KTM 200 Duke – What You Need to Know
KTM 200 Duke was launched in 2012 in India by Bajaj Autos in collaboration with the Austrian auto-maker KTM after its 125cc cousin was introduced to some select European markets. Seeing the performance of the Duke 125, everyone was eager to see the new 200cc motorbike unveiled.
This is a standard or naked motorbike, also called a roadster. Roadsters are known for their versatility and upright sitting position while riding, somewhere between the forward leaning position of sports bikes and reclining position of cruisers. KTM 200 Duke top speed is 134kph; so, it goes faster than it looks that are defined by steep creases and sharp angles. Its predominant colors are black and the trademark orange. It has short seat, upside down front forks, smashed in headlight, a chin-set auxiliary light below and a digital compact instrument cluster above, the high-tech injection electronics, high rear fender atop a monoshock, superlight tubular space frame, stylish swingarm, tank decals and the upside-down 43mm fork from WP Suspension; its mudguard is bolted on slim-spoke wheels that are pretty elegant. In short, it gives quite an aggressive look and ensures a powerful drive, optimum riding fun and dynamic cornering. It is unbeatable in regard to its amazing power-to-weight ratio that comes from a super-low 129.5 kg of dry weight. This impressive bike is manufactured in Chakan, near Pune in India.
The features of Duke 200 are attractive. Its single cylinder, spark-ignition, four stroke water-cooled engine is 200cc and is exposed between the steel-trellis frame of the bike, giving 25bhp and carrying the lightweight bike smoothly. Its six speed gearbox has gear ratios. It also has a multi-disc cable actuated clutch. The central digital console is also impressive with a lot of relevant information and warning lamps that light on when you turn the ignition on. It also shows a staggering “Ready to Race” sign. Unlike most other bikes which have now been spayed by the emission rules, Duke pulls a crunchy note of exhaust out of its short underbelly exhaust. The bike features a compact 3-chamber silencer near its center of gravity.
KTM Duke 200 mileage is 30-35 kmpl.
If you are trying your hands on the Duke200 for the first time, you may be astounded to the engine’s response to throttle inputs. The response is sharp and always there appears to be an ample helping of power waiting. The maneuverability of the bike is also outstanding in spite of carrying around a chunk of a rear tyre (150 section, which is 10mm higher than FZ).
It’s comfortable and natural to lean into corners and while scraping pegs you are at ease within no time. Of course, the forward sitting position and tall, straight handlebar contribute more in this. With maximum speed of 134kph, the flat out performance of Duke200 is impressive. With the exhaust cracking along before getting a little thrashy the engine gets the best at 6000-7000 rpm and the viby towards the 10,000 rpm redline.
Duke200 has a nice set of front and rear discs to cut down the momentum.
There is only one downside and it’s the motorbike struggles to do 20 kpl even by the estimates of the onboard computers when you take it easy, it drops flat out to below 15kpl. In short, Duke200 does well but according to experts it’s not as phenomenal as it was expected to be.
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