KTM 160 Duke

The KTM 160 Duke was launched on August 11, and it’s the brand’s latest attempt to attract young riders away from bikes like the Yamaha MT-15 V2. The 160 Duke shares its overall design and chassis with the 200 Duke, but uses a new 164.2cc liquid-cooled engine. It also gets premium components like upside-down forks, dual-channel ABS, and a trellis frame, all of which are not common in this segment.

It’s positioned as the most powerful 160cc streetfighter in India. And with the GST 2.0 price reductions, the 160 Duke is expected to become even more appealing in the segment. But is it actually worth your money? Does it offer the same excitement as the 200 Duke, or should you stretch your budget a bit more? Let’s break it down step by step.

• The 160 Duke looks a lot like the 200 Duke with its sharp tank, edgy headlight, and sporty streetfighter style. 

• It comes in three colours: Electronic Orange, Silver Metallic Matt, and Atlantic Blue, all of which look very attractive. 
• The seat height of 815mm is a bit lower than the 200 Duke, so it’s easier for shorter riders. 

• The wide handlebars and slightly back footpegs give a nice mix of comfort and sportiness.

• Build quality is solid. The panels fit well, and the switches feel premium. But the handlebar finish and lever quality could be a little better.
• The seat is long and comfortable, letting you move around easily. The pillion seat is also spacious and good for short city rides.

• The engine makes 18.74 bhp and 15.5 Nm of torque, which makes it the most powerful bike in the 150–160cc class. 

• The engine feels peppy and refined, unlike older KTMs. Below 4,000 rpm, it’s a bit lazy, but once it crosses that, it pulls strongly and loves to rev.
• There’s a bigger 45-tooth rear sprocket that gives it quick acceleration in the city. It feels lively off the line and makes overtaking easy.
• This KTM bike cruises at 80–90 km/h comfortably without stress.
• There’s a small buzz around 7,000 rpm at the footpegs, but it’s not annoying and adds some character.
• The claimed mileage is around 38 kmpl, which is good for daily use and helps keep running costs low.

• The 160 Duke feels very light and nimble due to lighter wheels, hollow axles, and a slightly sharper rake. So, moving it around in traffic or parking is easy.
• It has 37 mm WP USD forks (front) and a preload-adjustable monoshock (rear) that absorbs bumps well and keeps the bike stable at higher speeds.
• The bike feels planted, easy to lean into corners, and super confidence-inspiring, especially for beginners.
• During the test ride, the stock MRF Zapper tyres didn’t grip very well, especially in the rain. Better tyres would make a big difference.

• The KTM bike has a 320 mm front disc & 230 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. The front brakes are okay but lack a strong initial bite, and the rear brake feels weak with little feedback. 

• The LCD console is clear and easy to read, showing speed, fuel, tachometer, time, and more, with a small dot-matrix section for extra info.

• There’s also an optional smartphone connectivity that costs around Rs 5,000 and adds turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and call control. 
• Dual-channel ABS with switchable rear ABS adds safety and lets experienced riders have some fun by turning off the rear brake.
• It has full LED lights that look premium and give good visibility at night.

The 160 Duke is a sporty bike that looks sharp, handles well, and has a smooth yet lively engine. It’s comfortable enough for daily rides and feels premium for its price, which is perfect for college students or new riders. If your budget is tight, the 160 Duke is a great choice. But if you can spend Rs 23,000 more, the 200 Duke is the better all-around bike.