The Indian motorcycle market is set to witness an exciting development with KTM's upcoming launch of a new 350 range in April. According to reports, the new line-up will join the current 390s rather than replacing them, providing customers with a cheaper alternative to the existing models. This move is expected to benefit buyers who are looking for more affordable options without compromising on performance and features.
The KTM 390 Duke has already seen its price bumped up in April, and reports suggest that more of the Austrian company's 390 models could receive a similar fate due to the India Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates. The new GST 2.0 reforms put motorcycles with an engine displacement of 350cc or more under a tax bracket of 40 per cent.
The Indian outlet Rushlane is reporting that the new GST 2.0 reforms have led to a significant shift in the motorcycle pricing landscape. With the arrival of the new 350 line-up, customers can expect better value for money while also benefiting from models that share a lot of the same DNA as their slightly bigger siblings.
The KTM 390 Duke is one of the most popular models in the company's lineup, and its price increase has been attributed to the rising GST rates. The LC4 399cc liquid-cooled engine produces 44bhp and 29Ib-ft of torque, making it a formidable performer on Indian roads.
The decision to keep the 390s as part of its line-up is an interesting move by KTM, considering reports from February suggested that the company could be looking at replacing the LC4 399cc engine with a bigger, more powerful parallel twin. However, this has not been confirmed, and it remains to be seen how the new 350 range will impact the overall lineup.
The arrival of the new 350 line-up is expected to bring significant changes to the Indian motorcycle market. With the current 390s already seeing price hikes, the introduction of cheaper alternatives will likely have a ripple effect on sales and pricing across the industry.
KTM's decision to launch a new range of 350cc motorcycles in India is seen as a strategic move to tap into the growing demand for smaller-displacement bikes. The company's focus on providing affordable options without compromising on performance and features is expected to resonate with Indian buyers.
The UK market will continue to see the 390 line-up available, at least for now, as the 390 Enduro R, 390 Adventure R, X, and the 390 Duke are all available as 2026 models. The LC4 399cc liquid-cooled engine produces 44bhp and 29Ib-ft of torque, making it a popular choice among UK riders.
The launch of KTM's new 350 range in April will be closely watched by motorcycle enthusiasts and s alike. With the introduction of cheaper alternatives to the existing models, the Indian market is set to witness an exciting development that will have significant implications for sales, pricing, and overall industry trends.
The new 350 line-up is expected to offer buyers a cheaper alternative to the 390s, which feature a 399cc engine.
