KTM 160 Duke launched at ₹1.85 lakh
KTM India has launched its latest entry-level naked streetfighter, the KTM 160 Duke which replaces the KTM 125 Duke
The KTM 160 Duke is launched at ₹1.85 lakh and has a design familiar to the 200 Duke.
KTM India has launched its most affordable naked streetfighter bike, the 160 Duke. This entry-level Duke model is aimed at younger riders or riders looking to upgrade from a commuter bike and want something sporty but accessible. KTM claims that the 160 Duke is a robust ‘race-ready’ machine and will have the same aggressive but approachable DNA like its bigger siblings – the KTM 250 Duke and 390 Duke.
KTM 160 Duke design
The KTM 160 Duke carries familiar looks from the 200 Duke, which has an aggressive stance, compact seat and short overhangs with low set handle bars. It comes with five-spoke alloy wheels which have a hollowed-out construction for lightness. The trellis frame also gets a powder coating.
KTM 160 Duke engine and chassis
Powered by a liquid-cooled 160cc engine that produces 18.7bhp at 9500rpm and 15.5Nm of torque at 7500rpm. KTM tells us that the engine is based on the block of the first-generation 125 and 200 Duke but has been optimised for performance, efficiency and of course, to meet the latest and most stringent emission norms. It gets a six-speed gearbox which is claimed to have a shorter initial gearing in the interest of sportiness. As for the chassis, the 160 Duke gets a steel split-trellis frame with a lightweight swingarm and cast subframe, similar to that on the larger Dukes. Suspension duties are handled by WP Apex USD fork with 138mm of travel at the front, along with WP monoshock with 161mm travel at the rear. The 320mm disc brake at the front comes with a four-piston radial caliper from Bybre.
KTM 160 Duke equipment
This entry-level bike gets all the essentials like a 5-inch LCD instrument cluster, dual-channel ABS and microswitch controls, similar to that on the 250 Duke. It will also get Bluetooth-enabled connectivity features that enable phone and music control via the switch cube on the handlebar.
KTM 160 Price and rivals
The 160 Duke has been launched at ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom) and has the option of a 10-year extended warranty. The 160 Duke will compete with bikes such as Yamaha MT-15 V2 and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. Shippings start from August 12 and KTM India has also announced that an RC 160 is definitely on the horizon and will be announced soon. We will be getting our hands on the new 160 Duke very soon, so stay tuned to evo India for our first ride review.
