KTM 200 Duke Review
KTM 200 Duke - Best Entry-level Naked Bike
Sunday, November 18, 2012Overview of KTM 200 Duke
KTM is known worldwide for their naked and off-road bikes. One of them, the 200 Duke makes its way to world’s biggest motorcycle market in India. KTM and Bajaj have launched their first bike ‘200 Duke’ in India on 24th January, 2012. Bajaj-KTM has priced 200 Duke very competitively at INR 1,17,500 (Ex-showroom New Delhi). The revised price of 200 Duke is INR 1,29,000. The bike looks sporty, feels sporty, and don’t go by the 200cc engine, because this monster generate 25 Bhp of maximum power and around 19.2 Nm of maximum torque, which is much higher than the normal 200cc commuter bikes available in India, which deliver 15 to 18 Bhp of maximum power.
Update: KTM Introduces RaceLine Stickers for 200 Duke
KTM India has introduced a series of RaceLine stickers for 200 Duke. They are available for Rs. 4560.00 from KTM dealers. The stickers are for the fuel tank, front shock absorbers, rear seat cowl, engine cowl, the frame and rims.
Fast Facts about KTM 200 Duke
- Launched on 24th January, 2012 in New Delhi
- Priced very competitively at Rs. 1,29,000 (Ex-showroom New Delhi)
- The booking amount for the KTM 200 Duke is Rs. 30,000 (now Rs. 20,000)
- Available through 34 Bajaj's pro-biking showrooms (now KTM’s exclusive showrooms)
- Powered by a 199.5cc petrol engine
- Maximum power is 25 bhp at 10000 rpm
- Maximum torque is around 19.2 nm at 8000 rpm
- Best-in-class power to weight ratio of 184 PS/ton
- Available in attractive orange shade with sporty graphics/decals
- Now also available in white and black shade
- First even naked/street bike in India in this segment
KTM 200 Duke Exterior
The design and concept of the bike is extremely new for Indians. Yes, we have seen bikes like Yamaha FZ before which also carry the naked looks but the premium touch and appeal of this bike makes it one of its kinds. Starting from its front, the bike has very slim headlight with no visor. The front mudguard is also short and simple in size but its big telescopic forks, disk plate and wider tyre makes it look macho. The bike has very small body panels. The tank is big and uplifted and sports Duke on it. The rear mudguard is very sporty and along with its fatty tyre, the bike can hold your attention easily. Small tail light is very simple and its black coloured grab rails and clear lens indicators also complement the overall styling.
Instrument Console of KTM 200 Duke
KTM promotes the instrument console of Duke as cockpit which features a digital speedometer, odometer, trip meter and fuel gauge. This cockpit also has some LED indicators. The bike uses orange coloured back light in its instrument console. The instrument console is not easily readable and apart from its speedometer, you will have to search for other things in it as it compromises on space.
Engine and Gearbox of KTM 200 Duke
KTM 200 Duke uses a single-cylinder, liquid- cooled 200cc engine. This 4-stroke, DOHC engine is very powerful as it churns out a maximum power output of 25 bhp at 10000 rpm. The torque output of this engine is 19.2 Nm which is available at 8000 rpm. The bike is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox with one gear down and five gears up-shift pattern.
Acceleration and Performance
This is the best engine ever used in any street bike in India. The high refinement of this DOHC engine allows you to rev this bike as hard as possible. The gear ratios are well matched with this engine which makes this bike more energetic. The bike does 0-100km/hour in 9.2 seconds. The crispy gear ratios allow you to move quickly through city traffic without wasting much time. The bike can easily go pass the speed of 136km/hr. The throttle response is very impressive. The power to weight ratio of this bike is incredible due to its lightweight. This bike performs best after 4000rpm and till 10000rpm; there is nothing which will disturb you. The torque production is also satisfactory which reduces frequent gear shifting. The bike easily picks up in any gear and even with a pillion rider; you can easily overtake most of the bikes on highways. It’s a perfect option for highway cruising. Even if you take this bike off road, the high amount of torque is available very early which confirms you a pleasant ride. Take it on any terrain and you will be surprised to see the power delivery of this bike. Its short gear ratios, light weight and responsive engine make it perfect for those who know and like to perform stunts. The bike has something for everyone.
KTM 200 Duke Mileage
The fuel efficiency of this engine ranges from 28-35km/ltr in city conditions. One can expect these figures to increase by 2-3km/ltr on highways. Despite its power packed performance, these mileage figures are quite respectable for a bike of this size.
Comfort while Driving KTM 200 Duke
The seat of 200 Duke is very comfortable and can hold you for a long time. Foot pegs are placed far behind in order to give your knees a perfect angle to roll back so that your thighs firmly hold the tank of the bike. The wide handles bar is also very convenient and you can firmly hold it with your palm. The shoulders feel much relaxed and even in city traffic, it’s not an issue to use this bike.
Safety Features and Storage Space
200 Duke has a very powerful headlight which enables you to get a clear view of road at nights. There is no storage space in this bike.
Suspension and Braking
200 Duke has a very capable suspension system with high-quality upside-down fork at its front and mono shock absorber at its back. Big discs of 280mm at its front and 230mm at its back confirms you a safe ride with complete control on this bike.
Ride and Handling
Its superb suspension, extremely wide rear tyre and a wheelbase of 1367mm gives you a very stable and pleasing ride. Moreover its, lightweight rear swing arm adds to the stability of this bike. It handles really well and it’s not difficult to steer this bike in city traffic. The bike is quite nimble and strong around corners and gives you immense confidence. The tyres hold the road firmly and even on highway also, it’s a very stable bike and its good suspension keeps you grounded at high speeds. Its suspension and handling can also prompt you to take it off road. It can digest any pothole and can easily cross any obstruction with a ground clearance of 165mm.
Main Features of KTM 200 Duke
- Sharp front styling, High Performance Braking system
- Quick acceleration with large gear ration
- Quick throttle response with highly aspirated 199.5cc engine with dual exhaust mufflers
- High Suspension travel, Light Weight body structure
- Rigid body design to deal with high speeds and stresses
- Sporty shades and graphics
Technical highlights of KTM 200 Duke
- Best-in-class power to weight ratio of 184 PS/ton (Yamaha R15 - 130 and Honda CBR250R - 155)
- Maximum Power of 25 Bhp at 10000 rpm
- Maximum Torque of 19.2 Nm at 8000 rpm
- Engine Displacement of 199.5cc
- Front and Rear Disk Brakes
- Large ventilated brake disk at front with dual cylinder callipers
- Diamond shaped steel frame for rigid and strong structure
- Mono-shock suspension at rear
- Large-travel Telescopic suspension at the front
- Alloy wheels
- Sporty Graphics and body work
- Dual Muffler Exhaust
- High gear ratios for quick acceleration
- 6 Speed Manual Transmission
- Digital Ignition
Price & Booking of KTM 200 Duke
- KTM 200 Duke – Rs. 1,29,000 (Ex-showroom New Delhi)
- The booking amount for the KTM 200 Duke is Rs. 30,000 (now Rs. 20,000)
- Booking will be on a first come first serve basis
Bajaj-KTM has priced the 200 Duke very competitively at INR 1,29,000 (Ex-showroom New Delhi). At this price it is a sure shot hit because 200 Duke is awesome in terms of looks and styling and is also very powerful 200cc bike. Yamaha R15 is a 150cc bike but is priced around Rs. 1.2 lakhs and selling very well because it is technically very sound, same is with KTM 200 Duke which features a liquid cooled 200cc engine which generates maximum power of 25 Bhp and also comes with front and rear disc brakes. The booking amount for the KTM 200 Duke is Rs. 30,000 (now Rs. 20,000).
Shades Available in KTM 200 Duke
KTM 200 Duke was launched with only one colour option - Orange. But on demand and feedback from customers KTM has launched two new shades: White and Black on 17th October, 2012.
More about KTM
- KTM is Europe’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer and dominates the off-road segment across the world
- KTM debuts in India with its premium street bike brand: the Duke
The first offering from the KTM stable in India, the 200 Duke would be retailed through 34 dedicated KTM stores in India along with KTM’s famous range of Accessories and Merchandise called KTM PowerWear and KTM PowerParts. On the occasion of the launch Mr. Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM-Sportmotorcycles AG, said “We are delighted to have the Duke 200 in India and are very positive about the prospects of KTM in the Indian market. With our unique design and engineering philosophy, we have managed to develop our unique brand identity which we are confident that our customers in India will appreciate” Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD Bajaj Auto, said “The launch of the Duke 200 is one of the many steps in Bajaj Auto’s association with KTM over the last five years. Between the Bajaj Pulsar and the KTM Duke we intend to further strengthen our dominant position in the sports motorcycle segment in India. The KTM 200 Duke is meant for people who are young at heart and like to be different”
Verdict
KTM 200 Duke is priced at INR 1.29lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). This bike is not for everyone and its high price tag is an evidence of it. At this price, it creates its own league and will only appeal to those who are looking for an affordable and real street bike. Moreover, the high quality performance, naked looks and exclusivity are enough reasons for one to buy it. This bike will give you a different identity and if you are ready to spend this much of money on a bike then it’s a complete value for money package.