For some riders, KTM’s Duke range is simply the street-oriented facet of the Austrian model’s lineup. However for others—like me—it’s much more private. Right here within the Philippines, the Duke collection was my first style of European bike tech. My first “actual” bike was a first-generation 200 Duke, and it price about the identical as a Japanese bare bike in the identical class (assume the equal of round $3,000 USD).
That sort of affordability wasn’t by likelihood. Again then, Bajaj solely held a minority stake in KTM, however as a result of it dealt with manufacturing of the smaller Dukes in India, riders like me might truly afford one.
Picture by: KTM
Now we’ve acquired the 160 Duke, which feels just like the religious successor to the outdated 125 and 200 Dukes. It’s powered by a 164.2cc liquid-cooled single making 19 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 11.4 pound-feet of torque at 7,500 rpm. The chassis is KTM’s acquainted break up trellis body with a solid swingarm, paired with WP Apex upside-down forks up entrance and a WP monoshock within the rear. Stopping energy comes from a 320mm entrance disc and a 230mm rear disc, with dual-channel ABS and an off-road mode. You additionally get a 5-inch LCD show with smartphone pairing, navigation, and name and music controls. Trick stuff for a motorbike on this section.
Specs are nice, however the greater deal here’s what the 160 Duke represents. KTM is lastly placing small bikes again on the coronary heart of its lineup. They aren’t simply “good to have” anymore—they’re a serious focus. That shift comes right down to Bajaj, who fairly actually saved KTM’s ass from monetary collapse earlier this yr. The Indian firm injected 800 million euros (about $875 million) into the enterprise, took majority control, and appears able to double down on the bikes that promote probably the most.
Picture by: KTM
Picture by: KTM
In Asia and components of Europe, KTM’s small-displacement fashions are the model’s actual cash makers. They drive gross sales quantity, maintain riders loyal, and provides individuals an reasonably priced first step towards greater fashions. When KTM began pushing them to the again burner, it was one of many dumbest selections the outdated administration made. Bajaj, however, appears to know the fact on the bottom.
Positive, KTM nonetheless has a a number of hundred million euros (roughly $800 million, yikes) in debt to repay, but when Bajaj steers the corporate in the correct course, the 160 Duke might find yourself being greater than only a stable newbie bike. In markets just like the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia—the place the fervour for bikes is big however shopping for energy is proscribed—it could possibly be an aspirational machine.
From the place I’m standing, this isn’t only a new Duke. It’s an indication that KTM’s smallest bikes would possibly lastly get the eye they deserve.
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