Xbhp did get the first Ktm in Delhi, Sundeep was given the first from what I've heard!

It's worth much more than what you pay for it!

Got the bike on 24th Feb, and it has kept me more than satisfied ever since! Completed more than 700 Kms now, (can't wait for the run-in period to get over). A few "cons" i would like to tell future users about the Duke. (Before I can get to the overwhelming "pro's"...hehe)

-Finding neutral can get a bit problematic when shifting from the first, but downshifts rather smoothly. I also noticed it shifts extremely easier when the engine is not running.

-The rev limiter gets a little annoying if you are not used to riding bikes that peak at higher RPM's, but it more than makes up for that by making every gear thrilling from the 6500's till the 10500's. (Reminds me of the R15 in this context).

-If you happen to be one of the rare people who does not have premium grade 91 octane petrol at your usual refilling station, than you might have to "ride that extra mile" to get to a compliant pump.

And now for the PRO's:
-The Duke is bike meant for the passionate, (its as close to a 2 stroke as one can get in this price range and engine refinement) so all the above "cons" wont really matter that much when your a serious rider.

- Rev happy engine takes no time in bouncing off the limiter, and its a pleasure shifting short and feeling it jerk with power. (Not to sound encouraging toward rule breaking, but the bike pulls off wheelie's effortlessly)

- Brakes are more than satisfactory, and although an ABS would be welcome, the price drop without it makes it worth.

-The Information display LCD is pretty neat, functional and looks crisp. Daylight reading can get tedious at times when the sun reflects directly off the glass.

-It crosses the 100 km/hr mark with a little effort in the 4th and easily in the 5th.

-The long 1st is especially useful when launching off the grid and one has to remember to shift quickly thereafter.

All in all, the bike is a great combination for daily commutes coupled with more than adequate performance. I was tempted to be biased in the review but have tried to be as honest as possible.

Off the record: If you ask me personally, I would say - "Go for it blindly...Have faith and it will not disappoint!"

P.S. - KTM is here at last, and looks like it's here to stay...

The Duke comes home!

[/B]A few months ago, I suddenly realized that I am craving for something/something is missing in my life (in the automobile sector). Tried hard to figure out what it is and one day it dawned that all along I've been on a set of 4 wheels and have been losing hair within the cabin of a 4-wheeler! I had to lose hair anyway, so why in an enclosed cabin - It dawned upon me that the old flame of two-wheeler had been rekindled in me. There began the wonder - What urge is this? At this age? Some said mid-life crisis. Some said, a bike enthusiast/biker never grows old! Thus began my look out for a bike.

But then, What bike?!

Not some commuter bike ridden by everybody. I wasn't looking for a vehicle just to commute. Nor was I confident on taking on bigger bikes. So put it up on this lovely forum seeking advise!

Many, many said bullet! But I knew I wasn't cut out for it.

Many said Ninja. Hmmm.. That was something I could digest!

Some said CBR250R - but had heard a lot of things going on with it. And though I loved the way CBR is built, the features packed etc, there was this niggle of "No".

oh yes, there was this lookout for a "Good" RD 350! There were many available BUT, exhorbitant! (Reminded me of my hunt for an original Willys!) The Jeep was keeping me quite occupied with its little tantrums, and the joy of getting something for it so didn't want another similar experience.

Ran numerous searches on the web and then kind of settled into the 200/250 segment for now!

So the choices were --> Ninja, CBR, Pulsar (had heard that something New is happening with it) and the D U K E!

After many suggestions, prodding etc - My heart set out for the DUKE 200!

Easy eh? Now the tough part - Word was around that the Duke is going to be released! When? Early 2011 it was rumored to be launched mid 2011 and then news of Diwali release, then December 23/24th release. Then folks speculated Jan 3rd 2012. Then finally an official release saying "The Duke will be launched at a Gala function at Delhi" and we all thought, Launch means bookings!

It wasn't to be. The day arrived - Jan 24th - We all ( a few those were badly bitten by the Duke bug lined up at the store before sunrise, wanting to be among the first to book). Had to return disappointed as the news trickled in late night of Jan 23rd that bookings would open only on Feb 1! Nevertheless we were all there!

Then began the excruciatingly painful wait for Feb 1 - History repeats - We all lined up even earlier as there were some awesome reviews on bike forums etc!

Bookings done - only to hear a dreaded number "90" - 90 days waiting! This was just getting worse! But never disheartened!

After a long wait of 28 days - Here I am! the proud owner of a Duke 200! Sorry for the long dadaji type story!

I'm getting an approximate of 32 km/l overall...refilled it twice after 600 kms.

Gives about 24-29 km/l in the city but made up for that by giving me more than 40 km/l on the highway!

very good too hear that 40 thing...can u elaborate that highwayway crusing abilities/speed???

Its pretty comfortable at 7500 RPM in the 6th, and goes up to 85km/hr without any noticeable strain on the engine. i.e. If you want a comfortable cruise speed of abt 80-90 km/hr, the bike has no problems adapting to the seemingly lower demands. These touring features combined with exhilarating performance when pushed is the reason I chose the Duke 200 in the first place.

well well well...so duke is hot for many reasons then...enjoy ur ride bro
dont forget to post some pics of the baby

Wet Type Fuel Pump

@ahmadnaik >>

Please do tell us more about the refuelling bit...there have been many here saying that We need to refill the tank when it reaches 4 Litres so as not to damage the Wet Type Fuel Pump that needs to be immersed in petrol to function optimally. So how do you know when to do this? Does the bike indicate this in some way? Please explain this quirk with the bike as I'm sure I'm not the only one here who would like to know :-D

The rumors about refueling at 4l are untrue because the manual says the reserve is set at 1.5l. The lowest limit of fuel would depend on the design of the tank bottom. I am sure it can go lower than a litre easily.

Well... At last the long awaited thread is open and I am another proud owner of the orange beast (booked it on 24-2-12 @ chennai probiking)

Well, deliveries in chennai had infact started and around 3-4 bikes were registered and dispatched... As per the showroom guys, u can expect the bike delivered after registration anytime between 25-50 days from the booking date if u had booked it during the 3/4 th week of feb. however the maximum time would not cross 90 days(that's what their manager told but in the agreement for booking it was mentioned "a minimum of 90 days may be taken!!!" Do the math)

And I do have a small review with few pics as well, will do it tomorrow as I'm not having my laptop now

And for all those who got their beasts to tame, congos have fun, ride safe ;-);-);-)

My KTM

Here is my new KTM

Congrats! Where did the rear mud flap go?

Nice to see lot of Dukes rolling out. I am eagerly awaiting mine. Didint get a call from Bangalore KTM yet, even though i booked on 2nd Feb

I see that many owners have removed the mud flap/sari guard. Can it be removed in a DIY style in a jiffy ? I believe, removing the front number plate would be illegal, wouldn't it ?

Can anyone confirm on the revv limit for 6th gear, Bajaj was saying 11,500 rpm?

Also check engine guard