The 2017 KTM Duke 200 has been spotted on test again. The second generation Duke 200 will be launched in India by March 2017.
EICMA 2016 is just a few days away and we can’t wait to see what’s new at the KTM pavilion. That’s because the Austrian automaker will lift the veil of the second generation KTM Duke 200 and Duke 390. While the Duke 390 has been spied often, this is the second time the same Duke 200 has been spotted on test (earlier it was caught on video). However, this time around, close images reveal some of the changes on the street-fighter bike.
The design of the 2017 KTM Duke 200 becomes sharper and inline with the flagship street naked from the off-road legend. The front mudguard on the test bike is painted white which means that neon orange might not be the only colour to be offered. Since this is the Duke 200, it doesn’t get orange wheels but the frame is orange, unlike the current model.
The second generation single-cylinder KTM Duke models will get a new subframe for improved stability. They will also ditch the current grab-rail set-up for new ones which are similar to the RC models. The brakes on the 2017 KTM Duke 200 will be sharper and ABS is likely to be offered, at least as an option. The bike gets new levers with the master cylinder being new to improve stopping power.
The key slot has been moved back, just ahead of the tank which is similar to many European bikes. The console on the Duke 200 is the same as its predecessor although we have seen an all new cluster on the upcoming Duke 390. KTM could carry forward the old console to save on costs. Besides, since the Duke 200 won’t be getting riding modes like the Duke 390, it doesn’t need a new instrument cluster.
KTM has improved the pillion seat, as can be seen in the images but we will reserve judgement till we take a ride on it. The motorcycle features a side mounted exhaust instead of the underbelly, that’s mainly to comply with stricter BS-IV emission norms.
KTM is likely to increase power and torque marginally while great strides are expected in the refinement department. The motorbike will be heavier than before but performance is likely to remain the same. An India launch in the next quarter is expected with the on-road price of the Duke 200 being close to Rs. 1.80 lakhs.
2017 KTM Duke 200
– Will be a more sorted bike with improved refinement and quality
– Performance gains aren’t expected due to increase in weight
– ABS is likely to be offered as an option
– KTM will position the Duke 200 further upward
Source – Overdrive.in