KTM At EICMA 2019: What To Expect From The Austrian Brand?

Small adventure models, manic nakeds and perhaps even a concept model for the future

KTM has always been highly active at EICMA as it uses the global stage to reveal its latest motorcycles. In the past, KTM has made global debuts of its bikes like the 790 Duke, 790 Adventure, 1290 Super Duke R and even small-capacity motorcycles like the 125 Duke, 390 Duke and RC 390, at EICMA. Hence, what exactly is in store for us at the 2019 edition?

KTM 390 Adventure

While it might not be the show-stopper at the KTM stand, for the Indian enthusiast, the 390 Adventure is surely the most highly-anticipated motorcycle from EICMA 2019. We were all expecting KTM to unveil the motorcycle, perhaps even in a concept form, at the 2018 edition but sadly our hopes were dashed. 12 months on and the 390 Adventure has been spotted numerous times on our roads, which has again raised our hopes from the Austrian brand. Although there is no official word from KTM or its Indian arm, we are extremely confident that the 390 Adventure will be showcased at EICMA 2019. And as an extra treat, the motorcycle could make its India debut before the end of the year as well. 

KTM RC 390

With Euro 5/BS6 emission norms kicking in next year, KTM wants its 390 platform to be future emissions-compliant. The spotting of the RC 390 in Europe confirms the intent as the supersport was seen with a radically different styling compared to the current model. The RC 390 has not received any major updates since its launch in 2014: the last update was to meet the BS4 emission norms. Plus, the aggressive riding stance of the RC 390 might be toned down a bit to accommodate riders of all proportions. Even the 390 Duke will be updated to BS6 norms but we are still unsure whether the updated bike will be shown at EICMA 2019.

1290 Super Duke R

Taking centre-stage for KTM will be the 1290 Super Duke R. KTM has put out several teaser videos of the bike, which gets a brand new tubular steel chassis as well as 790 Duke-inspired aluminium rear subframe. Needless to say KTM will be updating its largest engine to meet the Euro 5 emission norms with the new motorcycle. Expect the madness to get even more wilder!

790 Duke R

Our first taste of a multi-cylinder KTM was everything that we expected from the Austrian brand as the 790 Duke was every bit as sharp as KTM claimed it to be. However, the Scalpel could be getting a more focussed version at EICMA as a recently spied test mule of the 790 Duke was seen running with top-spec hardware like adjustable suspension, Brembo monobloc calipers and super sticky rubber from Pirelli. This variant as well as the standard 790 Duke will be BS6-compliant.

As if that was not all, rumour mills from Europe suggest that KTM is working on a 890 Duke which will plug the gap between the 790 and the 1290 Duke. It might be a bit too soon for KTM to showcase the 890 Duke in production form but expect the concept to break cover this year.