KTM India‘s latest teaser hints at a new motorcycle that everyone thinks will be the KTM 160 Duke. This new streetfighter will become the brand’s most affordable model, taking the place of the now-discontinued 125 Duke. With this launch, KTM is gearing up to enter the fiercely competitive 160cc category with a more powerful and performance-driven option.
KTM’s 125 Duke, while the most affordable option in KTM’s range, was a sales dud because of its value-for-money perception. KTM aims to address this issue with the 160 Duke by improving performance, value, and deepening the brand’s aesthetic appeal.
The 160 Duke will be built on the second-generation KTM 200 Duke and will also have 43mm USD front forks, a trellis frame, a rear monoshock, dual-channel ABS, and a digital LCD display. The bike’s aggressive streetfighter styling will showcase full LED lighting, pronounced tank extensions, and bold new graphics to stand out in the segment.
Equipping the bike is a new single-cylinder 160cc engine, KTM’s new 160 Duke, which is expected to produce between 19 to 20bhp. Also, the bike competes almost directly with the Yamaha MT-15, which is producing 18.4 bhp. This new engine is expected to greatly increase the bike’s power from the old model, the 125 Duke’s 14.5 bhp.
The 160 Duke stands apart from KTM’s global lineup, as it has been developed exclusively for the Indian market. To keep the pricing in check, KTM is using the Gen-2 200 Duke chassis, which is cheaper than the Gen-3, alongside local production.
The official launch is expected to be right around the festive season. So far, the Duke 160 is looking very good with the KTM branding, offering the signature sharp design, great hardware and performance.
