Will KTM 250 Duke replace the 200 Duke?

KTM surprised one and all when it showcased the KTM 250 Duke and RC250 at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show in Japan. This launch gave rise to speculation whether the Austrian bikemaker will replace the KTM 200 Duke with its 250cc offering in the Indian two-wheeler market. Although KTM India has denied these rumours one cannot completely discount this proposal. Replacing the KTM 200 Duke with the new quarter-litre motorcycle seems to be a wise decision given the fact that the motor is shared with the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS. This step will also help the KTM brand maintaining its premium brand tag in the market and help both the bikes distinguish themselves. Also the Indian consumers are more displacement oriented when it comes to performance motorcycles and the 250cc tag will benefit KTM.

The KTM 200 Duke is powered by a 199.5cc, liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor churning out 25PS of peak power and 19.2Nm of maximum torque. The 250cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled powerplant on the KTM 250 Duke produces 31PS at 9,000rpm and 24Nm of torque at 7,250rpm. As one can see the difference in the power output quite significant as the 250cc motor is basically a scaled down version of the 375cc engine powering the KTM 390 Duke. The weight difference between both the motorcycles is just 3kg as the KTM 250 Duke tips the scale at just 139kg. This means it will have a significantly better performance than the 200 Duke. It is expected that KTM will only ride in the 250 Duke while the KTM RC200 would continue to be on sale in our market as it has been launched recently. 

The KTM 200 Duke was a revelation for two-wheeler enthusiasts in our country when it was launched in 2012 and was the first KTM motorcycle to enter India. The KTM 250 Duke takes the game a notch higher as it gets equipped with goodies like slipper clutch and ABS which is a welcome addition. No have been done on the cosmetic front except for the revised graphics stating its 250cc credentials. Cycle parts like the frame, suspension, brakes and alloy wheels on the KTM 250 Duke have been carried forward from the KTM 200 Duke. It will be interesting to see whether it gets equipped with Metzeler tyres as seen on the KTM 390 Duke or MRF tyres as found on the 200 Duke to keep cost low. If KTM does plan to launch the KTM 250 Duke expect it to be priced at around Rs 1.5 lakh which makes it a great value for money proposition. Whether KTM India will make this move or not only time will answer.