Today is a big day for the Indian motorcycle industry, because Bajaj Auto has launched the KTM Duke 200 in India. This is the very first KTM model to go on sale in the country and has been made specially for markets like ours. The Duke 200 is powered by a 200cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, DOHC, single cylinder engine which produces 25 BHP of peak power at 10000 RPM along with 19.2 Nm of peak torque at 8000 RPM. The power to weight ratio is the best in class at 184 PS per ton! This enables the short stroke KTM motor to reach 100 kmph in less than 10 seconds. A weight of just 126 kgs (dry) ensures the Duke is very nimble and easy to throw into corners. The KTM Duke 200 is priced at Rs. 1,17,500/- (ex-showroom, Delhi). The pricing is introductory and is subject to change in a few weeks time.
“The launch of the Duke 200 is one of the many steps in Bajaj Auto’s association with KTM over the last five years. Between the Bajaj Pulsar and the KTM Duke we intend to further strengthen our dominant position in the sports motorcycle segment in India. The KTM 200 Duke is meant for people who are young at heart and like to be different,” Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto, said.
Bajaj Auto has been able to price the KTM Duke 200 aggressively as it has achieved over 95% localisation. KTM PowerWear (accessories) and KTM PowerParts (Mechandise) have also been launched today. The KTM Duke 350 is expected next year, whereas the Superduke will arrive in 2014. The Duke 200 will be available at 34 dedicated KTM stores in the country. These stores will also sell the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and 650R but the Pulsar will no longer retail here (not even the next generation Pulsar). Key features of the KTM Duke 200 include the Trellis Frame, aluminum swing arm, Upside Down forks and a multi-fuction cockpit to name a few. The Duke is available in orange colour only.
KTM stores will start taking bookings from the 1st of February, but some stores have already started taking bookings unofficially. You can book your Duke 200 for Rs. 30,000/- and the first batch of 100 Duke 200 bikes are on their way to the showrooms. A 90 day waiting period is being quoted as a safety measure but most likely you will get your Duke sooner. Bajaj Auto do plan to offer test rides of the Duke 200 to the public and these will commence around the 3rd week of February. Deliveries of the Duke 200 start by the first week of February and the bikes have started to arrive at the showroom for display.
KTM Duke 200 Specifications
