Bajaj Auto homologates the KTM 200 Duke

Bajaj Auto has homologated the KTM 200 Duke with FMSCI (Federation of Motorsport Clubs of India). In effect this means that you can now officially use the Duke 200 for racing or rallying. The homologation comes in just before the Raid De Himalaya, one of the toughest rallies in the world, where we believe the bike should perform well. The Duke had already made its debut in the Mughal Road Rally this June - it secured a win on debut there - and the official homologation should see the motorcycle gain immense popularity in the motorsport fraternity. The Duke 200 has impressed enthusiasts with its dynamics, and has proved to be one of the most exciting launches of 2012. Given that Austrian manufacturer KTM boasts of a phenomenal heritage in motorsport, more so in motocross, it was a natural choice for Bajaj Auto to decide to homologate the motorcycle.

This should help open new avenues for motorsport enthusiasts and help Bajaj in strengthening the orange brand. We aren't sure yet if Bajaj will follow in Honda and Yamaha's footsteps and have its one-make racing series. Given the streetbike stance of the Duke 200 that would not make much sense according to us, but yes we would certainly like to see Bajaj do something like the famous Japanese gymkhanas'. These are essentially small, super-tight circuits and are a purer test of man and machine both as compared to regular race tracks. And we believe the Orange Day' that Bajaj has initiated, is a step in the same direction. The orange day sees Duke 200 owners test their skills around tight circuits made in parking lots and the like, and more of these should help set the base and allow Bajaj to foray into motorsport, an arena the manufacturer is yet to mark its presence in.