After the lovely KTM concepts seen at last year’s EICMA show, the 2010 EICMA will see those models, or something similar, head to production in a joint venture with Bajaj, which owns a 30 percent stake in the Austrian company. The bikes will be built as entry level models as Bajaj hopes to capitalise on the European know-how at lower prices in emerging markets. Brazil will be the first market to get lucky on the new KTM street bikes.

Hopefully the move will prove a good one to get lower production cost bikes to market, while still keeping KTM quality. The Austrian brand could get a nice boost in emerging markets from this initiative, with its products appearing in South America and Asia. A statement from the company’s financial report reads:

In addition to the already entered KTM markets, new market opportunities in emerging markets come along with the serial production of entry-level street motorcycles (125cc to 350cc), which will be launched in late fall 2010 in cooperation with Bajaj Auto Ltd. The fist step will be Brazil, where the market offensive is already in the preparation stage.

The bikes are likely to be lightweight, four-stroke options taking on some of the elements of the concepts that KTM presented last year. The street-cred, funky urban appeal of KTM, as well as its offroad qualifications, should ensure the success of its brand but we’re with Wes Siler on this one - hopefully they won’t be just cheap bikes with an orange paint job.

Source | HFL

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If you in the market for KTM’s new 125 bike but don’t want to run the risk of riding around on something called the KTM 125 SuperDude, you had best get over to KTM’s Facebook page to name its new learner-friendly bike. A short list of names in the running has been produced and we’ve got everything from ‘Moskito’ to ‘Orange Rebel’ to ‘Go!!!!’ (complete with the four exclamation marks).

You can check out KTM 125 naming poll here. The new bike will probably be based on the KTM 125 prototype we saw at last year’s EICMA show. It will be released across Europe but there are no other details available at this stage. The prototype was designed as a naked road racer with a four-valve engine with 15 hp.

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This video shows some of the highlights from the EICMA 2009 show, including the lovely KTM 125 prototype and some great close-ups of the BMW Concept 6. We also get a look at the Husqvarna stand and a brief glimpse of the Kawasaki Z1000. Check it all out in the video.

Source | Fastbikes.se

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This KTM 125 prototype is at the EICMA show, and while we’ve said it already, it’s part of an impressive stand from KTM, showing off its “Ready to Race” philosophy. The new naked bike is typical KTM design, and is part of the segment of 125 road racers, developed by KTM’s R&D division.

The same team that produced this bike worked on the Duke 690, while the KTM 125 look was conceived by KTM partner, Kiska Design. Apparently it’s pure joy to ride, and we can believe it. It features reduced weight and better handling with a powerful four-valve, liquid cooled engine with 15 hp.

The light tubular frame and new exhaust system round off what is quite a bike to behold. The aim was to combine extreme handling with extraordinary stability, and the suspension system features WP Suspension components. Brembo racing brakes top off the touch of exclusivity. Next to the KTM 125 at the stand is also the Racer version, with new exhaust and a more aggressive design.

Continue reading: KTM 125 prototype at EICMA

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