Key highlights
- KTM Duke twin-cylinder test mule spotted
- It is rumoured to be a 650cc model
- Likely to offer 65-70 bhp
The latest spy images of an unknown half-baked Duke test mule have surfaced from Europe, near KTM Austria’s R&D facility. This upcoming model is likely to be the new middle-weight Duke, which is expected to debut globally next year. Read more details about it below.
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KTM Duke twin-cylinder: Everything we know so far
This new twin-cylinder Duke prototype might be in an unfinished form, but it is certainly interesting. After the Duke 790, the next and lower model in the Duke nomenclature is the 390. With this upcoming middle-weight twin-cylinder Duke, KTM will shorten the gap between the formerly mentioned models.
As visible in the spy shots, the test bike still has unfinished chassis work, and the cycle parts have been used from the production Duke models to make it roadworthy to test. However, the new twin-cylinder liquid-cooled motor is clearly visible, and so is its new two-in-one exhaust system with an upswept design.
Additionally, the test bike is seen using the WP Apex USD forks at the front, and a monoshock suspension at the rear, which is also likely to be a WP Apex unit. Moreover, the test bike has a single disc brake setup on both ends, which further clarifies that this particular model will not require a twin-disc brake setup at the front, hence it will be a 500cc segment model.
While not much is known regarding its engine capacity, KTM Austria has been developing this particular model for a long period, even before Bajaj Auto Ltd took over. While the latter is working with the KTM India branch to develop a 450cc parallel-twin Duke, this particular model is likely to belong in the 500-600cc ballpark. It could offer 65-70 bhp, and we could see the production-ready version as early as EICMA 2027.
