New KTM Duke 800 spied
Spy shot shows new parallel-twin Duke
HERE’S what we reckon is the new 800cc parallel-twin addition to the KTM Duke family, spotted being tested ahead of its official launch this autumn.
We’ve known since 2014 that the firm was developing a 500cc and 800cc parallel twin, when boss Stefan Pierer announced the news.
KTM sources have claimed the bike captured here is the 800, but our photographer on scene thought it looked too small, so it's even possible we're looking at the 500.
Along with the 125, 390, 690 and 1290 Super Duke R, it means the range will now have something to offer across the spectrum of capacities.
Our picture shows the latest addition has upside-down forks, twin front discs, an allow swing-arm, high-swept exhaust, a useful-looking fly screen and radical angular styling typical of the Duke range.
The 800 Duke was spotted being tested alongside an updated 125 Duke as well as Husqvarna’s new Vitpilen 125, 401 and 701.
When Pierer announced the 500 and 800cc models were in development two years ago, he said they would be manufactured in India, like the smaller 125 and 390 Duke.
Expect to see the finished product at shows the autumn and launched next year.
