KTM 350 Duke India Launch Soon, And Why KTM Will Not Discontinue The 390 Duke

It’s no secret that Bajaj Auto has been working hard on a new range of sub-350 cc motorcycles ever since the new GST rule came into effect last year. Bikes above 350 cc displacement now attract 40 per cent GST and this has impacted the company a lot, especially its KTM line-up of 390 series. There were speculations whether or not the KTM 390 Duke would face the axe for a more affordable KTM 350 Duke. From official sources we have confirmation that the KTM 390 Duke wouldn’t be discontinued and will be sold alongside the KTM 350 Duke. 

Why Does The KTM 350 Duke Make Sense?

A lot of enthusiasts felt that Bajaj shouldn’t discontinue the KTM 390 Duke (and rightly so) as it was positioned as a premium product ever since its launch. Over the past few years, KTM has lost the VFM quotient which was associated with the Gen 1 390 Duke and the RC as prices have kept rising with every update. In that sense, the KTM 390 Duke with its phenomenal performance, electronic goodies, features and loaded hardware has positioned itself as a premium offering. When one thinks of an alternative to the KTM 390 Duke, the only other option is the Aprilia Tuono 457 and it’s over a lakh rupees more expensive. 

So Bajaj can charge a premium for the 390 Duke for its extra performance and keep it as a halo product. Now, this is where the KTM 350 Duke comes into the picture and makes an impact. The 350 Duke will offer great value to customers as by attracting lower GST, the bike will be more accessible for Indian bikers and might also sway a lot of KTM 250 Duke buyers towards it. The KTM 250 Duke has been performing exceptionally well for the brand and the new offering might help sales even further. The drop in power for the 350 Duke could be around 4-5 bhp and for the value it offers, I think the bike presents a good case for itself. The softer tune might not be something a typical KTM rider would appreciate, but it also opens up the brand for a new set of riders, which means more sales and officials at Bajaj Auto couldn’t be happier if this happens. 

What About KTM 390 Adventure Family?

The KTM 390 Adventure family has also branched out into three variants with the latest being the Adventure 390 R. The only rival for this bike is the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and given the fact that RE has increased prices of its bike post the GST revision, it makes no sense for KTM to go for a 350 Adventure in the future and it should keep the 390 series as it’s. Also, one needs performance in this category and going down on displacement will have a negative impact and customers opting for this genre of bikes don’t mind paying that extra premium.

Also, the actual differentiating aspect between the KTM and Royal Enfield ADV bike is the performance offered by Team Orange so it will be an illogical move to axe the 390 in favour of the 350. Having said that, the KTM 350 Adventure X can be considered as the 250 Adventure hasn’t been popular and the 350 Adventure X can be positioned as an entry-level ADV offering in the KTM portfolio which offers good performance, kit and value.