KTM Big Bikes Not Coming to India Anytime Soon; Here's Why

The KTM-Bajaj partnership has recently crossed the one million production milestone in India. This partnership has paved the way for the entry of KTM bikes, ranging in sizes from 125cc to 390cc, into India. On a global level, KTM sells several big bikes with greater capacity and power. However, the audience in India still awaits the release of such motorcycles. The first big bike by the company was the KTM 790 Duke, launched in 2019. It was introduced in limited numbers and later got axed due to the implementation of BS6 Norms. There was high expectation that the 890 Duke or possibly the 890 Adventure would go on sale sometime in the future after being displayed at the 2022 India Bike Week along with the KTM 1290 Super Duke. However, there is still no official update to the date regarding the entry of these higher displacement bikes into India. Reportedly, the company showcased the bikes in IBW 2022 only to determine the interest of potential customers. 

Also Read: 2023 KTM Duke 390 Spotted in India, Shows New Design and Features

At the recent celebration of the KTM-Bajaj alliance's one-millionth rollout of the KTM 390 Adventure, the company reportedly hinted that developing a business model in India is difficult due to the country's high tax rates as well as the limited number of big bikes. The cost of imports is too high, and there aren't enough sales to support local production. KTM reportedly does not intend to offer large capacity models in our market because its target audience is the nation's younger generation.

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For those unaware, Bajaj has been in a long-standing relationship with KTM, since it acquired a 14.5% interest in the Austrian company, years ago in 2007. In the parent firm of KTM, that ownership increased to 49.9%. Presently, Bajaj produces small-capacity KTMs at its Chakan plant in Maharashtra, India. Reportedly, KTM has obtained a 25% stake in the MV Agusta. If true, this will mark the return of the prominent brand to India, as KTM will acquire the Italian bikemaker's distribution network.