Auto Expo 2008

Yogesh Sarkar January 16th, 2008

Since Bajaj Auto’s stall contained motorcycles from its own stable as well as from KTM and Kawasaki, I would be writing the review in a three part series each devoted to individual manufacturer to ensure that each gets it due coverage.

Bajaj now owns 20.89 percent share in KTM and intends to not only develop motorcycles for Indian and global market jointly with KTM. Bajaj is also planning to launch KTM’s range in India through its Pro Biking showrooms; here is the official press release from Bajaj Auto on this matter:

Bajaj today presented a range of KTM bikes at its stall in the Auto-Expo 2008 some of which will be progressively introduced in the Indian market. These models will retailed through Bajaj’s Probiking showrooms in key markets across the country.

The vehicles that are being considered for the domestic market were on display at the Bajaj Presentation in Hall no. 3 at the Auto-Expo in N. Delhi. These were the rally tested 690 Supermoto, the superior street bike the 690 Duke, the powerful 990 Adventure, the light and agile 250 EXC-F and the ultra-precise performer the 990 Superduke.

Bajaj Auto also announced the increase in its stake in “KTM Power Sports AG”, Europe’s second largest sport motorcycle manufacturer to 20.89%. Earlier Bajaj had taken a 14.5% stake in KTM through its 100% Netherlands subsidiary-Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV with Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto Ltd. being inducted on the board of KTM. Bajaj has funded the current stake increase from its internal accruals. The co-operation agreement with KTM covers product development, technology, vendor sourcing and distribution.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Stefan Pierer, CEO, KTM said, “We see this as a long-term partnership with Bajaj auto and we are very positive about it. This cooperation with Bajaj is a great opportunity to strengthen the KTM Group in its sustained growth strategy in a global environment.”

Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto Ltd., added “This partnership is also another step in our globalization strategy. KTM’s sharp brand positioning, differentiated designs, and hyper performance have inspired us to increase our stake in this participation. We are delighted with this opportunity to co-develop a range of products for both KTM and Bajaj brands and also excited by the prospects of introducing KTM products in India and South East Asia, as also to access the European market via KTM.”

The alliance with KTM covers joint development of street bikes for both Indian and overseas markets. The partnership will also jointly develop a high-performance, water-cooled engine platform for 125 and 250 cc bikes. Bajaj Auto will also take up distribution of KTM products in South Asia.

Through this cooperation with Bajaj, KTM would extend its product portfolio for the future with a 125cc street product line, in addition to the present 1190cc, 990cc and 690 cc platforms developed and manufactured in Austria.

Here are the photographs of the KTM section of Bajaj Auto stall.

My personal favorite, KTM 990 Adventure (click to enlarge)

Technical specifications:

Engine: 999 cc, Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Bore x stroke: 101 x 62.4 mm (3.98 x 2.46″)
Performance: 72 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max. torque: 95 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Starter: E-Starter
Transmission: 6 gears, dog-clutch engagement
Fuel Mixture Generation: Electronic fuel injection
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Suspension travel front/rear: 210 / 210 mm (8.27 / 8.27″)
Front brake: 2 x Brembo two piston, floating caliper, 2 x floating brake disc 300 mm (11.81″)
Rear brake: Brembo single piston, floating caliper, floating brake disc 240 mm (9.45″)
ABS: Brembo two channel ABS
Tires, front/rear: 90/90-21″; 150/70-18″
Wheel base: 1570 mm (61.81″)
Ground clearance (unloaded): 261 mm (10.28″)
Seat height: 860 mm (33.86″)
Fuel capacity: approx. 22 Liters (5.81 gal)
Weight (dry): approx. 199 kg (438.7 lbs)

KTM 990 Super Duke (click to enlarge)

Technical specifications:

Engine: 999 cc, Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
Performance: 88 kW @ 9000 rpm
Max. torque: 100 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Starter: E-Starter
Transmission: 6 gears, dog-clutch engagement
Fuel Mixture Generation: Electronic fuel injection
Front brake: 2 x Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper, 2 x 320 mm (12.6″)
Rear brake: Brembo single-piston floating caliper, brake disc 240 mm (9.45″)
Tires, front/rear: 120/70 ZR 17″; 180/55 ZR 17″
Wheel base: 1450 mm (57.09″)
Ground clearance (unloaded): 150 mm (5.91″)
Seat height: 850 mm (33.46″)
Fuel capacity: approx. 18.5 liters (4.89 gal)
Weight (no fuel): approx. 186 kg (410.05 lbs)

KTM 690 Duke (click to enlarge)

Technical specifications:

Engine type: 654 cc, Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Performance: 48 kW @ 7500 rpm
Max. torque: 67 Nm @ 5500 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.8:1
Starter: E-Starter
Transmission: 6 gears, dog-clutch engagement
Front brake: Brembo 4-piston radially bolted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm (12.6″)
Rear brake: Brembo single-piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 220 mm (8.66″)
Tires, front/rear: 120/70 R 17″; 160/60 R 17″
Wheel base: 1472±10 mm (57.95±0.39″)
Ground clearance (unloaded): 155 mm (6.1″)
Seat height: 865 mm (34.06″)
Fuel capacity: approx. 13.5 liters / 2.5 liters reserve (3.56 / 0.66 gal)
Weight (no fuel): approx 148.5 kg (327.4 lbs)

KTM 690 Supermoto (click to enlarge)

Technical specifications:

Engine type: 653.7 cc, Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Performance: 47 kW @ 7500 rpm
Max. torque: 65 Nm @ 6550 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.7:1
Starter: E-Starter
Transmission: 6 gears, claw shifted
Fuel Mixture Generation: Keihin EMS with EPT (Electric Power Throttle)
Suspension travel front/rear: 210 / 210 mm (8.27 / 8.27″)
Front brake: Brembo 4-piston fixed radial caliper, brake disc 320 mm (12.6″)
Rear brake: Brembo single-piston floating caliper, brake disc 240 mm (9.45″)
Tires, front/rear: 120/70-17″; 160/60-17″
Wheel base: 1460±15 mm (57.48±0.59″)
Ground clearance (unloaded): 260 mm (10.24″)
Seat height: 875 mm (34.45″)
Fuel capacity: approx. 13.2 liters / 2.5 liters reserve (3.49 / 0.66 gal)
Weight (no fuel): approx. 152 kg (335.1 lbs)

KTM 250 EXC-F (click to enlarge)

Technical specifications:

Engine type: 248.6cc, Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Compression ratio: 12.8:1
Starter/Battery: Kickstarter/E-Starter / 4 Ah
Transmission: 6 gears
Carburetor: Keihin MX FCR 39
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Suspension travel front/rear: 300 / 335 mm (11.81 / 13.19″)
Brakes, front/rear: Disc brakes 260 / 220 mm (10.24 / 8.66″)
Tires, front/rear: 90/90-21″; 120/90-18″
Wheel base: 1475±10 mm (58.07±0.39″)
Ground clearance (unloaded): 380 mm (15″)
Seat height: 925 mm (36.42″)
Fuel capacity: approx. 9.2 liters (2.43 gal)
Weight (no fuel): approx. 105.7 kg (233 lbs)

There was also KTM riding gear on display, which most probably would be sold along side the KTM motorcycles in India.

One motorcycle I surely missed was the 640 Adventure; hopefully Bajaj Auto would launch it as well, since I personally feel that 640 ought to be perfect for touring the small trails in interior Himalayas.

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• Auto Expo Updates , Bajaj Auto , Motorcycles , ktm
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