KTM 390: The Spiritual Successor Of RD350 in India

[sacbiker]

Photo: Rudi Schedl

KTM launched the Duke 200 in 2012 and they have never looked back since then.
I have never seen an automotive brand keeping its lineup updated and relevant as much as the KTM.
Yamaha ran a whole decade with essentially the same FZ and R15 in India.
The RD350 was the only Indian-made bike before the Duke 390, which scared those who rode it. In many ways, the 390 is the spiritual successor of Yamaha RD350.

KTM's timeline in India.

• 2012: Duke 200 launched
• 2013: Duke 390 launched
• 2014: RC390 & RC200 launched
• 2015: Duke 390 updated with slipper clutch
• 2016: RC390 updated with slipper clutch
• 2017: 2nd Gen Duke 390 & 250 launched
• 2018: 2nd gen RC390 launched, Duke updated.
• 2019: Duke 790 launched.
• 2020: Adventure 390 and 250, Husqvarna 250 & 390 models launched.
• 2021: 3rd gen RC200 launched.
• 2022: 3rd gen RC390 launched.
• 2023: Adventure 390X, 3rd gen Duke launched.

It is nearly impossible to have a major upgrade every year. This has even forced some other manufacturers to follow suit and keep their models updated and relevant due to the competition.
They might not be the most reliable machines out there.
But we have to definitely give it to them for reviving (or revolutionizing) the affordable performance motorcycling in this country.
KTM is also having a great run in MotoGP as well. Being a relatively new manufacturer in MotoGP, they are fighting for podiums against the mighty Ducati. Japanese manufacturers like Honda and Yamaha are struggling in MotoGP while Suzuki left in 2022.
Had there been no KTM, a lot of performance bikes from other manufacturers which we see today in India wouldn't even have seen daylight.