KTM Duke 200: The Wait Is Finally Over

This is the rollout that every avid biker was waiting for, and when it was finally launched, how could we have missed going for a ride. While Saturdays are meant to be spent with booze and girls, we decided to spend one weekend in the company of the KTM Duke 200 – a bike that comes from KTM, one of the most reputed performance motorcycle label and Bajaj, the most trusted Indian label in the two-wheeler segment. In a parking lot, Duke looks more like a beast from the rear. The thick rear tyre, lean middle body, and massive fuel tank add to the mean look. The side view is okay. However, we had heard so much about this machine that we couldn’t wait. The clock had just struck midnight, and we were on one of Delhi’s expressways raring to unleash Duke’s power. We had a stretch of 22 kilometers to test it, and that was enough to judge the bike’s performance. Till 70-100 kmph, it’s like any other 200 CC bike and is stable. But the moment you start speeding, the difference becomes evident. Even at 132 kmph, the bike wasn’t struggling against the wind. There were no unnecessary vibrations or sound changes. Also, you don’t need to bend to speed up the bike or struggle with the accelerator, so occasional bumps and foolish speed breakers don’t hurt your back or make you feel insecure. Even off-expressway driving isn’t taxing as it’s equipped to rule every terrain.

So, is it all good with the motorcycle? Our friend who’s been driving the bike for a while says it has low fuel economy (30kmph) when compared to others of the same category, but that’s hardly a concern when you’re buying such a heavily priced bike. Also, the Duke needs to be taken care of on a daily basis. You need to check the coolant, engine oil and brake oil almost everyday and it’s too soon to talk about spares and post-sales service. However, if you have the money, a need for speed and the will to ignore fuel bills, then this is the bike for you.

Read FHM India in the digital libraryEvery issue, every shoot, on TCG Media.

KTM 200 Duke facts: Displacement: 200cc | Fuel consumption: 30-35 km/ltr | Seat height: 810 mm | Weight: 125 kg | Price: Rs 1,30,000 | On sale: Now available

Bikes over a lakh

• Royal Enfield Desert Storm: The Royal Enfield stable has rarely been doubted. The sand painted theme is an ode to the war era. Rs 1.58 lakh
• Bajaj Pulsar 220: The Pulsar series has had an impressive run for over a decade now and the 220 carries forward the legacy. Rs 1 lakh
• Honda CBR250R: It’s a nice change from the Pulsar and the Enfield, but lacks the look that CBR is known for. Rs 1.64 lakh
• Yamaha R15 2.0: R15 and FZ acted like a magic wand for Yamaha, which was losing ground in India. The 2.0 is an able successor. Rs 1.20 lakh

From the June 2012 issue of FHM India.