KTM plans new bikes for 2012

There's been a lot of buzz around the KTM brand in the past six months, what with the launch of the KTM 125 Duke and the company's recent domination of the Dakar Rally. Again.

It seems that that Austrian motorcycle maker is not ready to rest on its laurels either, with reports emerging from the Netherlands that KTM has big plans for new bikes.

We already know that KTM is planning to release more baby Dukes, in 250 and possibly 350cc capacities for the European markets over the next few years, but the head of development (Street Bikes) at KTM, Robert Prielinger, told Dutch website Nieuwsmotor that the company is working on a new litre-class V-twin engine and electronics package.

The new V-twin donk will power the new generation KTM Super Duke, inked in for a late 2012 introduction in Europe, and will probably makes its debut at Intermot in Cologne during the same year. The electronics package is likely to consist of traction control and various power modes.

There was even talk of a new single-cylinder KTM 690 Super Duke model scheduled for 2013.

KTM also plans on cranking out a new range of adventure bikes for 2012 and beyond, no doubt leveraging its Dakar dominance to help shift a few units. According to Nieuwsmotor KTM will build a range of new adventure bikes, one of which will be powered by the new 1000cc V-twin from the Super Duke and could take advantage of new off-road electronics. Mention of a 1200cc adventure bike will also be music to ears of off-road tourer types.

There will also be an 800cc entry-level adventure bike that will rival the BMW F 800 GS and Triumph Tiger XC, and could see active duty in future Dakar Rallies.

It's too early to say if any of these models will be coming to Australia, but the Super Duke models are almost a certainty.

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