KTM motorcycles are official now

Highlights:

• Naked tourer KTM 125 Duke priced at Tk3.5 lakh
• Sports tourer KTM 125 RC priced at Tk4.7 lakh
• Runner looks to assemble KTM motorcycles

Runner Automobiles Ltd launched Europe's top motorcycle brand KTM in Bangladesh on Monday.

The two premium 125cc models – KTM 125 Duke and KTM RC 125 – are now up for sale at a price 15% lower than the price charged by grey market importers.

An ambience of excitement took over the grand inaugural ceremony at the Runner factory complex in Bhaluka, Mymensingh.

The company officials are hopeful that naked tourer Duke and Sports tourer RC will turn out to be a hit among avid motorcycle lovers in Bangladesh. The 125cc KTMs perform better than some 150cc motorbikes popular in Bangladesh. 

"Today, we are equally excited to unveil the first set of KTM motorcycles and we are confident that this is the beginning of a whole new chapter of premium and top-notch biking in Bangladesh," said Reazul Chowdhury, managing director and chief executive officer of Runner Automobiles, at the event.

His company is looking to assemble KTM motorcycles in Bangladesh and willing to gradually begin local manufacturing if the principal company based in Austria comes forward.

KTM is considered to be the most premium brand among the ones Runner has included in its gigantic fleet – UM, Vespa, Aprilia, and Runner.

The motorcycle market 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 services in the days ahead," said Amid Sakif Khan, director of Runner Automobiles Ltd.

KTM bikes are now available at some Runner sales points in the capital, and the company is preparing to distribute them to other outlets across the country.

The KTM 125 Duke is priced at Tk3.50 lakh, while its EU edition with many advanced features comes with a price tag of Tk4.80 lakh.  

The 125 RC is priced at Tk4.70 lakh.

Duke has been here in the gray market for the last couple of years and KTM lovers paid more than Tk6 lakh for the EU edition.

Amid Sakif Khan, also the head of business at Runner, said his technical team was working in collaboration with KTM to ensure best servicing of the sophisticated machines.

All the models launched are equipped with liquid cooled, fuel-injected advanced engines that deliver "best in class performance".

The Antilock Braking System at both the front and rear wheels covered with wider high grip tires offers a safe braking.

The KTM RC 125's build was inspired by the racing genes of the legendary KTM RC16 manufactured by the KTM Factory Racing Team that competes in MotoGP championships. 

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 its state-of-the-art engineering, design and technology that currently has over 3,000 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.

KTM got apparent supremacy in off-road racing technology long ago and KTM riders secure most of the off-road racing championships across the world.

The collective efforts of KTM Research and Development and Riding Academy also made the brand a dominant one in track racing and streets across the world.