KTM 650 Duke is Coming Out | The Fire in the Middle Segment Keeps Burning

The KTM 650 Duke is expected to be launched in January 2026 with an estimated price range of $7700 to $9000. Currently, similar motorcycles on the market include the Triumph Trident 660, Triumph Street Triple R, and Yamaha MT-07, indicating KTM's entry into the competitive mid-range segment.

The KTM 650 Duke will be manufactured in India, with Bajaj Auto handling production duties while KTM manages the overall technology and engineering aspects.

According to KTM CEO Stefan Pierer, the KTM 650 Duke will be derived from the 790cc parallel twin engine. By scaling down the engine displacement to the 650-690cc range, this strategy aims to enable competitive pricing under the KTM-Bajaj partnership. Known for its technological advancements across segments, KTM aims to stand out in this segment with its advanced technology offerings.

The KTM 650 Duke is currently in the development phase, with Bajaj Auto working on setting up the supply chain for the 650-690cc engine block before commencing production at the Chakan facility. This new engine block will also be used for KTM's RC 650 and 650 Adventure variants in India.

Power figures for the engine are not yet disclosed, but it's estimated that the liquid-cooled engine will produce around 80 horsepower and 70 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox.

Stefan Pierer announced that the first motorcycle in this segment will be unveiled in India within the next two years, with its showcase expected at the EICMA 2025 fair and market launch in early 2026.

KTM plans to export the 650 Duke manufactured in India to various markets including Indonesia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It's anticipated that the motorcycle will also be available in our country, leveraging competitive pricing strategies and KTM's existing promotional campaigns to achieve strong sales figures.

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