Where Is The BS6 KTM 790 Duke?

The KTM 790 Duke only just arrived at our shores in September last year and it’s already on its way out! Fret not, though, for this is only a temporary hiatus from the Indian market while KTM readies a BS6 version of the monster to re-attack our roads. Unfortunately, this update will not be ready in time for the April 1 deadline, but KTM tells us that its Street Triple killer will be back by May.

If you need an immediate orange fix, you can still pick one up from the first lot of bikes that were brought in last year, since some are still unsold. If you’re willing to wait till May, we’re sad to tell you that your patience will be punished rather than rewarded. That’s because prices are expected to go up when the 790 makes its way back as a BS6-compliant machine.

You see, this isn’t a global operation by KTM. Upgrading the 790 to meet BS6 norms is an undertaking by KTM India, which means it’s being done on a small scale with lower volumes. Additional stations will be required on the assembly line at Chakan, and additional suppliers will be brought in as well. As a result of this, we expect a price hike of around Rs 10,000 to 12,000 over the existing model, which sells for Rs 8.64 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The extra cash will go only towards the updates required for cleaner tailpipe emissions. There will be no new features or updates. Not that the Duke needs them. It already comes with the most comprehensive features list and electronics suite in its class, comfortably outgunning most of its competition.