KTM Duke 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 300R to Launch on 10th April

The Indian two-wheeler manufacturer, Bajaj Auto is gearing up for two important launches- Kawasaki Ninja 300R and KTM Duke 390. The latest reports suggest that Bajaj might launch both the bikes on 10th April, 2013. KTM Lajpat Nagar, an exclusive KTM dealership in Delhi, reported that Bajaj will launch both the bikes on the same date. In India, the market of premium bikes is increasing, and these two bikes will play an important role to the further extension of the market.

Bajaj Auto holds 47 per cent stakes in the Austrian bike brand KTM and is responsible for KTM India's operations. KTM India is the highest selling premium bike brand in India with its maiden bike KTM Duke 200. On the other hand, Bajaj also looks after Kawasaki's Indian operations. The dealership, KTM Lajpat Nagar also indicates the tentative prices of the bikes, which is Rs. 2.2-2.5 lakh on-road for KTM Duke 390 and Rs. 3.5-3.8 lakh on-road for Kawasaki Ninja 300R. The dealership further revealed that bookings will be initiated with the launch. The deliveries of Ninja 300R will be commenced with effect, while Duke 390's deliveries will start after some time.

KTM Duke 390 will be the second offering from the KTM. The Duke 390 shares its design with Duke 125 and 200, and features a single cylinder 373cc engine. The engine has a 4 valve/cylinder architecture with a DOHC layout. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the mill churns out a maximum power output of 44bhp, with the peak torque of 35 Nm. The Duke 390 weighs only 139 kilograms, which return a healthy power -to-weight ratio, and allows Duke 390 to touch the top speed of about 160 Kph. KTM might also launch the Duke 390 with optional ABS. A Duke 390 fully faired model and a touring version are also in the making, which will follow the KTM Duke 390 launch later in the year.

On the other hand, Kawasaki Ninja 300R is the elder sibling of the Ninja 250R. The bike shares most of its attributes with 250R like lightweight, agility, optimal fuel mileage - but with bigger displacement (296cc vs. 249cc), digital fuel injection, a new F.C.C. clutch with assist and slipper functions, and optional ABS. The 296cc parallel-twin engine delivers the maximum power output of 35bhp, which is transferred to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox and a chain final drive. Its 140Mm rear tire and the latest Nissin ABS brakes will make sure that you get both the acceleration and the stopping power. And for 2013, Kawasaki is offering the Ninja 300 in three colours - Ebony, Pearl Stardust White and Lime Green/Ebony with Special Edition Graphics.

KTM Duke 390 Specifications

KTM Duke 390 Price: Rs. 2.2-2.5 lakh on-road (Expected)

KTM Duke 390 Launch Date: 10th April

KTM Duke 390 Engine:

Engine type: 4-stroke single cylinder liquid-cooled 4-valve DOHC

Engine capacity: 373.2cc

Bore x Stroke: 89mm x 60mm

Compression ratio: 12.5 : 1

Cooling: Liquid-cooled

Horsepower: 44bhp at 9,500rpm

Torque: 35Nm at 7,250rpm

Starter: Electric

Transmission: 6-Speed

Final Drive: Chain

KTM Duke 390 Chassis:

Frame: Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated

KTM Duke 390 Suspension:

Front Suspension: WP Suspension Up Side Down, 150mm Suspension Travel

Rear Suspension: WP Monoshock, 150mm Suspension Travel

KTM Duke 390 Brakes:

Front Brakes: 300mm Disc brake with four-pot brake caliper

Rear Brakes: 230mm Disc brake with one-pot brake caliper, floating brake discs

KTM Duke 390 Tyres:

Front Tyres: 110/70 - ZR 17 M/C

Rear Tyres: 150/60 - ZR 17 M/C

KTM Duke 390 Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 1,367mm

Ground clearance: 170mm

Seat height: 800mm

Weight: 139kg

Tank capacity: 11 Liter

Kawasaki Ninja 300R Specification

Kawasaki Ninja 300R Price: Rs. 3.2-3.5 lakh onroad (Expected)

Kawasaki Ninja 300R Launch Date: 10th April

Kawasaki Ninja 300R Engine Specifications:

Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin

Displacement: 296cc

Bore x stroke: 62.0 x 49.0mm

Compression ratio: 10.6:1

Cooling: Liquid

Fuel injection: DFI with dual 32mm throttle bodies

Ignition: TCBI with digital advance

Transmission: Six-speed

Final drive: Chain

Kawasaki Ninja 300R Chassis:

Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel

Wheelbase: 55.3 in.

Rake / trail: 27 degrees / 3.7 in.

Kawasaki Ninja 300R Suspension:

Front suspension / wheel travel: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.

Rear suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak with 5-way adjustable preload / 5.2 in.

Kawasaki Ninja 300R Tyres:

Front tyre: 110/70-17

Rear tyre: 140/70-17

Kawasaki Ninja 300R Brakes:

Front brake: Single 290mm petal-type disc with two-piston hydraulic caliper and ABS

Rear brake: Single 220mm petal-type disc with two-piston hydraulic caliper and ABS

Kawasaki Ninja 300R Dimensions:

Overall length: 79.3 in.

Overall width: 28.1 in.

Overall height: 43.7 in.

Seat height: 30.9 in.

Curb weight: 174 kg.

Fuel capacity: 17 litre

Kawasaki Ninja 300R Colour: Lime Green / Ebony with Special Edition Graphics