KTM - No More Dukes for You, US! ......at least for this year

[Rincewind]

KTM pulls Duke, SuperDuke from American market

 

KTM does not plan to import the 990 SuperDuke or 690 Duke to the North American market this year or next, citing unfavorable market conditions. In the case of the SuperDuke, the move is likely intended to clear dealer stock ahead of the new 1290cc bike which is arriving for the 2013 model year. Sadly, in the case of the single-cylinder Duke, it appears the new model isn’t destined for North America, so current stocks are all that remain of one of the most uniquely fun motorcycles currently available.

While researching a story last week we noticed neither bike is currently listed on KTM’s US website and reached out to the company for confirmation. A week later, they responded, simply stating, “The 990 SuperDuke and 690 Duke are not being imported into North America for model year 2011. KTM continuously evaluates the motorcycle industry sales and our dealer inventory to ensure that we have the best line-up of motorcycle, parts and accessories for our customers.”

What they’re not telling you is that we scooped a leak of their North American model lineup for the next three years earlier this month. While it revealed the arrival of that new large-capacity 2013 KTM SuperDuke 1290, there was no mention of the revised 2012 KTM Duke, which has been spied several times in Europe.

What’s that tell us? Well, the little Duke was always an odd fit for the North American market. Designed to appeal to European commuters who want a lightweight, exploitable, single-cylinder naked fitted with high-end components, it was an odd fit for this continent’s relatively low-information market where literbikes, cruisers and dirtbikes are viewed as mainstream choices. Its $10,598 price tag — uncomfortably close to that of the discounts offered on most liter bikes — and KTM’s poor dealer presence also made it an odd fit. Anecdotally, it also appeared as if the bike had very little marketing put behind it on this side of the Atlantic and wasn’t even stocked in many of KTM’s already sparse dealers. A friend shopping for one early this year couldn’t find one in stock anywhere in the greater LA area.

The Duke’s disappearance could also be clearing room for arrival of new models like the KTM Duke 350 and KTM Freeride range of electric motorcycles, both of which are landing on these shores in 2013 and may be pitched at similar markets. 350, 690 and 1290cc nakeds could simply have been too crowded a range for a relatively small company to handle. via hellforleathermagazine.com


http://brucenova.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/ktm-pulls-duke-superduke-from-american-market/

[garry]

I don't think the Super Duke was imported this year anyway. I do see a bunch of 690 Dukes around. Local dealer has a bunch.

[Orson]

The 690 is (was?) high on my list of possible future purchases.

[BobW]

The new bike(s) will be interesting, but KTM (N.A.) needs to take a serious look internally as to their overall operations. The momentum was theirs and in our area it has been lost. I know their are tons of variables, but the shops telling them to take their toys and go are not the kind I would imagine any OEM would like to see drop their Franchise. You add a tight economy, tougher competition and trying to be succesful via old business models and you will be hard pressed to keep, let alone gain real market share. Their cool bikes and I have friends with SD/SMT/SM bikes, but zero new bikes around me to buy nor even be able to order. Hell, even Aprilia and Guzzi have good local coverage.

[scottzilla]

I was really considering the 990SMT back in April.  I called all of the authorized KTM dealers in NY and CT and found one Dirt bike in stock.  I literally could not find a dealer to sell me the bike.  

[1000lbs]

As cool as the 690 Duke was, I would pull the trigger on a 690 SMC first.  It checks the same boxes as the Duke with a little more capability for varied terrain.  As long as they keep the SMC in the lineup I don't see a loss.

[DogBoy]

Agreed. The 690 SMC is sharper, lighter and more versatile. For instance, you might damage the Duke's muffler going down staircases or jumping curbs. You know, real sport-touring.

[Rincewind]

The 690 Duke is back with a redesign for 2013.  The Super Duke is not.

http://www.ktm.com/us/naked-bike/690-duke-eu/highlights.html#.UMjmGHfNl8E

Here's Kevin Ash's write-up on the new 690 Duke  -- http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/ktm-duke-690-0

[DogBoy]

This is Orson's retirement bike (or so he keeps saying). Someone tell him to buy one right now and I'll store it at my house. I even know the owner at one of the local KTM dealers so I can guarantee full retail pricing.  

[black hills]

I believe KTM has done this before when they had a surplus of a certain model