KTM, in partnership with the Bangladesh’s manufacturer Runner Automobiles Ltd, has officially launched their first two motorcycle models in the market of Bangladesh. On January 25, 2021, KTM unveiled the KTM 125 Duke and KTM RC 125 at a grand inaugural ceremony held at the Runner Automobile factory in Bhaluka, Mymensingh.
True to KTM’s Ready to Race philosophy, the Duke and the RC are expected to turn out as smash-hits among the avid motorcycle lovers in Bangladesh. KTM 125 Duke, with the signature “Duke attitude”, has been one of the most popular motorcycles in the 125cc segment all over the world. Duke’s specialty is that it gives the rider a raw street biking experience while combining speed and handling efficiency.
KTM 125 Duke has a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine delivering 14.5 HP Power at 9250 rpm and 12 Nm torque at 8000 rpm. It has an aluminum cylinder with a carbon coating on the inner walls. The lightweight split steel trellis frame ensures better handling and 43mm thick upside-down front forks and 10-step adjustable rear monoshocks ensure great riding comfort for all road terrains of Bangladesh.
One of the most attractive features of the KTM 125 Duke is its ABS system, which prevents the wheel from locking under panic breaking conditions for more safety and stability. Meeting the most modern-day demands, the Duke comes with a first in class TFT display backed by LDR sensor for seamless visibility in both day and night times. Average speed, riding time, distance to empty, trip distance, engine temperature, vehicle status message along with rpm and speedometer are given in the compact TFT display. Its 150-section rear and 110 section front tires provide immaculate traction and optimum responsiveness with improved heat dispersion and longevity. For the night riders, the Duke illuminates the roads ahead with its signature LED headlights. KTM Duke 125 comes in two variants with attractive color options.
The KTM RC 125 comes inspired with the racing genes of the legendary RC16 by KTM Factory Racing Team that competes in MotoGPTM championships. It also has top class ABS system, attractive muscular fairings and more aggressive aerodynamic style with an immersive leant forward riding style for the KTM lovers to stand out from the rest in the streets and the tracks. Its engine specifications are similar to the KTM 125 Duke but with an even muscular look the KTM RC 125 is bound to attract those who keep style and performance equally side-by-side. Its ‘S’ rated tires provide total assurance of maximum grip, eventually leading to maximum confidence of the rider. KTM RC 125 comes with attractive color options.
“It feels amazing as we introduce KTM Duke and KTM RC in Bangladesh through this official launch event. Runner Automobiles Limited has always been the pioneer in bringing in new products and innovations for our customers to have the best possible experience. We are overwhelmed with the excitements and interests of bike lovers for KTM ever since we announced our entrance. Today, we are equally excited to unveil the first set of KTM motorcycles and we are confident that this is beginning of a whole new chapter of premium & top-notch biking in Bangladesh” said Reazul Chowdhury, Managing Director & CEO of Runner Automobiles Ltd.
“The market for motorcycles in Bangladesh has been flourishing over the past years. KTM is glad to be present in the scene and wholeheartedly promises to provide an exemplary display of quality assurance and customer service in the days ahead”, said Amid Sakif Khan, Director, Runner Automobiles Ltd.
KTM is an Austrian motorcycle company established in 1934. One of the pioneering names in the motorcycle sports industry for decades, KTM is acknowledged for their state-of-the-art engineering, design and technology that currently has over 3000 employees across the world with global divisions – KTM USA, KTM UK, KTM India, KTM Russia, KTM Africa, and KTM Asia. Pierer Mobility AG and Bajaj Auto are the current key shareholders of the company.
The motorcycle industry in Bangladesh has so far been inclined to manufacturing commuter segment models, since the local market has more traffic of customers for whom motorcycles are more of a necessity than a luxury. But the recent times has shown a transformation with motorcycles being popular as means of rides and long tours on weekends. Bikers are getting more and more conscious about the technical aspects and specifications of their two-wheelers. KTM has entered the scene keeping both the scenarios in mindset.
The reputed company is going to play a vital role with their top-class engineering skills as well as market-aligned perspective, which has the potential to serve customers from all categories with perfection.
