KTM 160 Duke will replace the 125 Duke in the brand’s portfolio in India while posing a direct threat to Yamaha’s 155cc motorcycles.
KTM India is all set to launch a new entry-level motorcycle in the domestic market. The European two-wheeler brand has confirmed the launch of KTM 160 Duke in the Indian market in the next few days, closer to the festive season. It will replace the 125 Duke while sharing several elements with the 200 Duke. KTM 160 Duke has already been teased multiple times on the brand’s various social media platforms. The naked motorcycle will directly rival the recently launched Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 in India.
To be based on the Duke 200, KTM 160 Duke is likely to come with a LED headlamp upfront while also expected to carry a dual-channel ABS. The Duke 125 was a non-performer for the brand with disappointing sales numbers and hence it was axed from the Indian market. The first teaser images shows the silhouette of the upcoming 160 Duke.
It has also been learnt that the KTM 160 Duke will borrow alloy wheels from the Gen 3 390 Duke and RC 390. We can also notice a massive gap between the engine block and the header pipe while the muffler also finished quite earlier. This setup is reminiscent of the 200 Duke and contrary to the 250 Duke and 390 Duke models.
Sitting on the same trellis frame as the Duke 200, KTM 160 Duke will follow the second-gen design language which is already visible on the 200 Duke. Some of the notable features onboard will include 43mm USD front forks, rear mono-shock absorber and a LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity. It could also be offered with a traction control feature.
At the heart, the 160 Duke will house a new engine which will be carved out of the Duke 200’s powertrain. We can expect a modest power output of around 19-20 bhp which is a substantial hike from the 125 Duke’s 14.5 bhp. Upon launch, it is likely to become the most powerful motorcycle in its segment by exceeding Yamaha’s 18.4 bhp power output. However, the max power will stay below the 25 bhp ballpark of other KTM 200cc bikes.
Details regarding the hardware and cycle parts are scarce at the moment as the 160 Duke has not been spotted yet on the Indian roads. As we inch closer to the launch, we expect to get more information regarding the company’s newest entry-level bike in India.
