350 cc KTM Duke 390 and KTM Adventure 390 Launched

With the trending 400 cc modifications in the market by motorcycle brands like Triumph and Bajaj aimed at benefitting from 18% GST slab, KTM too introduced the 350 cc variants of the KTM Duke 390 and KTM Adventure 390. Unlike Triumph’s complete shift to 350 cc engines, KTM has added 350 cc versions of the KTM Duke 390 and KTM Adventure 390 while continuing to sell the 399 cc models.

The new 350 cc KTM Duke 390 is priced at Rs 2.77 lakh, ex-showroom, while the KTM Adventure 390 costs Rs 2.91 lakh, ex-showroom, making both models Rs 60,000 cheaper than their 399 cc counterparts.

Buyers will also see noticeable differences in power and torque output –

• The 349.32 cc engine produces 41 bhp and 33.5 Nm

• 4.3 bhp and 5.5 Nm less output than the 399 cc engine

• However, the motorcycles retain their core structural architecture

• Steel trellis frame, a pressure die-cast aluminium subframe, and an off-centre rear monoshock setup will be the same in 350 cc variants.

The launch of the 350 cc KTM Duke 390 and KTM Adventure 390 has led to the renaming of the traditional 399 cc KTM Duke 390 and KTM Adventure 390 to KTM Duke 390 R and KTM Adventure 390 S.

To benefit from the 18% GST slab and make motorcycles more affordable, brands like Triumph, Bajaj, and now KTM have started introducing 350 cc variants in their quarter-litre segments. The quarter-litre motorcycle segment in India is massive, and it will be interesting to see more brands modify their engines to enter this space and make their products more affordable.

Like KTM and Triumph, Bajaj has also brought the Dominar into the 350 cc segment to fit within the 18% GST slab. Click here to read more about the 350 cc Bajaj Dominar.