The KTM 690 Duke and Supermotor Coming

I'm really looking forward to see what 2009 brings, one motorcycle in particular the KTM 690 Duke dual-sport. When BMW Thailand decided to enter the dual-sport motorcycle market about 10 years ago with the BMW F650, a dual-sport 650cc single cylinder motorcycle, it had little competition on the Thai market. Back then the BMW F650 was possible one of the most popular dual-sport single-cylinder motorcycles.

However, the KTM 690 series and the BMW F650 have similarities galore. For starters, both bikes have an Austrian connection. The KTM 690 is build and designed in Austria, while the BMW F650 had its engine designed and manufactured by Austrian powerhouse Rotax Engines.

Both the KTM 690 Duke and BMW F650 have the most advanced single-cylinder engines that displace 650cc and both have been closely associated with the Dakar Rally.

Matter of fact KTM won the 2009 Dakar Rally with riding Marc Coma of team Repsol KTM taking first place and Cyril Despres team Red Bull KTM taking second place.

Domestic sales performance of the BMW F650 would suggest that big single-cylinder endurance bikes aren't the natural choice for Thai bikers, primarily because our ears aren't tuned to the engine note and up-right riding position, which is best described as 'not sporty'!

So will the KTM 690 Duke or KTM 690 Supermotor sell well? Sure, every year the motard style motorcycle become more and more popular. Bajaj Auto, who is responsible for distribution of KTM motorcycles in Asian is looking into the Thai market.