KTM Developing RC8-Inspired 250cc Sportbike for India

KTM is reportedly developing a new small-displacement sportbike for the Indian market, featuring similar styling to its flagship RC8 sportbike. The new model is expected to use a 250cc single-cylinder engine, leading some to label it the KTM RC25 or KTM RC250.

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We’ve heard reports of KTM working on a small-displacement sportbike before, most recently in late 2012 with KTM Chief Executive Officer Stefan Pierer saying a faired version of the 390 Duke is on its way, but it now appears a 250 version is on its way as well. The now infamous leaked Powerpoint slide from a KTM North American dealer presentation also outlined a model curiously called a “Moto3 350” for 2014. IndianCarsBikes reports the KTM RC25 will be available in India for 2014 to be built in India by Bajaj Auto which owns a 47% stake in KTM.

KTM’s Moto3 production racer is officially called the RC 250 R, but the Moto3 racer (pictured below) has much different styling than the RC8, and the new model will likely look more like its angular 1,195cc older sibling than the curvier Moto3 race bike. Amit Nandi, vice-president of premium motorcycles for Bajaj Auto is very specific about the new bike’s RC8 roots.“This smaller version of the RC8 super sports bike will be relevant in terms of pricing and performance for emerging markets like India,” says Nandi tells the Financial Chronicle.

It’s very possible is KTM will produce multiple versions with different engine displacements, as it did with its Duke models. As per the leaked Powerpoint slide, the U.S. will likely get a larger-displacement engine, likely the 373cc powerplant from the 390 Duke while other markets may get both the 373cc and 250cc versions.

[Source: Financial Chronicle, IndianCarsBikes; Photos by Schedl R.]