New KTM Duke 390 and KTM Duke 250 were finally launched in India a few weeks back. With deliveries now starting across many Indian cities, a sickening video had appeared on Facebook which showed a bunch of showroom employees revving the life out of brand new KTM Duke 390 and Duke 250.
One of the person from the group did a LIVE webcast of the event on his Facebook. Screenshot reveals the name of this person as Abhijith Jm. The LIVE video had tagged Bajaj India, KTM India, KTM Trivandrum and some KTM groups on Facebook.
This video soon got viral and brought flak to the uploader as viewers were not at all happy how brand new bikes were being mistreated by showroom employees. Soon the video was deleted from Abhijith Jm’s timeline. But not before it was saved on the internet.
The video shows at least five men dancing inside of what looks like a KTM India workshop. They are revving both the bikes to redline without respite. What high they are getting by doing this, only they can tell.
At such a time, when thousands have booked the new KTMs and are waiting for delivery, this video does not send the right message. Showroom employees are just mediators, and have the responsibility to deliver brand new Duke 390 and Duke 250 to the rightful owners in the best possible condition, and not to abuse it at their freewill.
Speaking about the origin of the said video, Asif Jalaludeen has stated on Facebook – “The video is most likely from KTM Trivandrum City Vazhuthacad Showroom. These buch of stupid people tagged themselves and shared the video on Facebook. The hatred in the live video is more than enough. When I went to the same showroom and asked to test ride the vehicle they said there is no petrol in both 390 and 250. But while I was checking the under belly pan it was hot. Later, the guy posted the video in this snapshot switched on vehicles for his friends who was there and revved it hard.”
We had mailed KTM India the link of the same video, and asked them if they have anything to say about the same. They have replied the following in regards to the above incident.
KTM India’s letter to fans
Dear KTM Fans,
Over the past week a number of you have brought to our notice a video depicting an incident that occurred inside the premises of a KTM showroom in Nedumangad, Kerala. The video showed staff of the showroom behaving in an unprofessional manner and misusing a brand new 390 Duke and 250 Duke.
In light of this video 5 members of staff who were involved in misusing the motorcycles and filming the act have been dismissed with immediate effect. We would also like to share that the motorcycles seen in the video are exclusively meant for display and demonstration purpose at the Nedumangad showroom. These motorcycles were not and will be not eligible for sale to customers.
We would like to thank all of you who as custodians of KTM shared the incident with us helping us to take prompt action. We also appreciate your understanding that this was in every sense a standalone case and in no way reflects the sincerity with which more than 325 KTM showrooms across the country serve our valued customers.
For 2017 we have an exciting new range of world class motorcycles and we are geared up to provide enthusiasts like yourselves an equally rich ownership experience.
Ready To Race
KTM India