KTM 500 EXC dirt bike could be launched in India

KTM India is on a roll. After tasting success with the Duke 200 and Duke 390, the Austrian bike manufacturer launched the RC 200 and RC 390 in the country. It was speculated that the company will also introduce its Enduro and Adventure bikes here. Now it has come to light that KTM India has imported a couple of units of the 500 EXC to India.

The exact reason for this import is not known so it could be for testing, R&D or even homologation purposes. KTM has been taking feedback from prospective buyers about dirt bikes as it has been displaying its 350 SX-F in the country since a few months now.

The KTM EXC 500 is a powerful dirt-bike that comes under the brand’s Enduro portfolio. The looks of the EXC are similar to those dirt bikes that we often see in video games or on the TV. It also one of the most powerful enduro bikes available in the market today. Since it is very light in weight and with the engine being high on power, the EXC 500 offers a great power-to-weight ratio.

The airbox is designed in a very ingenious way and it protects the air filter from dust. Every EXC bikes comes with a tapered Neken handlebar which can be fixed in a choice of four positions. The MAE speedometer is slick and displays all the required information in one screen.

Powering the KTM EXC 500 is a 510.4cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC engine (produces around 50 HP). The engine gets a forced oil lubrication system and a liquid cooling system. The clutch is a multi-disc unit with Brembo hydraulics. The central frame of the bike is made from chrome molybdenum steel tubing. Fuel tank capacity is 9-litres and the bike weighs just 111.5 kgs. The KTM EXC 500 has been imported to India at an approximate cost of Rs. 7 lakhs but if the company brings it here through the CKD route, we can expect it to be priced attractively.