Grey import KTM 390s to hit the UK?

WHILE the new A2-licence-compliant KTM 390 Duke might seem to be a highly competitive snip at £4495 in the UK, this machine is staggeringly cheaper in its country of origin.

Like the 125 and 200cc Dukes with which it shares most chassis components, the 390cc model is manufactured in India by KTM’s production partner and major shareholder Bajaj Auto. Bajaj also distributes KTM products in India to a separate KTM-branded dealer network with currently 71 outlets and has just announced the 390’s Indian launch at an OTR introductory price of 183,000 rupees — a mere £2010 in proper money!

And it’s not a lower-spec bike either. The Indians get full ABS kit, Metzeler rubberware, the lot. If anything, the machine’s been uprated, because it boasts a larger radiator to cope with higher running temperatures in a torrid tropical climate.

Expect container-loads of grey imports to be on the water Europe-bound soon!