Just to give a brief background to this piece, I have been a two stroke fan ever since I learnt to ride motorcycles on my uncle's Yamaha RX100 back in 1995-96.
Later was lucky and previleged to own a second hand 2001 model RX135 which was stolen :-(after living with me for 7 long years). Temporarily bought and used a legendary Suzuki Shogun (with lots of struggle due to spare unavailability) and I finally decided to get a new bike.
Tried many bikes such as FZ-S, CB Trigger, RE classic, Thunderbird etc. Nothing pleased me or convinced me as the benchmark was set by the legendary bikes mentioned above.
One fine day was having a discussion with a close friend of mine (Mithun) and he suggested me to try out the KTM Duke. Reluctantly planned and went for a test ride. Wasn't very happy again but had to buy something. finally went for it and settled for 200 as it was the closest I could get for my expectations. (Though 390 was available regret this :-( ).
Settling In period was almost a month or two and initially felt I did a mistake when it used to get heated up like hell in bumper to bumper congestion which is quite common in Bangalore and seating position was a bit odd (again going back to old school & old time).
Finally after the first service and a settling in period slowly started liking the bike.
Handling and braking was like I had never experienced before. Power was more than enough at the same time riding was swift and very controlled. Slowly started falling for it and liking it every time and rode it.
Today I have completed 60 k kms in over 5 years and thought I should write about it. I have used it to the fullest in the heaviest of the traffic conditions and have done long tours of 3000+ kms across all weather conditions. Traveled on smooth slick highways and twisty mountain roads and few times even on trails with no asphalt.
Well ! What can you expect out of it and pleases you all the way -
1. Ample amount of power and quick power delivery making almost all kinds of overtakes possible.
2. Absolutely brilliant handling - Corners and twistys
3. Precise braking by BYBRE
4. Non tiring riding position (for a 5.7/5.8 tall person with old school bike experience)
5. Absolute reliability across all weathers rain, cold, dust, dry, arid or whatever you can throw it on her.
6. Ample service stations across the country
7. Good consumable life (air filter, oil filter, sprockets etc.)
8. Light weight and quick for all kinds of traffic laden roads
9. Very reliable and long standing electronics, switchgears, indicators, lights etc. (no sensors failed till now)
10. No usage vibrations (no parts/fasteners coming loose in the midst of service cycles)
11. No battery issues or starting problems in any weather condition (haven't tested in Himalayas to be honest)
12. Tireless mile crunching. No stops needed can go on with same performance for 100s of kms at stretch.
13. Absolutely sturdy and extremely rugged and stable forks (of course by WP)
14. No drop in performance even 1% from the day I got it delivered from the showroom.
15. Works absolutely like a charm even if you skip few 100 kms of regular service cycle.
16. On a good day can kick asses of most slightly higher powered bikes on the road if pushed a bit hard :-P
Ok now that I fell I have covered most of the good points, time to highlight the places of discomfort.
1. Bad stock seat. Very hard. Had to get it modified with a foam from Honda City to suit my Butt (may be for most it might be needed)
2. Same thing with pillon seat. Very very uncomfortable.
3. Huge amount of air resistance/Wind blast on windy wide open highways. This also tends to tire the rider out some times
4. Heats up quite a bit in heavy traffic on a warmer day (I guess new versions are updated on this issue)
5. Stock tyre is pretty good (MRF) but I changed it to Michelin pilot street raidal and feel it's much grippier and better than stock MRF. Yes. it's heavier than stock tyre too.
6. Instrument panel is not visible sometime on a hot bright sunny day due to glare
7. Mirrors offer a limited view. Might not be very reliable if you are trying to cut through narrow gaps.
8. Stock headlights are just OK and does the job (new versions I believe have an update). There are much better options available
9. Stock crash guard is very feeble and can't rely on it for safe guarding the bike or your legs
10. Rear brakes are just Ok. Progressive disc but lack bite (ABS wasn't available but I think new versions have it).
Changes I have done on the bike
> Michelin pilot street radial in place of stock MRF
> Yamaha Fazer windshield - didn't like it and didn't help on wind blast so removed it off
> Honda City foam for the seats with a cover - A must
> Mobile holder and a charger
> Frame sliders/crash protection for swing arm
Rest all STOCK. Well that's the best way to run it ...
That seems like I have tried and covered most aspects in totally unbiased manner.
Concluding the write up with a genuine happy smile on my face (also with a weeping heart thinking of my lost RX135).
I must say this baby Duke (almost made in India with a technology from Austria) has met almost all my expectations and lived with me with the best of her performance in all the tests I have put her through. Very proud and happy to own this brilliant piece of man made machine.
#ktmindia #ktmduke #dukereview #ownershipreviews #50kkms #duke200
Wish you all a very happy and safe riding.
Miles to go...
Cheers..
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