You're right to the point,but,as its not custom built and KTM itself produces the power parts,I don't think we'll have any hindrances for the long term ownership..

peoples were dissapointed when new r15 didn't produced more than 17bhp from its 150 cc engine. now ktm is producing 25/26 from its 200cc engine which i think maximum didn't expected, still many are criticising. pheeew!!!

Couldn't help but notice that the switchgear bears striking resemblance to the one on my old Pulsar 135. Is it possible Bajaj has managed to source the design from KTM?

Aren't you aware that the 200 Duke got it from the Pulsar..??

Also look closely, the switches are "Backlit" like that of the Pulsars..!!

Quality Standards

Couldn't help notice a difference in the EU model of Duke125 against our Duke200. Did a compare and found these two differences, wonder if this is a cost-cutting measure or a design requirement.

1. 125/200 - Engine lubrication: 2 Eaton pumps / 1 rotor pump
2. 125/200 - Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch hydraulically operated / Clutch in oil bath mechanically operated

Source:
125 Duke - Technical Details - KTM
200 Duke - Technical Details - KTMKTM125 UK model

Really forgot it...

I appreciate the work by Sunny & Gourab to put this up . Good "First Impressions" (than review) on some of the key aspects like styling ,finesse , performance etc. It takes a lot of effort and time .

Really liked the frame ,street fighter stance, digi console,headlight and GC on this. Quality to match Yam's is still something we need to see.

Now something that I didn't like was the figs given by Bajaj ,flawed as we all know .Shouldn't it be good to take out those figs specially when Xbhp themselves have reviewed both the bikes (RI5 V2 and CBR) in the mags.
It is a cheap tactics from Bajaj and people might have a wrong impression after reading the review - no offence meant to Bajaj owners.

And about the hoopla created by the topspeed even I wanted KTM to have a higher topspeed - Reason ???

1.It has an awesome power to weight ratio and with the same bhp as Cbr's is more than 25 kgs lighter so it should have beaten other bikes black and blue in 0-60,0-100 or topspeed. So what did the weight advantage & mass centrlisation translate to? I am not a geek hence the ask.

2. People expected better topend so that its more relaxed while touring at high speeds.

But all said and done this is the most Lehable bike released till date just need to see how sensitive it is to fuel quality.

I would rather play "watch & wait" for now.

@ above well said!

before putting my money on it, even am gonna wait and watch the reviews of the owners
Besides the space for pillion rider is very less too

+1, but publishing the figures means there may be certain amount of truth in it. Bajaj knows, sooner or later reviewers will be verifying it.

Hi Sunny & MG,

Nice review & beautiful photos as usual.
Loved the Digi console, I believe the the most advanced in this segment on Indian road. I would love to see a Duke 200 with an optional ABS system soon also an aftermarket free flow exhaust.
Since you have mentioned that it can be a capable tourer, looking at the clearance between the pillion seat & the rear wheel as well as swing arm, how easy it will be to mount soft luggage (saddlebags). I fear that the bags will get scrapped against the rear wheel. I can mount with the help of that plate near the foot rest or else will google a bit for more options. But what was your first impression.
Tailbags can be easily mounted (with or without some jugad).
I would like to know that since I hate to carry luggage on my shoulders when I'm travelling. Also does it comes with a center stand other than race stand? I will not like to park it on the side stand at the public places as well as on race stand in my building parking.

No kidding! no wonder my p135's switches were so smooth even after our torrential rains. never even had to use any lubricant.
BTW good luck for your plans on getting the Duke. Expecting a comprehensive ride report on your blog.

Just registered to Xbhp and this is my first post.

First, thanks to the team for an in-depth user-centric and informative first impression of the D200. Shows a lot of passion and enthusiasm gone in to shooting and writing this review.

Background: I like traveling on motorcycle and have covered most parts of south india on my Splendor, Pulsar 150 and RE machismo 350. When RE Classic 500 was launched in international market in 2009, i was really impressed by its looks, power & torque figures, and the UCE platform clubbed with FE, ECU etc etc. When launched in india, i was one of the initial lot to go ahead and book one. Delivery happened after a painfully long waiting period. Although C5 is a decently capable machine, some how it did not live up to my expectations, w.r.t power delivery, build quality, design and engineering flaws, sad service experience, and so on. Spent some time, effort and money and customized the bike to a satisfactory level. Have been using the same for past 1.5 years and have covered 25,000 kms on the same.

I am not a RE loyalist, or any specific brand freak. What i wish to have is good quality and reliable machine with some character of its own.

DILEMMA!

Have been waiting for a while for some concrete news on new releases form KTM (and others as well). The news on D200 brought some excitement and from the reports and specs, it seems to be an exciting and capable machine for its purpose, with quality parts, neatly put together.
I have also been considering N650 and HD super low for a while, but would require some time to save for them.

The D200 looks promising and i am sure i can do some customizations to suit my requirements of ergonomics and luggage and tank range. Whats disturbing me is the speculations on D350 which may see the light later. One one hand i want to sell my machismo 350 and use the amount towards D200, alternatively, given an option, i would like to go for D350. Like C5, i dont want to jump and buy a product out of infatuation. Guess will wait for the test ride, and see how the bike fares on indian road conditions. Also, hoping we have some more news on the D350 by then.

All in all, the future surely looks brighter, and am sure soon i will have a quality product to suit my requirement of on-road and off-road, be it from KTM or any other.

As it has been officially announced.. the 350 Duke will come after sometime. But I am sure that the price would be HIGH.

The 200 Duke seems like a very good deal.. although final pricing is being awaited.

We will not see Duke 350 untill Q1 of 2013. So waiting for that is pointless.

It seems the D350 would be made around the same parts as 125 ans 200, so the price may not vary drastically. AM sure a lot of us would be willing to pay the premium for a 350.

The only downside is the uncertainty around 350. lets hope we get a re-assurance on the same during auto-expo.

for present, lets wait for the D200 production model specs, and test rides. I am definitely tempted and most likely would book one. Can always sell this and get a D350 later if and when it comes.

Have been waiting for a year now.. I can't wait for more. 200 Duke seems good enough for me.

I was wondering with law mandating ABS by 2015 on all bikes above 125cc in Europe, sooner or later Duke 200 will have to sport ABS. May be it's just around the corner (6-9 months). Would it make sense to wait for it to come with ABS, how does it affect the performance of the bike? is it going to add more weight as trade-off to excellent breaking?