the most compelling options in the market.

KTM 650 Duke Rivals in India

After its launch, KTM 650 Duke will compete with some of the existing middle-weight naked bikes, which includes the following:

• Yamaha MT-07 (expected India launch in 2026)
• Triumph Trident 660
• Kawasaki Z650
• Honda CB650R

KTM will probably have an advantage in the form of faster performance, advanced electronics and reasonable pricing.

KTM 650 Duke and the Bigger KTM India Roadmap

The KTM 650 Duke is part of a larger plan for increasing the KTM naked bike range in India. KTM is also developing the 490 Duke, which was developed in collaboration with CF Moto, in line with the 650 Duke, and it is expected to launch in 2026. When this is complete, the India range of KTM will consist of the following:

• Single-cylinder Dukes (125–390)
• Parallel-twin models (490 Duke, 650 Duke)
• Flagship 1390 Super Duke R Evo

KTM is also going to export the 650 Duke manufactured in India to other markets such as Indonesia, Nepal and Sri Lanka, which is going to enhance the position of India as a global manufacturing hub.

KTM 650 Duke: Why It Could Be a Game-Changer

With high interest rate, positive user expectations and the experience that KTM has with Bajaj, this motorcycle can become a best-seller in the 500-750cc market, assuming it is priced appropriately.

By combining twin-cylinder performance, comfort-focused ergonomics, and aggressive styling, KTM  seems like a perfect business opportunity when it comes to conquer the next stage of the Indian mid-range motorcycle market.

FAQs

1. When is the KTM 650 Duke to be launched in India?
   The launch of this bike is expected in early 2026.
2. What engine will the KTM 650 Duke use?
   This bike will use a 650–690cc parallel-twin LC8c engine.
3. What will be  the expected price of KTM 650 Duke?
   The expected price of this motorcycle is₹6.5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
4. Will the KTM 650 Duke be made in India?
   Yes, it will be manufactured locally by Bajaj Auto.
5. What bikes are going to compete with the KTM 650 Duke?
   Yamaha MT-07, Triumph Trident 660, Kawasaki Z65 and Honda CB650R.

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