[/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!

Congratulations!

Ownership thread approved and merged.

Edit: Looks like the pic was deleted. It showed the Duke console showing FE of 2l/100km OR 50 km/l

Is the duke's engine similar to Pulsar 200 HS's???

Today the deliveries in Bangalore started. Heard that 20 people in Bangalore got their Dukes!
Any Bangalorean here who got the delivery?


Got mine yesterday!

No Rev Limiter set. Done about 150km's so far. Noticed the bike gets pretty hot pretty soon, and thats without exceeding 7000 RPM. Anyone notice the same? Also do hear a sound from the front end when riding off road, and a clink from the back when jumping speed breakers possibly the chain. Handles exceedingly well in traffic, especially when overtaking.

One of the things that will be hard will be keeping the bike clean on our roads. With the engine exposed and the tight trellis frame, its hard to give it a hand wipe down. Also the swing arm grooves invite lots of dirt!

Any one got your rim stickering done yet?

I think what you meant was Pulsar 200 "NS"

No bro, both engines are very different. Only similarity is the 200 CC capacity.
the duke's engine is DOHC, while Pulsar NS is SOHC. You can check the Pulsar NS review on xbhp to check out other details and differences.

No bro, both engines are very different. Only similarity is the 200 CC capacity.

This is what Shubz posted on his ownership thread elsewhere



This should put some speculations to rest..

Edit: Looks like the pic was deleted. It showed the Duke console showing FE of 2l/100km OR 50 km/l

Nobody noticed the number 50 km/L?

Can you put that pic again as attachment.

Here you go!