KTM 200 Duke specs here now

KTM and Bajaj Auto have lifted the lid on specifications for the upcoming trendy and radically styled KTM 200 Duke. The exciting and top drawer technology enriched streetbike is all set for an India debut within a few months from now.

India�s first Duke comes powered by a 200cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke, four valves, liquid-cooled and fuel injected engine. Bore and Stroke measurements are an ultra short stroke 72mm x 49mm, so expect the 200 to display a big affinity for high revs. Its bantamweight kerb weight of 137kg will make the 200 Duke considerably lighter than every Indian rival in its class, and 25bhp of peak power makes for a solid power-to-weight ratio of 182.4bhp per tonne. Expect a close ratio, six-speed, one-down, five-up shifting transmission. 

The 200 Duke will carry the bulk of its weight low, including an under-slung exhaust system that sits just below the swing arm pivot section, to keep centre of gravity down for optimal handling. It also comes with 150mm travel suspension front and rear, with tough 43mm upside down forks in front and a mono-shock rear system, complemented by an ultra lightweight, inverted die-cast alloy swing arm.

Sporty, low profile tyres will wrap around 17 inch rims front and rear, a 110 section in front and substantial 150 section rear unit. Brakes are a 300mm disc in front gripped by four-piston, radial mounted calipers and a 230mm disc at the rear.

Watch this space�

Price	Rs 1,25,000-1,50,000 (estimated)
On sale	Jan/ Feb 2012
Wheelbase	1361mm
Ground clearance	170mm
Fuel tank capacity	10.5 litres
Kerb weight	137kg
Engine layout	Single-cyl, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke
Displacement	200cc
Power	25bhp
Power to weight	182.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox	6-speed, 1-down, 5-up
Front suspension	USD Telescopic forks
Rear suspension	Adjustable monoshock, alloy swingarm
Front brake	300mm disc
Rear brake	230mm disc
Wheels	Multi-spoke alloy
Rim size (f-r)	17 inches
Tyre size (f-r)	110 x 17-150 x 17 inche

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2012 Ninja 650R heading to India

Kawasaki and Bajaj are in the process of bringing to India their significantly revised 2012 model Ninja 650R. The inbound 650R gets revised styling; all its body panels have been redesigned with styling cues from the larger Ninja while using sharper angles for a meaner, more aggressive demeanour and wider panel gaps for better engine heat dissipation. There�s a three step adjustable visor now that requires tools to shift between a 60mm range and suit every individual rider�s height or riding style. The instruments offer LED-powered white backlighting, an analogue tachometer, plus indications for fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, remaining range left to ride as well as the addition of an economy riding mode indicator. The 650R�s ignition key slots in over its fuel tank, allowing a clearer view of the instrument cluster. Sleek LED powered tail lamps are standard.

The engine stays Kawasaki�s potent and proven 649cc, parallel-twin, liquid cooled and four-stroke unit, with improved low- and mid-range torque delivery thanks to a revised exhaust system. The frame and swingarm are new and fabricated from twin pipes. The suspension is modified, providing 5mm more stroke in front and 2mm extra at the rear, which is still a visible, near-horizontal single strut. Lower spring damping rates have improved ride quality and sportier handling is being claimed.

The 2012 Ninja 650R�s fuel tank size has increased slightly, while the new model uses a more compact battery. Kerb weight is up a few kilos, at close to 208kg.

The latest 650R comes with rubber-mounted split seats with improved padding, and rubber mounting is also provided for the rider footrests and 20mm wider handlebar. And while petal type disc brake sizes remain a constant front and rear, new pad material is in place for enhanced braking.

Expect to shell out a premium over what Kawasaki and Bajaj today ask for their outgoing Ninja 650R, but receive a whole lot more value to make up for this in return.

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New, top-tech Bajaj Pulsar debuts in December

Bajaj Auto has announced they will unveil the latest Pulsar model in early December 2011. Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj has revealed �The new Pulsar will be 100 percent brand new and will come with technology better than the current DTS-i�. Importantly, he also added, �The new technology is the next level for motorcycles, not just the next level for Bajaj.� While refraining from divulging further detail on the new technology used by the new Pulsars, Rajiv Bajaj has said this will first debut on all the new Pulsars, after which the Discover products could benefit the same.
The runaway success Pulsar brand originally launched in November 2001, so next month marks its 10^th anniversary.
The second quarter of FY12 has been particularly good for Bajaj Auto, which sold a million motorcycles for the first time, a rise of 16 percent over the same period last year. Likewise, a 44 percent gain in exports has kept their sales numbers up to register an overall 17 percent gain.
Bajaj Auto�s exports contribute 36 percent towards total sales, their products being sold in over 50 countries, with Latin America accounting for 20 percent of this leading Indian bike maker�s international business.

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