KTM Duke 200 Preview

Finally, the wait for KTM Duke 200 technical specification is now over. KTM Sports AG has disclosed the technical specification of KTM Duke 200 in EICMA 2011 (69th International Motorcycle Exhibition Milan) at Milan. Indian bike enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for KTM Duke 200, which is soon to be launched in India by Bajaj Auto (Bajaj Auto owns nearly 40% in KTM Power Sports, AG). KTM Duke 200 was launched in Malaysia and Middle East before, but the specification was not disclosed by the company.

KTM Duke 200 is designed for young and passionate bike enthusiasts. Basically, it has similar technical specification as Duke 125. But what is so special in the specification for Indian bike enthusiasts let’s have a look.

Engine and Transmission

KTM Duke 200 is powered by 199.6 cc, four-stroke, Single cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 Valve DOHC engine which generates maximum power of 25.47 bhp (19 KW) @ 10,000 rpm and maximum torque of 19.93Nm (14.7 foot-pound) @ 6,800 rpm.

The most special thing about the KTM Duke 200 is, it weighs only 126.4 Kg (278 pounds), however, this is dry weight, and the Kerb weight should be around 136 Kg.  This translates into power to weight ratio of 201.5 bhp / tonne (dry weight) and 187.28 bhp / tonne for Kerb weight. By far this numbers are very much ahead compared to 118.75 bhp / tonne of KTM Duke 125 and 163 bhp /tonne of Honda CBR 250R.

Further, KTM had made this engine extremely fuel efficient in comparison to power it generates. KTM Duke 200 has got Bosch Electronic fuel injection system which ensures smooth and timely fuel delivery according to throttle response. It has got six speed transmission gear box which drives wheel via chain drive. For smoother clutch operation KTM Duke 200 is equipped with multi-disk wet clutch which is operated hydraulically. This is a nimble engine which is built to last. In short this is a powerful yet fuel efficient engine built for urban commuter by KTM .

Chassis and Suspension

Duke 200 has got the same Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame of Duke 125 with steel sub frame. It is important to know what a trellis frame means. According to motorcycle racing research major advantages are to be gained in terms of rigidity by joint the steering head to the swing arm in as short a distance possible. A steering head is at top of the frame. The frame is made up of large number of short steel (or aluminum) tube welded together to form a trellis. It is easy to manufacture and extremely strong as well.

The front suspension is of an inverted 43mm fork which travels up to 5.9 inches (150 mm) while the rear got monoshock suspension with 5.9 inches (150 mm) travel. The Duke 200 has got wheelbase of 1360 mm which makes handling much easier. It has got 17 inch rim size. The front tyre size is of 110/70*17 while the rear tyre size is of 150/60*17 which makes road grip firm and enhances traction control.

Brakes

The duke 125 has got disc brake at both front and rear. The disc brakes were developed with world’s renowned brake company Brembo. The front has got 300 mm disc brake while the rear got 230 mm disc brake. The braking power is excellent.

Style

The styling of KTM Duke 200 has the same style of KTM Duke 125 which is inspired from its lager siblings Duke. Despite this the bike weighs only 126.4 Kg (278 pounds). It has got 11 liter fuel tank. The seat is 31.9 inches (810 mm) above from the ground. The bike got monster look with styling equally biased from all the side rather than Japanese forward bias style.

Price

It is expected to be priced around Rs.1.2 to 1.4 Lakhs. Ex-showroom in India.

KTM 200 Duke Specifications

Engine: Four-stroke Single, 4-valve DOHC
Displacement: 199.6 cc
Bore x Stroke: 72 x 49 mm
Peak horsepower: 25.5 bhp @10,000 rpm
Peak torque: 20Nm @ 6,800 rpm
Starter /Battery: Electric starter
Transmission: 6 gears
Fueling: Electronic fuel injection

Primary Drive: 22:72
Final drive: 14:43
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Clutch: Multi-disc wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, steel subframe
Front suspension: Inverted WP 43mm fork, 5.9 inches travel
Rear suspension: WP monoshock, 5.9 inches travel
Front brake: 300mm disc
Rear brake: 230mm disc

Tires front/rear: 110/70 x 17 x 150/60 x 17
Trail: 3.9 inches
Wheelbase: 53.5 inches (1360 mm)
Seat height: 31.9 inches (810 mm)
Fuel tank: 2.9 gallons (11 liter)
Dry Weight: 278 pounds (126.4 kg)

– Mahavir Kothari