KTM spotted testing out an electric KTM Duke motorcycle

04/05/2017 - 13:05 | ,   | Neelanjan Chakraborty

KTM at present retails three off-road oriented motorcycles, the Freeride E-SX, E-XC and E Supermoto.

With the entry level performance motorcycling revolutionised with the KTM Duke 390 and KTM RC390, the Austrian brand is now aiming to make electric motorcycles a household item. Images of the KTM Duke 390, in its 2016 clothes, have been shared by Motorcycle.com, from Europe. The interesting part about the test prototype though is the presence of what seems to be an electric powertrain in the bike.

2014 KTM Duke 390 all black
The KTM Duke 390 with an electric motor can be an ideal city slicker. Pictured is the stock 2016 KTM Duke.

The single biggest problem for electric motorcycles (or for that matter any electric vehicle) is the range anxiety. The presence of a radiator signifies that the bike captured will have a battery and motor powerful enough to require a large cooling system. The battery appears to be high set underneath the fuel tank of the bike while the motor lies beneath it.

Also Read: Maharashtra & South India account for 60% of KTM India sales

What’s interesting to note though is that the Austrian company in which Bajaj Auto holds close to 50% stake, is testing the KTM E-Duke in the previous generation KTM Duke 390 which could mean that the company has been working on the technology for a while.

KTM Freeride range
The KTM E-Duke will be carrying a more powerful motor than the Freeride range.

While the launch or showcase timeline is not clear, we expect to hear more on the bike at the EICMA 2017.

[Source: Motorcycle.com]

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