Report: KTM Developing 375cc Twin for Bajaj

Austrian manufacturer KTM is reportedly working on a new 375cc Twin-cylinder engine for Indian partner Bajaj.

Bajaj owns a 47% stake in KTM and the two companies have worked together in the past for the KTM Duke 125 and Duke 200 as well as the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS (pictured above). According to India’s Business-Standard, KTM and Bajaj are collaborating on a new 375cc engine at Bajaj’s research and development facility in Akurdi, India, outside of Pune.

Reportedly a Twin-cylinder engine, the new powerplant will be a departure from other Indian-produced motorcycles which are powered by Singles. Not including imported models from outside manufacturers, motorcycles produced in India over the last two decades have primarily been Singles.

Twins used to be offered but when the Japanese manufacturers started importing inexpensive fuel-efficient motorcycles, companies like Bajaj, Hero and Royal Enfield stuck with Singles to remain competitive.

The Indian market has since evolved, with a growing demand for premium larger displacement motorcycles (at least, large by India’s standards).

[Source: Business-Standard]

By Dennis Chung