KTM Duke 200

KTM makes good looking nakeds. Ever since they employed Gerald Kiska, their aesthetic has become the language that dictates the design for nakeds everywhere. That sense of extremely well put together yet edgy design can be seen on the Duke 200 as well. First off is the trademark orange and black paintwork that while limited is now unmistakably KTM. The way the logo has been made to work with the tank just speaks of the thoughtfulness that has gone into its design. The bike’s slim proportions deceptively mask the thin and lightweight trellis frame. The headlight assembly with the tiny indicators and small display peeking from the top, the artfully designed swingarm and the industrial looking cowl under the engine all give it an athletic look. The 2017 update has given it wider rearview mirrors, an invisible to the naked eye underbelly exhaust and the same digital display that now shows real-time fuel efficiency along with all the other usual information. The bike is 2050 mm long and 730 mm wide giving it a slim profile. The seat height is tall at 810 mm and may not be suitable for all riders. The wheelbase of 1376 mm speaks for its agile handling while the 170 mm of ground clearance gives it the ability to go over potholes easily. There are 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped with thick 110/70 and 150/60 tires on the front and rear, respectively.

Springy bits are top notch WP 43 mm USD forks in the front and a single shock absorber at the rear both with 150 mm of travel. It is however set up to be stiff. The large amount of travel means that the bike dips in and out like a cheetah as you may have seen on the road. While agility was given the most importance, the cushy seat gains back some sense of comfort that comes in handy on long rides. The tires are wide and the seating position is very conducive to the kind of riding it demands. Cornering is the name of the game here.     

The engine is probably the biggest masterstroke in this vulgar display of performance, agility, and hooliganism. Making 24.6 hp at 10000 rpm and 19.2 Nm of torque at 8800 rpm from its 199.5 cc liquid cooled and fuel injected single cylinder engine, it is paired with a 6-speed transmission. The engine is supposed to be more refined from earlier but has the same characteristics as before. That means that it is still that same urgent and eager motor as before. The bike – as the display asks the rider – is ready to race. It is always pushing the rider to go faster and faster. Thrill seekers are egged on by the throaty exhaust and the hypnotizing power that comes at the slightest twist of the very responsive throttle. The rev-happy engine is well complimented by the smooth transmission that easily pushes the bike to three-digit speeds to a top whack of 130 kmph. While the majority of power is at the top, the bike can be run all day around the 8500 rpm mark. The fuel economy of 35 kmph is not very high but the 10.5-litre fuel tank feels quite sufficient.

With such performance, brakes have also been given high importance. While there is no ABS, it does come with potent disc brakes front and rear. The front gets a 300 mm disc with 4 pot brake calliper. The rear, on the other hand, gets a 230 mm floating disc with a single pot brake calliper.

Yes, there are newer versions of the Duke that look much more radical. But the Duke 200 does not look old by any measure. The performance is still present as before. It also comes with top-notch equipment and hair-raising levels of performance at a not too expensive price. This uniquely mean bike then is bound to plaster a long-lasting smile on its rider’s face. Just buy and use a good quality helmet when you ride it.