2020 KTM Duke 200 Test Ride Review

2020 KTM Duke 200 Review

Bike Tested: 2020 KTM Duke 200; Road Test No. 1188; Test Location: Pune

Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 2,03,855/-

KTM Duke 200 set a benchmark for 200cc performance naked motorcycles

The KTM Duke 200 – an unapologetic, bright, loud, fast and frantic motorcycle to come to India. KTM’s stepping stone in the Indian market was the Duke 200 and after 8 years it has finally got a comprehensive update. The motorcycle looks new, retains the same motor while being priced absurdly high it is finally here. Back in the time the KTM Duke 200 set benchmarks and with the few updates over the years it lost a bit of its frantic nature. As the BS6 update is here too, we are here to find out if the chances are good or has it become mellow?

Motor Quest: The first motorcycle after the KTM-Bajaj partnership was the Duke 200. It was launched in the year 2012. There were quite a few updates over the years like BS4, new graphics, the introduction of ABS and a lot more. But a major change has happened in the year 2020 including the BS6 engine update.

Styling – After a lifetime the KTM Duke 200 has finally got some new looks. But if you are very familiar with the looks of KTM motorcycles, the Duke 200 looks exactly like the Duke 250. For a fact, the dimensions of the Duke 200 and 250 are exactly the same too. It gets the same new-gen halogen headlight with the sharp body panels and a larger fuel tank. The condition here is more like a Duke 250 now fitted with a Duke 200’s engine. There are some more changes that can be seen like the side-mounted exhaust is replaced by an underbelly exhaust. The belly pan is different as the exhaust is routed from the front instead. The Duke 200 gets all-new colours and graphics unlike the 250 but it is the same orange and black combination with white colour as another option. The grab-rail is larger and an all-new unit which looks rigid and functional.

Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument clusters on the Duke 200 and 250 were similar and same is the case here. It displays the exact same information as before but it has become visually smaller as the rubber cover from the top is gone. There is however additional information added which is primarily for the ABS status. The switchgear is the same as before with the same piano black finish on the switches. The quality seems to be lacking as there is a bit of cost-cutting around. The ignition key has also been taken from the 250 which is more towards the tank rather than the handlebar itself.

Ergonomics – As the motorcycle is more of a Duke 250 now, the ergonomics are similar to it too. The seating posture is upright while the seat height is at 823 mm which is similar to the Duke 250 and slightly higher than before. But the newer design gives a lot more space to move around and the handlebar is further from the rider adding some leverage too. The seats are similar to the Duke 250 which have decent cushioning and they are larger than the old Duke 200 for the pillion as well. The pillion sits more comfortably while the bigger grabrails come in quite handy too. The ergonomics of the older Duke were quite demanding while this seems a lot more comfortable.

Performance – Even with the addition of BS6, KTM has managed to churn out the exact same power figures from the 199.5cc motor. It still produces 25 PS of power and 19.3 Nm of torque which is 0.1 Nm more than the previous model. The motor has a similar punch throughout the rev band while it feels a lot smoother too. There is a decent low-end and a good mid-range but once post 5000 RPM, the motor hits the redline very quickly. However, the power delivery isn’t as frantic as before but it still feels like a Duke to ride as it is eager to hit the limit. The motorcycle tops out at 130 km/hr while the vibrations don’t bother as much. But they do creep in at the redline and can be felt on the handlebar as well as the footpegs.

Even with the signature underbelly exhaust, the Duke 200 sounds the same but isn’t as loud as before

It takes 10.15 seconds to reach the ton which is 0.5 secs slower than before while the overall feedback is a lot more subtle. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox, the clutch is light and the gearshifts are crisp. But, the gear ratios haven’t been altered making the gearing very short for a 200. The updated Duke 200 will return similar fuel efficiency as before of 28-32 km/l but the larger fuel tank allows for a better rideable range. Engine heating was never an issue for the Duke 200 but that has been addressed too. The Duke 200 gets a bigger radiator fan like the elder siblings for better cooling.

Riding Dynamics – Compared to the old Duke 200, the Duke 250 felt a lot matured in the riding department. But as the new Duke 200 has picked up all the cycle parts from the Duke 250 it has got similar dynamics too. The spilt-trellis frame has a different flex while the weight has increased by almost 10 kgs. The wheelbase is similar but once tipped into corners it is not easily flickable as before. The bike holds the line really well and the added feedback from the handlebars improves confidence. But the old Duke 200 had a fun yet scary nature while this one stays more in control. Ground clearance has also been dropped by 10 mm but it does not bother much.

The KTM Duke 200 is now feedback-rich and rides just like the elder siblings

The mature Duke 200 has better straight-line stability too while it gets the same set of tyres as before. These tyres grip well while the suspension setup is similar too which is not too hard. It is comfortable but we were only allowed to ride on the track and expect it to perform on the lines of the Duke 250 out on the road. The Duke 200 gets the same brakes as before but it is now equipped with a dual-channel ABS unit. The initial bite isn’t as sharp but the feedback improves later. The ABS setup isn’t switchable keeping in mind the safety of the rider.

Verdict – The KTM Duke 200 in its BS6 avatar is a proper matured bike now, it feels like a polished product. However, it has lost its initial charm of being a frantic and fiery motorcycle. In other words, the Duke 200 has become more accessible to a larger group of people other than the college students. But contradicting the accessibility point of view is the price which has increased by a huge margin over the 8 years. The Duke 200 would cost a little above 2 lakhs and it makes sense only if you desperately want the “KTM Duke 200”. Else there are other KTMs which aren’t far from the price tag offering a lot more value for your money.

What’s Cool

* Matches the Super Duke design language like the siblings
* Ergonomics are a lot more comfortable for the rider as well as pillion
* With a larger fuel tank, the riding range has improved a decent margin

What’s Not So Cool

* Instrument cluster is the same old tiny unit
* Engine performance isn’t as frantic as before
* Priced too high, does not feel VFM as for the performance it offers

2020 KTM Duke 200 Specifications

* Engine: 199.5cc, Liquid-Cooled, BS6, FI
* Power: 25 PS @ 10,000 RPM
* Torque: 19.3 Nm @ 8000 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed
* 0-100 km/hr: 10.15 seconds
* Top Speed: 130 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 28-32 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Chassis: Split Trellis Frame
* Suspension: 43 mm Upside Down Forks (Front), Monoshock (Rear); WP
* Tyres: 110/70/17 (Front), 150/60/17 (Rear), MRF Revz
* Brakes: 300 mm Disc (Front), 230 mm Disc (Rear)

2020 KTM Duke 200 Dimensions

* Length x Width x Height: 2072 mm x 831 mm x 1109 mm
* Wheelbase: 1357 mm
* Seat Height: 823 mm
* Ground Clearance: 155 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.5-litres
* Kerb weight: 159 Kgs

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