KTM sends two "off-road" prototypes based on the 390 Duke to India

KTM 390 Duke – KTM has shipped two prototypes of a new adventure bike based on the 390 Duke to India for development, at least according to an Indian automotive website. The prototypes are code-named KT22 and share the 373cc single-cylinder engine and steel chassis of the 390 Duke, but will have longer racing suspension to add greater off-road capability.

According to CarTrade.com, the two new KTM prototypes will feature handguards, travel bag holders, a new headlight and a more comfortable seat. The 43 HP engine of the 390 Duke could be for the occasion “retuned” so as to be made more suitable for off-road use. The same reasoning can be made in relation to KTM 390 Duke gear ratios, which is already used as the basis for the RC 390. The range, which also includes the Duke 125 and the RC 125, is built entirely in India.

Towards the end of 2013 a camouflaged superbike based on the Duke was photographed in Austria, where KTM is also based, but since then the bike has never been seen on the road again, either officially or otherwise.