KTM Duke 200 launched in India at Rs 1.17 lakh

 

Bajaj Auto Limited and KTM Sportmotorcycle AG recently launched the much awaited KTM brand in India. It may be noted that KTM is Europe’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer and dominates the off-road segment across the world. Known for their legendary racing achievements, KTM is represented in India by its premium streetbike brand, the DUKE. The first offering from the KTM stable in India, the Duke 200 retails through 34 dedicated KTM stores (erstwhile Bajaj Probiking Stores) in India along with KTM’s famous range of Accessories and Merchandise called KTM PowerWear and KTM PowerParts.

In a segment crowded with full-faired Japanese motorcycles, the KTM 200 Duke is the only one sporting the naked streefighter styling that all KTM Dukes, like the big daddy Super Duke 990 and the Duke 690, are renowned for. The 200 Duke is powered by a single cylinder, 200cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, four valve engine which will pump out a peak power of 25bhp and a maximum torque of 19 Nm. Like all KTM’s the 200 has the best–in-class power to weight ratio of 184 Ps/ton thanks to high strength- low weight components of the highest quality. It boasts of first in class features such as a Trellis Frame, Upside Down forks by European specialists WP, an aluminium swing arm, a multifunction cockpit and many more.

Packed with technology and features befitting motorcycles of far higher segments, the KTM 200 Duke has been launched at an extremely attractive introductory price of Rs. 1,17,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

On the occasion of the launch Mr. Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM Sportmotorcycles AG, had 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 “

It is also being said that KTM will come up with a new product every year and this certainly is great news for Indian bikers.

Here is what we feel about the latest offering

ENGINE
Type: Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled

While nothing new with the format for cylinders, we are glad that the engine is liquid cooled. Liquid cooled engines for bikes have been doing duty in the international scene since quite some time and for Indian bikes, this seems to be the way to go.
 

Valve Train: 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC

This is the second bike to come out of Bajaj plant to sport 4 valve/cyl format. It is good to see that manufacturers are gradually embracing this technology. Coming to look at it, many cars out on our roads are having this format since quite a few years.

Displacement: 200 cc

Bore x Stroke: 72 mm x 49 mm

Power : 19KW (25.4 bhp)

The day I first read this, my jaw dropped and so much that it threatened to hit the floor! Lame jokes apart, we are mighty impressed by the output of this single cylinder engine.

On some calculations, this is what my observation is:

Power : Weight = 185 bhp/ton and Ninja 250′s P:W = 191 bhp/ton. A difference of merely 6 bhp/ton. Need I say more?
Starting: Electric

Transmission/Gears: 6-speed

Yet another first for a bike that comes from Bajaj

Fuel System: Fuel Injection

Bajaj came up with the Fuel Injection with its flagship bike. Later, in interests of higher sales through lower price tag, the fuel injection was dumped for a cheaper fuel system and hence came the ‘Carb’ 220.The latter produced more power from the same motor and that alone says that Bajaj needs to master the art of fuel injection. Theoretically, a carb setup cannot be as efficient as fuel injection can. That will make me say that Bajaj really needs to embrace this technology of fuel injection and master it properly.

CHASSIS

Type: Tubular space frame made from steel
tubes, powder-coated
Front Suspension: WP, Telescopic Upside Down

Forks

Rear Suspension: WP, monoshock

Finally !! A ‘mono’ on a Bajaj.

Suspension travel Front: 150 mm

Suspension travel Rear: 150 mm

Front Brake: 300 mm Disc brake

Rear Disc Brake: 230 mm

After seeing the 220, we are not surprised.

Steering head angle 65°

DIMENSIONS

Wheel base: (1,361 ± 15) mm

That is one compact wheelbase! The is fun to ride and is one of the most nimble performers.

Ground clearance (unloaded): 170 mm

Seat height (unloaded): 810 mm

Total fuel tank capacity: 10.5 litres

Okay, we are surprised again. And after being used to Pulsar’s fuel tank, we should.

Dry Weight: 125 kg

The first thing that came to my mind after getting to know the weight was L-I-G-H-T. Remember how much praise the R15 got for being lighter than the rivals? Even the 135LS is not very high on weight and all thanks to its favorable power to weight ratio, the bike can surely out performs a few 150cc bikes of our market. And with a dry weight of 125 kgs coupled with 25 bhp, the upcoming KTM will sure be one quick machine.

Price:Rs.117000 (ex showroom, Delhi)

Many Dads should be a bit relieved to hear this!!

13 thoughts on “KTM Duke 200 launched in India at Rs 1.17 lakh”

  1. Siddharth Bhanu Roy

    cancelled my r15 booking for getting this one booked, 90 days waiting period though.

  2. Siddharth Bhanu Roy

    cancelled my r15 booking for getting this one booked, 90 days waiting period though.

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