Even when the auto sector is experiencing a slowdown, KTM India has registered overall sales growth of 42.81% in May-19, as compared to May-18. However, there’s a catch, as most of KTM’s sales growth has come from 125 Duke. Launched last year in November, 125 Duke had gained instant popularity and it has become the bestselling KTM in India. It continues its good run, registering sales of 2,228 units in May.
125 Duke is the most affordable performance-oriented bike, which explains its high sales. It continues to generate good demand, even when prices were increased by 7K in April. KTM 125 Duke is now priced at Rs 1.25 lakh. With 125 Duke’s success and rising popularity of faired bikes in India, KTM has also launched RC 125, which is the faired version of 125 Duke. RC 125 can help KTM get more traction in this segment.
While KTM 125 Duke sales are rising, the situation is just the opposite for other KTM bikes. In May 2019, sales of Duke / RC 200 were 2,246 units, which is a decline of around 12%, as compared to sales in May-18. Last year in May, Duke / RC 200 sales stood at 2,553 units. 200 Duke was once the bestselling KTM in India, but it has been replaced by 125 Duke.
Biggest change can be seen for Duke / RC 390, which has registered decline in sales by more than 40%. In May-18, Duke / RC 390 sales stood at 663 units, which has come down to 396 units in May-19. 390 Duke is one of the bestselling KTM in the world, but the same is yet to be achieved for the Indian market.
However, things may change in the future, as KTM is working on next-gen 390 Duke. Spotted on road tests, 2020 KTM 390 Duke could have a new chassis, longer body and several cosmetic changes. Engine will be BS-VI compliant and could be configured to deliver more power and torque.
Apart from 125 Duke, the only other KTM to register positive growth is 250 Duke. ABS version of 250 Duke was launched in March this year and prices were increased by 14K. KTM 250 Duke ABS is priced at Rs 1.94 lakh. In May-19, sales grew marginally by 1.49%, from 671 units in May-18 to 681 units in May ’19.
