KTM 200 Duke: Same Price Other Options

The KTM 200 Duke doesn’t quite cut it for you? Here are a couple of other options around Rs 1.6 lakh

Launched back in 2012, the KTM 200 Duke raised the bar in the entry-level performance segment in India. Priced at Rs 1.17 lakh (introductory), the bike offered a ton of features, premium quality components and a rev-happy motor. Cut to 2019 and the KTM 200 Duke received a sharp price hike (around Rs 45,000) thanks to increased insurance rates, RTO charges and a couple of cosmetic and mechanical updates. Since then, even the competition level has risen with more and more manufacturers tapping into the growing sub-400cc motorcycle segment. So, if you have a budget of around 1.62 lakh, here are a couple of other options that you could consider if the KTM 200 Duke doesn’t quite cut it for you. 

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X ABS: Rs 1.63 lakh

If you’re a Royal Enfield fanatic but fancy the flashy paint schemes from KTM, you could have a look at the Thunderbird 350X. This factory custom bike from RE gets a dual-tone paint scheme which stands out from the crowd. It also gets a couple of features that supplement its sporty appeal, including a single, slightly stepped up seat with premium stitching, sleek split grab rails and modern alloy wheels and body coloured rim tapes. Additionally, the Thunderbird 350X gets a street handlebar which requires a slightly leaned forward riding posture. Carrying forward its urban theme, all the chrome finish of the standard Thunderbird have been replaced with blacked-out elements. 

That said, the bike still retains its retro charm with a twin pod analogue-digital instrument console, a circular headlamp and a rounded design language. While its instrument console isn’t the most modern unit out there, its small digital display features readouts like an odometer, dual trip meters with average speeds, clock, fuel gauge, service indicator and low-battery indicator. All this plus the safety net of dual-channel ABS for a premium of just Rs 1,000 more than the KTM 200 Duke isn’t a bad deal at all. 

Jawa: Rs 1.64 lakh

Here’s yet another classic styled motorcycle within your reach. The bike’s nostalgic appeal has garnered a huge fan following ever since its launch back in November 2018. And if you’re a sucker for retro motorcycles, the Jawa makes for a tempting option. While it gets a larger, 293cc, liquid-cooled engine which produces more power than the KTM Duke 200 on paper, it’s tuned to be more laid back compared to the frantic orange machine. So if you love touring in style, the Jawa-Jawa could make for the perfect buy. However, you’d have to wait for months, maybe a year even, to get your hands on the classic motorcycle as deliveries have been delayed once again. But this may not affect enthusiasts who have the patience of a monk. 

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250: Rs 1.70 lakh

You could even opt for a fully faired bike if you stretch your budget by as little as Rs 8,000. The Gixxer SF 250 for instance, has been designed and developed with Indian conditions in mind. The bike makes the best power-to-weight ratio in its class and by extension more power compared to the KTM 200 Duke. Plus, it gets Suzuki's unique oil-cooling system that is so effective that the motor doesn’t even have any cooling fins. If that doesn’t impress you, the Gixxer SF 250 also features an LED headlight and tail light, a full-digital instrument console and dual-channel ABS as standard All-in-all, the Gixxer SF 250 fits the bill if you’re looking for a performance oriented bike that fulfils your daily commutes and enthusiastic rides on the weekends. 

2019 Bajaj Dominar 400: Rs 1.74 lakh

The Bajaj Dominar 400 has always been a value-for-money option under the Rs 2 lakh price bracket. However, the vibrations from the engine paired with a stiff suspension setup and the lack of modern mechanical components put off potential buyers from buying the bike. Now though, Bajaj has resolved most of these issues with the updated 2019 Dominar 400. It now gets a premium upside fork and a softer rear monoshock which has improved its ride quality by a significant margin. A radially mounted caliper clamped onto a 320mm disc offers better stopping power.

Besides this, the bike now gets a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) setup and makes 5PS (40PS) more power compared to the previous iteration. The annoying vibrations from the engine have also been toned down to quite an extent. On the feature front, the 2019 Dominar 400 come with a split instrument console, diamond-cut alloy wheels, a double barrel exhaust with a throaty exhaust note and a slipper clutch, amongst others.