KTM boss confirms plans for new V-twin engines

KTM has officially confirmed its plans of developing new V-twin engines. Speaking at the EICMA Show in Milan, Italy, Mr. Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM, said that they were going to introduce a new range of middleweight motorcycles powered by new V-twin engines, with capacity ranging from 600cc to 800cc. 

These new engines will also be shared with the new Husqvarna model range, which should help the company save production and development costs. Recently, Husqvarna unveiled two new Street concept motorcycles at the EICMA Show in Milan, Italy. Called 401 Vitpilen and 401 Svartpilen, these concepts are based on the KTM Duke 390 and are modern renditions of the traditional cafe racer and scrambler motorcycles, respectively.

Speaking to MCN at the Milan Show, Mr. Pierer said, “We will have a new KTM mid-class of bikes within around three years. We are looking at the way this will happen, but we are working on 600 to 800cc V-twins.” While Mr. Pierer refused divulge any other details, the reports says that the engine capacity won’t exceed 800cc, in the interest of the company’s other large capacity motorcycles. 

The company’s intentions of developing new V-twin engine were first revealed earlier this year, during the launch of the RC200 and RC390 in India. At the event, Mr. Pierer had disclosed that while the Duke 690 won’t be introduced in India, the naked middleweight’s replacement, which was going to be a V-twin, will be eventually launched here. So while we are excited by the prospect of a middleweight KTM being launched here, it seems like it will be a while before we get to lay our hands on these new motorcycles.