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KTM Duke 200 Review

Prabhat

Prabhat

The Engineer
Joined
Apr 27, 2008
Location
Milpitas
Moto(s)
2006 GSX-R600
Name
Samy
KTM recently invited auto journalists in India for test ride of Duke 200. I guess, It's the first time KTM has offered Duke 200 for test ride. I am providing link to the reviews for your reading pleasure :)

I don't know if they'll launch Duke 200 in US or not. If they do, It's going to be THE BEST learners bike.

Highlights of KTM Duke 200
25 BHP ( Same as Honda CBR 250R )
300 Lbs Kerb weight ( 60 Lbs lighter than Honda CBR 250R )
Minimal Plastic

Also, rear tire hugger and metal grid attached to hugger ( aka Saari Guard ) are as per Indian regulations. International versions won't have it.

xBHP.com review

ZigWheels.com review

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bluenoser said:
Made in India? Pass.
Click to expand...

Every KTM Duke 125 being sold in Europe, is also made in India. And they are selling pretty well and getting great reviews about build quality.

The Suzuki Van Van [£3065], Yamaha YBR125 [£2399] and Honda CBR125R [£3170] are considerably cheaper, but just can’t touch the 125 Duke for quality.
Click to expand...
- MCN Review of KTM Duke 125
 
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DUDE! I just spotted one yesterday, here in Paris!

:thumbup
 

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The Duke 125 looks like a pretty sweet machine, although possibly a little too small to be practical. When it came out my first thought was that a version around 250cc would be ideal for local commutes, provided that you only need to do short hops on the freeway. It looks like the 200 is the answer.

FWIW, I would GREATLY prefer the Duke 200 over the Ninja 250 or CBR 250 (actually, I wouldn't even consider the latter two). I hope they bring the Duke to the US.
 
Blankpage said:
300 Lbs :wow

It's a pig

My 690 is 309 lbs.

( 60 Lbs lighter than Honda CBR 250R ) :wow :wow :wow

can't ya get a liter bike for that weight?
Click to expand...

Is that the SMR? I think the duke is a lil bit heavier.

The throttle on a 690 is way too acute for an absolute beginner and the seat height isn't great for women and most men, but aside from that what would be the advantage of a 200cc unless there was a statutory displacement limit? That's why I'd be surprised if it ever came to the US.
 
Supposedly... (maybe, hopefully) there will be a 350 model imported to the US next year. That, IMHO, would be an optimal size in a single for beginners.
 
Considering the poor sales numbers for the 620, 640, and 690 Duke, I seriously doubt they'll import that thing into this country. It's just not a bike that mainstream American motorcycle buyers want. And that's a shame, because it's probably a kick in the ass.
 
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OldFatGuy said:
Considering the poor sales numbers for the 620, 640, and 690 Duke, I seriously doubt they'll import that thing into this country. It's just not a bike that mainstream motorcycle riders want. And that's a shame, because it's probably a kick in the ass.
Click to expand...

yeah it looks and sounds fun until you find out it costs only $800 less than a real bike and they won't warrenty the motors that you'll blow every 1,500 miles.
 
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