KTM Duke with an electric powertrain spotted

A KTM Duke test mule with an electric powertrain has been spotted testing in Europe. While KTM does have electric scooters and a dirt bike in its portfolio, this test mule featured a completely different powertrain, so far not seen in any of its concept or production bikes. 

The test mule is built around a heavily modified version of the previous generation KTM 390 Duke’s chassis, with the same body panels and cycle parts. The powertrain is enormous and features a radiator to assist cooling. Even the aluminium housing above the engine which holds the battery is pretty large, hinting at its large capacity. This indicates that it is a fairly powerful motor, a lot more powerful than the ones KTM has been using so far. 

While conventional electric two-wheelers have their rear brake lever on the handlebar, the test mule featured the same foot controls as that of the petrol-powered 390 Duke. This hints at a manual foot-operated transmission unlike conventional electric two-wheelers; a similar manual gearbox was previously seen in the Victory Empulse electric superbike.

The lightweight 390 Duke seems like an ideal platform for an electric street bike. While the chassis and suspension might require major upgrades to handle the additional weight of an electric powertrain, it would still make for a lip-smacking package, one which would strike the right balance between fun and practicality. However it is evident that the prototype is still in an early stage, and it might be two years before we get to see a concept.