KTM 390 Duke and 200 Duke Launching On February 23

After the launch of the fully faired range of KTM’s sportsbikes, it’s time for their naked street versions to steal the limelight

The 2017 versions of the KTM RC 200 and RC 390 were launched on January 19. The RC 200 got modest updates but the bigger RC 390 received a bunch of new features. The changes to the 2017 range of street-friendly Dukes are expected to be in line with those of the RC’s.

For starters, both the engines will be revised to comply with BS IV regulations, which are set to go live on April 1, 2017. On the cosmetic front, the two bikes will get a new paint job and new bodywork for a sharper stance. Full LED headlamps are unlikely to adorn the 200 Duke but it will get LED DRL's. The RC 200 didn’t get the new side-mounted exhaust, its underbelly exhaust helps maintain a lower centre of gravity for better handling on the track. Most buyers looking out for a street bike would prefer a bassy exhaust note - a side-mounted exhaust, similar to the 390 siblings, could find its way to the 200 Duke.

In addition to the fresh styling and a meaty side exhaust, the 390 Duke will also get a bigger 320mm front brake and adjustable clutch and front brake levers from the updated RC 390. With the hardware already present in the bike, we can expect the Austrian bike maker to add features like multiple rider modes and traction control in future updates of the bike. A colour LCD instrument console with a host of information will make its debut on the 2017 390 Duke and so will the full LED headlamp cluster.

The 199cc liquid-cooled engine in the 200 Duke will continue to make 25PS of power at 10000rpm and 19Nm of torque at 8000rpm. As before, the 373cc liquid-cooled engine in the 390 Duke will make 43.5PS of power at 9000rpm. The torque rating, however, will see a modest bump of 1Nm and the 36Nm of torque now peaks at 7000rpm. The 390 Duke also gets ride-by-wire for improved throttle response.

The 200 Duke should witness a hike of around Rs 5,000 bumping its price tag to Rs 1.49 lakh. Given the 390 Duke’s longer list of new features, its price tag could jump by around Rs 14,000 and land at Rs 2.1 lakh.

*All prices ex-showroom Delhi