THE KTM DUKE 200 BS-VI RIDE REVIEW:

The all-new BS VI 2023 updated KTM Duke 200 has a more well-refined engine that churns out 25 Hp@10000 rpm and 19.3 Nm torque @8000 rpm by its 200cc single cylinder liquid cooled engine. We came to-

know that even if the engine figures are the same as before but the characteristics aren’t. It's low-end performance and low vibrations and power delivery at the maximum rpm limits raised our eyebrow’s a bit.

On both road and off roads these suspensions, USD on the front with 43mm dia. and mono-shock at therear (10 steps adjustable) perform well at every pothole and uneven terrain and this suspension setup is also tuned for track too. With the low ground clearance of 155mm, these suspensions are a bit stiff to prevent any hit on the roads. Also, unable to feel any discomfort on the long tours and congested city traffics on the stop-and-go situations.

The split trellis steel frame ensures great stability and manoeuvrability on roads with the highest centre of gravity by packing everything within the frame. This frame makes easy cornering on tracks and some sharp corners on roads too, by the subframe bolted on the main frame this motorcycle gives extra confidence to the rider as he/she feels everything is under control at all situations and tears through the narrow gaps and confident overtaking with full juice at all rpm ranges.

As usual, the materials and paints are premia as it was already with the attractive iconic orange theme on the two colours on offer namely electronic orange and silver metallic grey.

The engine redlines at 6500 rpm after reaching 91kmph (will be changed to higher after 3 services in some regions) with considerably fewer vibrations and reaches maximum power at 10000 rpm. 

This engine feels much more refined and has less vibe than the previous editions with the same BS VI norms.

The gearing is adding an advantage to the Duke which managed to cruise at 30kmph on 5th gear and 90kmph with 4th gear which is better on all KTM machines.

The long rides may hurt your back as well as your butt because of the less cushioning on the saddle for both rider and pillion it is not as expected and disappointed a bit and this makes you to altering the seat or-

adding extra cushioning which may increase the seat height further as it is already a bit tough to hop for the riders below 5.5’ riders.

Taking the handling into consideration, as said above the frame is the major reason for it and the handlebar is reducing extra effort on it. The 17” radial tyres on the front (110/70) and Rear (150/60) offer good grips in all situations.

Mileage is highly dependent on the riding style of the rider because if you have decided to be rugged you can get 30kmpl and below in city traffics. 

If you want to be a motorist who enjoys every ride without pushing the engine to the maximum limits then you can get 35kmpl and above.

The lights are all LED except the headlamp and it is good enough but the same instrument console is a bit disappointing. Because we are seeing the same console since the launch of Duke in India. Even though we pay 1.94L (Ex-showroom) there are some much-needed advanced upgrades like a slipper clutch and quick shifters are still not available.

On the whole, the premium sports-naked motorcycle offers excellent manoeuvrability and handling with an attractive colour theme making eye-catcher on the roads with considerably good mileage with a signature liquid-cooled 200cc engine that offers power and torque at every rpm range. The Duke 200 will give you and big bike feel if you came from a 100cc+ motorcycles.

-Edited and Reviewed by Krishnakumar M

Watch the Review video on YouTube : https://youtu.be/uatf9TT7s6A