KTM Duke Expert Reviews

Our review of the 2017 KTM Duke 200 at Bajaj's test track at Chakan.

Three bikes. Three completely different flavours. One’s a street naked; another a supermoto (or sorts); and the third a cruiser (or at least that’s what they will have us believe). But, yes, three very different takes for what is essentially the same need – the need for something quick, something exciting, something showy and something fun.

Offering the same looks as the 200 Duke with a smaller motor, KTM has ventured into the 125cc space with a performance-oriented motorcycle. With premium features and a price tag that crosses the one lakh mark for a 125cc bike, is the 125 Duke worth the price it demands?

It’s finally here. Ever since KTM entered the Indian market with the Duke 200, it got accepted quickly by motorcyclists on the lookout for a swift, nimble and potent machine that was ready to offer a rush of adrenaline when desired. The 200 Duke did well and it still does by making for a major chunk of the sales by KTM India. The Indian arm of the Austrian brand had been already manufacturing the 125 Duke alongside the 200 Duke. But, back then it was limited to only exports. You might think, why introduce it here now? Well, KTM feels now is the right time to do so.

This comparison between the KTM and the Bajaj will answer questions like, is it really worth going for the much more expensive 2017 Duke 390 or you can settle for the well-priced and powerful Bajaj Dominar 400, which shares the same engine architecture.

The 2013 Duke 390 was fast, fun but flawed. The new one though is as much fun and well rounded machine.

The KTM Duke range has always been a hacksaw in a world of kitchen knives. The 200 Duke and 390 Duke redefined our perception of performance and lightness. They stood apart from the herd of commuter bikes, and ushered in a new reality for enthusiasts. However, while a hacksaw would get the job done in a jiffy, it also means one would have to put up with its raw character. It has been four years since the 200 Duke came out, and KTM has been busy, in the meantime, trying to add finesse to the hacksaw. And here is the result - the new KTM 250 Duke.