Austrian firm KTM is a recognized champion when it comes to off-road motorcycles, as the Austrian company has a habit of dominating the event off-road racing. The KTM 200 Duke is the first street bike jointly developed between them and the Indian motorcycle maker Bajaj Auto, whose interest in European society has crossed the 39%.
The single cylinder 125 Duke was about a year ago, introduced in some European markets, where it is loaded into the pipe and is a leader in the segment, which is not surprising that the 200 cc version is so eagerly awaited.
Butch, lean and aggressive at a time, beating the KTM 200 Duke proudly displays their genes. Brands black and orange are the dominant colors, with sharp corners and creases that define the modern naked. Every part is visible at a minimum, allowing the 200 to meet "KTM is ready for the tag Race 'and shed some claimed only 300 pounds.
The defense is sporty, stylish bolted to the previous, spoke alloy wheels thin. A bikini fairing guards crankcase while the engine is exposed steel fence between the bike frame. A distribution box is perfectly hidden beneath closed.
A set of lights under the chin extra lights, while a compact digital instrument panel is more than that. Tachometer were fighting for small, gradual and other information transmitted through the point of view of reading Dinky. Only the speed is clearly visible and legible.
The Duke 200 is equipped with illuminated switches running strong with a few clicks, and a convenient set of levers and functional levels. The 10.5 liters (2.8 liters) fuel tank offers a deep recessed thigh support and adjusted the seat is wide and full of good, but the same can not be said for the infected passenger seat. Division is responsible alloy lead to a slender tail lamp, behind which lies a long defense and support of the license plate. The rear tire hugger seems a little awkward, but we want crisp, clear indicators turn the lens. The overall quality, including rubber and plastic parts is good.
The KTM 200 Duke is powered by a 199.5cc four-stroke single cylinder engine in a square array of 72 mm with a bore and stroke of 49 mm. This is a completely modern, fuel-injected, liquid cooled, and a few cameras on the conduct of a quartet of valves. Driving is a compact six-speed manual transmission or a string.
KTM Duke fires and gives a nice noise, exhaust deep. The clutch is well weighted and progressive states to take action. Throttle response is immediate and decisive throttle body 38 mm large, although we note the restless feeling of fuel from a limited range just above idle at 3,000 rpm, where we had to play the accelerator to keep the engine firing smoothly.
High speeds, the factory produces a wide power band midrange and good high-end muscle. The Duke is an increase of 200 addictive power output smooth, strong kick in 4500-7000 rpm before becoming manic mode, when storms crashing into a 11,000 rpm redline. KTM claims 25 HP peak at 10,000 rpm.
The Duke toured with such enthusiasm is easy to change the warning light flashes and the rev limiter lack of fair, especially in the first two gears. A pilot can keep the fleshy part of the changes up the energy band around 10,000 rpm, the engine speed drops to around 8500 in the following way. Claimed maximum torque of 14.0 lb-ft comes at 8,000 rpm.
All KTM singles before it took power supplies forgive vibrates, but the counterweight Duke 200 engine has surprised us with its power delivery smooth and silky. The 200 is sweet print speed capability, so that Bajaj claims 3.3 seconds from 00 to 60 kilometers per hour (36 mph) time to believe. From zero to 100 kph (62.5 mph) is said to have 9.2 seconds.
Radiate squatting flat on the back straight on the test track at Chakan Bajaj in the fast lane, we saw one kilometers per hour indicates 136 (84.5 mph) on the speedometer, there is nothing in reserve. In short, the KTM 200 Duke is a fan motor, sophisticated and fun it can be expected.
The KTM 200 Duke puts a fork WP inverted 43 mm thick with 140 mm travel. A cast aluminum swingarm is compatible with a single shock-free connection with the travel of 150 mm. Strong braking performance is provided by a system ByBre with tweezers designed by Brembo in Italy, but built in India for the domestic market. A radial-mount four-piston calipers 280 mm discs bite, and they and the rear caliper (which holds a 230 mm rotor) are controlled by a few lines of braided steel strong for comfort.
Duke upright position, comfortable and good for everyday use with a wide handlebar with excellent leverage. The ride quality is soft but firm enough to handle any sport. The KTM 200 Duke handled with a light, agile feel, always with neutral steering modes, while the front MRF made in India and radial rear tires offer plenty of grip. This bike is stable at all speeds, with good manners and cornering brake always offering a bite powerful and comforting.
In summary, the KTM 200 Duke is a special bike and comfortable living room in the city as a zippy city bike or be defeated, while attacking your favorite section of asphalt winding. KTM and Bajaj have certainly found a sweet spot, as the Indo-Austrian KTM 200 Duke has all the trappings quickly into a best-in-class 200cc street bike.
KTM 200 Duke expects between 25,000 and 30,000 in India to sell during the first year of release, according to KTM CEO Stefan Pierer. Unfortunately, KTM North America currently has no plans to bring it to our shores. Perhaps the 350cc version is scheduled for late 2012 will come in more appealing to KTM NA and American pilots.
