KTM 160 Duke: Key Highlights

The KTM 160 Duke officially broke cover yesterday as the brand’s new entry-level bike. It’s an India-specific model and therefore will not be exported. Priced at ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it’s not the most affordable option in the sub-200 cc bike category. So is it packing in enough for its price point? Let’s check out its key highlights:

Design 

The KTM 160 Duke looks exactly like the KTM 200 Duke wherein it still carries forward the second-generation Duke’s styling. Right from that sharp headlight cowl down to its sleek tail section with the exposed frame. Every nook and corner of this bike looks the same, however, to help differentiate its visual appeal the graphic design looks very different without altering its aggressiveness. Underlining its uniqueness are the three shades the bike is available with – Electronic Orange, Atlantic Blue, and Silver Metallic Matt. 

Engine

The KTM 160 Duke is powered by a 164.2 cc, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine which is basically a bored down version of the 200 cc mill from the KTM 200 Duke. The 160 cc mill produces 18.74 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 15.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox and it comes with a slip-assist clutch as standard. But it misses out on a quick shifter.

Hardware

Even the hardware components are the same and shared with 200 Duke. Therefore, the split-trellis frame is identical here and it continues to be  supported by the same WP Apex USD fork and monoshock with 138.2 mm and 160.98 mm of travel available respectively. The bike rides on 17-inch wheels at both ends with the same bionic alloy design that helps save unsprung mass and improves handling characteristics. 

Features

Despite being an entry-level bike, KTM has not skimped on the features. Both the headlight and tail light are LED units. The instrument cluster is a TFT unit that supports KTM’s My Ride Connect app and thereby gets you access to turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alert, and music control. 

Warranty

KTM is offering the new 160 Duke with 10-years of standard warranty instead of the 2-year warranty usually available with all models.