KTM 160 Duke Launched in India

KTM, the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its “Ready to Race” philosophy, has officially launched the highly anticipated 160 Duke in India. This new streetfighter motorcycle is positioned as the new entry point to the brand’s popular Duke lineup, replacing the now-discontinued 125 Duke. The launch marks a strategic move by KTM to capture a larger share of the competitive and fast-growing premium 160cc segment.

Price and Positioning

The KTM 160 Duke has been launched with an ex-showroom price of approximately ₹1.85 lakh. This pricing places it directly in competition with other popular 160cc to 180cc streetfighters, most notably the Yamaha MT-15. While it is positioned as the most affordable KTM in the Indian market, its price point and performance figures suggest it is a premium offering designed for riders who seek a blend of performance, aggressive styling, and everyday usability.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the new 160 Duke is a 164.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. This motor, which is derived from the 200 Duke’s platform, is a significant upgrade from the 125 Duke’s powerplant. It delivers a healthy output of 19 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 15.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. These figures make the 160 Duke the most powerful motorcycle in its class, giving it a distinct performance advantage over its rivals. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission and features a ride-by-wire throttle for a more precise and responsive feel.

Design and Features

In terms of aesthetics, the 160 Duke inherits the aggressive and sharp design language of the KTM Duke family. It features a muscular fuel tank, exposed trellis frame, and a minimalist tail section that reinforces its streetfighter appeal. The motorcycle is available in three striking color options: Electronic Orange, Atlantic Blue, and Silver Metallic Matte.

On the features front, the 160 Duke comes equipped with a number of modern amenities. It sports an all-LED lighting system, including a bold LED headlight. The instrument cluster is a 5-inch LCD unit with smartphone connectivity via the KTM Connect App. This feature allows for call and music control, as well as turn-by-turn navigation, enhancing the riding experience. For safety, the bike is fitted with dual-channel ABS, which can be switched off for the rear wheel for off-road riding.

Chassis and Hardware

The new 160 Duke is built on KTM’s signature split trellis frame, which is known for its agility and stability. Suspension duties are handled by a high-quality WP Apex front fork and a monoshock at the rear. The braking system consists of a large 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc, with Bybre calipers, providing strong and reliable stopping power. With a kerb weight of just 147 kg, the 160 Duke boasts one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its segment, promising an exhilarating and dynamic ride.

The Bottom Line

With the launch of the 160 Duke, KTM has a new and formidable contender in the premium 160cc segment. The motorcycle offers a compelling package of class-leading performance, a feature-rich experience, and the aggressive styling that KTM is famous for. By offering a more performance-oriented and accessible motorcycle, KTM aims to attract a new generation of riders who are looking for a thrilling yet practical machine for their daily commute and weekend fun. The 160 Duke is now available for booking at all authorized KTM dealerships and on the company’s official website, with deliveries expected to begin shortly.