DUKE PLUS

2011 has been a special and extremely successful year for KTM – especially thanks to the launch of the 125 Duke. At 9,000 units sold, the new bike took off like a rocket into its highly competitive segment.

The logical next step for KTM is to expand the Duke range even further with a 200cc version in the upcoming model year. The successful recipe of a fully-fledged, great-looking motorbike also holds for the 200 Duke – and at a highly attractive price point.

The main difference is a larger displacement, expanded to 199.5 cc by a new cylinder with a 72 mm bore and 49 mm stroke. Complementing these are a newly developed cylinder head and valves, as well as new intake and exhaust systems specially designed by KTM for the 200. These developments increase power to a strapping 19 kW (26 hp) besides giving it a beautifully rounded power curve, highlighting once more the sporting DNA of this state-of-the-art single cylinder design. While the 125 Duke offers an excellent performance for its class, the 200 Duke has the punch of a real motorbike, not the least due to its very low weight of only 127 kg. The powerful new engine is backed by the well-known trellis frame, as well as outstanding suspension and braking components. This makes the 200 Duke essentially KTM – simply one of the best small sport bikes for any day of the week.

A Duke loves company. Less than a year after the introduction of the 125 Duke, KTM expands the segment with an equally attractive 200cc version rated at 19 kW (26 hp) of power. That makes the Duke 200 a hot item for all those who want the benefits of 2011’s best-selling 125, combined with the performance of a dynamic little motorbike.

Its handling is as impressive as its serious looks – typical KTM. The only really small thing is its price. The success story continues 

KTM 200 Duke Features and Benefits

- Newly developed 1-cylinder, 4-stroke DOHC engine, electronic fuel injection, 3-way catalytic converter, balancer shaft, 6-speed gearbox, max. output: 19 kW/26 PS, emissions: Euro 3

- Light steel trellis frame

- Ultra-light cast aluminium swingarm

- Upside-down front forks by WP Suspension

- Ultra-light WP rear suspension

- Powerful braking system developed in co-operation with Brembo

- Comprehensive multi-functional cockpit

Review

Certainly the best in-class power-to-weight ratio of 184PS/tonne has a lot to do with the way the bike lurches forward in each gear with the enthusiasm of a 16 year old as well as the fact that the torque is evenly spread out through the 6-speed transmission to present the 200 Duke with incredible roll-on acceleration at any point of time. With a slightly taller first gear complimented by short second, third and fourth gears, the 25PS of power and 19Nm of torque flowing seamlessly through the rev-range are extremely well calibrated for enthusiastic riding making this orange bloke one hoot to ride. Also, one of the chief reasons why the KTM 200 Duke feels so energetic and eager to be revved is because of the superbly configured electronic fuel injection system, which provides excellent throttle response to the slightest input from the right wrist.

Riding through some of the fastest sections on the test-track, the KTM 200 Duke held onto the lines with razor-sharp precision aided by top quality suspension bits from WP on both ends doing a fantastic job of providing accurate feedback about what is going on between the tyres and the road. Even at speeds upwards of 130km/h, the 200 Duke required only a faint encouragement to turn and it swiftly changed its direction devoid of any unsettling behaviour. The company has been able to manage this kind of handling prowess and dexterity thanks to the well-engineered mass centralization by keeping all the chunky components (airbox unit, exhaust system) closer to the Centre of Gravity (CoG) of the machine, thus presenting the bike with a light front-end that allows for quicker yet stable initiation of turns while the 1367mm of wheelbase coupled with fat sticky radial MRF tyres on both ends awarding the KTM 200 Duke with necessary stability at speed.

So we have a motorcycle that makes enough horsepower to keep the throttle wrist happy all the time and has handling to go with it that leaves a wide grin inside the helmet. However, the KTM 200 Duke is a street-naked motorcycle that will truly shine in real-world conditions and not on a test-track like what we had. Head to the nearest hills or then take it out on the crowded city streets dodging traffic and going past vehicles like an orange flash of lightening. The KTM 200 Duke comes closest to what every hardcore biker in this country has been waiting for – a stylish yet practical machine that is quick, agile and loaded with state-of-the-art equipment. And thanks to Bajaj Auto’s expertise at low-cost manufacturing, we know for sure that once officially launched in January 2012, this will be one hell of a cracker at one hell of a bargain!

Source zigwheels.com