KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and moped manufacturer.
KTM is most commonly known for its off road motorcycles though in recent years it has expanded into street motorcycle production . They are the acknowledged world leaders for off-road motorcycles, and have made a habit of dominating off-road motorsports events. Indian giant Bajaj’s stake in this European firm has steadily climbed to a hefty 39 percent, which makes it high time we ride our first KTM.
The single-cylinder 125 Duke is a street bike jointly developed by KTM with Bajaj and already introduced in select European markets. It’s taken no time to charge into the lead and become a segment leader there, while Indians have patiently stood by waiting for a 200cc variant of the same bike to be specially prepared for our market. The eagerly anticipated KTM 200 Duke will be backed by the sales and service might of Bajaj Probiking. It boasts remarkably potent specifications, which is why we couldn’t wait to get behind the handlebars and tell you how it all comes together as a package.
The bike looks sporty, feels sporty, and don’t go by the 200cc engine, because this monster is expected to generate 25 Bhp of maximum power which is much higher than the normal 200cc commuter bikes which deliver 15 to 17 Bhp power.
The new KTM Duke 200 is very distinctive and attractive sports bike which carries lots of attitude with it. The advanced aerodynamic design used in the new KTM Duke 200 is extraordinary and has a great charismatic effect which spells bounds the costumer with its unmatched appearance and racer look.
The new bike is specially designed for the racer with dynamic body graphics which is very impressive. The front portion of the bike has only cowl which has stylish halogen headlight in it which is very well stacked and looks very elegant. The straight handle bars of the new bike KTM Duke 200 is also very sporty and also very comfortable, specially designed for racing purpose. The stylish turn indicators are placed beneath the front cowl and looks very stylish and unadulterated. And the riding saddle is roomy and well padded, although the same can’t be said for the compromised pillion seat. Split alloy grab bars lead to a slender tail lamp, behind which extends a lengthy mudguard and number plate holder.The revolutionary and stylish large and bold alloy wheels of the new KTM Duke 200 will enhance the style and looks. The rear portion of the bike is also very impressive with sweeping style side indicators. The rear tyre-hugger and saree guard are parts we feel the 200 Duke would look best without, but you can’t help but marvel at the sleek, clear-lens turn signal indicators on this spanking new motorcycle. A ‘stand down’ warning system is standard.
The distinctive center console comprises of fuel gauge, speedometer, trip meter, turn indicator signal, etc. The stylish and unmatched fuel tank of the new KTM Duke 200 is also very appealing and has a feel of racer bike in it. The foot pegs available in the bike are very stylish and tuck in neatly when unused.
Overall quality, as well as the turnout of rubber and plastic parts is as good, as expected on the KTM 200 Duke.
You couldn’t ask for a more tech-rich engine on an Indian motorcycle. The new KTM deploys a short-stroke, four-stroke and single-cylinder, 199.5cc powerplant with 72mm bore and 49mm stroke measurements. State-of-the-art specs with no-compromise engineering ensure you receive the works; fuel injection, liquid cooling, a twin-camshaft-driven quartet of valves and a bantamweight, compact, six-speed gearbox.
The riding position is upright, comfortable and good for daily use with the wide handlebars providing excellent leverage. Ride quality is good, pliant and still firm enough to enable sporty handling, but our ride was too brief and only over smooth surfaces, so a final verdict must again remain reserved for our road test. The KTM 200 Duke handles with a light, nimble feel, always steering with neutral manners and the MRF radial front and rear tyres provide terrific grip. This is a stable bike at all speeds, with superb cornering manners and brakes which always offer a powerful and reassuring bite.
We expect the KTM 200 Duke to return close to 25-30kpl for every litre of fuel. Bajaj is offering a variety of KTM merchandise as optional with this bike, including a pair of tasteful knuckle guards.
Also to mention is the KTM Duke 200's lap timing . The KTM Duke 200's 0-60 kmph time is 3.3 sec while its 0-100 kmph time is 9.2 seconds , which is quite impressive .
FACT FILE OF KTM DUKE 200 :
Engine: Four-stroke Single, 4-valve DOHC
Displacement: 199.6 cc
Bore x Stroke: 72 x 49 mm
Peak horsepower: 25.5 bhp @10,000 rpm
Peak torque: 20Nm @ 6,800 rpm
Starter /Battery: Electric starter
Transmission: 6 gears
Fueling: Electronic fuel injection
Primary Drive: 22:72
Final drive: 14:43
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Clutch: Multi-disc wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, steel subframe
Front suspension: Inverted WP 43mm fork, 5.9 inches travel
Rear suspension: WP monoshock, 5.9 inches travel
Front brake: 300mm disc
Rear brake: 230mm disc
Tires front/rear: 110/70 x 17 x 150/60 x 17
Trail: 3.9 inches
Wheelbase: 53.5 inches (1360 mm)
Seat height: 31.9 inches (810 mm)
Fuel tank: 2.9 gallons (11 liter)
Dry Weight: 278 pounds (126.4 kg)
Bikoholic Verdict :
KTM 200 Duke is a special motorcycle, just as comfortable puttering around town as a zippy commuter bike or being thrashed while you attack your favorite section of twisty tarmac. KTM and Bajaj have certainly found a sweet spot, as the Indo-Austrian KTM 200 Duke has all the trappings of quickly becoming a best-in-class 200cc street motorcycle.
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