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Hi Folks,
I recently completed 20000 kms on my KTM Duke 200. I thought of penning down my experience with the machine and hence this review. I tried to keep it as simple as possible in the form of questions and answers in simple english. Hope all the queries regarding the orange machine get some answers through this straight-from-the-heart, no-holds-barred review.
1. Who should buy this bike?
Ans: This bike is most suitable for riders who are pure acceleration junkies. There is a harsh urgency with which this bike gathers speed and this revv-happy nature may not be to everyone's taste. The initial dukes had a rear sprocket size of 43 teeth which further enhanced it's urgent nature. However now the bikes are provided with 42 teeth rear sprockets which tones down the aggression a bit. Lastly this bike has loads of character that pure KTM lovers rejoice. It may or may not suit or taste. So take a long test ride before taking the plunge.
2. Good for city or highway runs?
Ans: This bike is best suited for short city runs and weekend rides on the twisties. The occasional highway rides are also fun but the wind blast at high speeds will soon tire you. Extra ad-ons like a windscreen might be available(though not common) and can help this. However only opt for this as your highway bike if you can live with the revv happy nature and harsh sounding engine(at high revs).
3.Is the underbody exhaust a problem?
Ans: Not at all. Infact the position of the exhaust benefits the handling of the bike by lowering the center of gravity. It is not a problem in rains as the bike can wade through water. However like all exhausts it is recommended to avoid getting water inside it. So keep the throttle open when wading and you wont have any problems. The exhaust doesn't scrape at speed breakers as the ground clearance is ample.
4. Is the fibre body a problem?
Ans: Well if you crasg the bike it will break. But the crash guards ahead(referred to as "leg guards" by us) do a good job of protecting the fairing. I skid the bike pretty badly but the fairing never came in contact with the road surface due to the crasg guard.
5. Are the tyres grippy? The absence of treads seem like a problem.
Ans: Yes the MRF Revz are grippy tyres. Do not mistake the tread pattern to be unreliable as these are soft compound sport tyres. They are made that way for extra grip. If you do not believe this then have a look at the tyres of the Moto GP bikes. They have absolutely NO treads. However dont go corner carving the day you buy the bike as the tyres take some time to run in. Be cautious at first.
6. Is the headlight beam strong enough to be of use on highways?
Ans: Yes
7.I heard this is an expensive bike to maintain. Is this true?
Ans: Yes this is expensive when compared to other bikes of this segment in the indian market. Some parts need replacement sooner as compared to others. Like the chain-sprocket set, tyres etc. Average cost per service (paid) is 2000 rs.
8.How long does the tyres last?
Ans. Good use should see the tyres lasting upto 16000-17000 kms(for rear) the front usually goes 1000-1500 kms more. However pay attention to the tread wearing off and replace.
9. Kitna deti hai?
Ans: 80% city+20% highway - 38 kmpl
Only city riding(sane): 34-35 kmpl
Only city riding(maniacal): 27-28 kmpl
Only highway riding at 100 kmph+ : <25 kmpl
Sane riding means not revving the motor crazy. But it also does not mean riding it like a splendor
10. Is it comfortable for long rides and pillion?
Ans: Not that much. The hard seat will upset many but after sometime you get used to it. The seat material takes the shape of your butt after regular use and then it's not much of a problem. Infact very soft seats are not recommended for long as they may damage the nerve bundle. Your pillion also will complain over long rides. However this is not a deal breaker as softer pads are easily available in the market at any seat maker.
11. Does it have a good resale value?
Ans: NO. Unfortunately people do not pay for a used KTM bike. The reasons might be less awareness due to the absence of mainstream marketing of the bike. So if you think you will get a decent resale for this when you plan on going for your next bike, you are wrong. People make absurd offers of around 60-70k even for well maintained pre-owned dukes.
12. Does this have pose value?
Ans: Hell yeah! People will drive you crazy with stares and questions. So be prepared for that attention.
13. Any reliability issues?
Ans: Many people have faced different kinds of issues with the duke in the past. I myself was plagued by the oil-seal breakage issue. But newer lot bikes have improved a lot in quality. Example is they now come with front oil seal protectors(after the complants received from customers). End thing is no issue is not-fixable and a deal breaker. And the ride this bike gives you totally makes up for it.
Will add more inputs as they come in my mind. Feel free to contribute
I recently completed 20000 kms on my KTM Duke 200. I thought of penning down my experience with the machine and hence this review. I tried to keep it as simple as possible in the form of questions and answers in simple english. Hope all the queries regarding the orange machine get some answers through this straight-from-the-heart, no-holds-barred review.
1. Who should buy this bike?
Ans: This bike is most suitable for riders who are pure acceleration junkies. There is a harsh urgency with which this bike gathers speed and this revv-happy nature may not be to everyone's taste. The initial dukes had a rear sprocket size of 43 teeth which further enhanced it's urgent nature. However now the bikes are provided with 42 teeth rear sprockets which tones down the aggression a bit. Lastly this bike has loads of character that pure KTM lovers rejoice. It may or may not suit or taste. So take a long test ride before taking the plunge.
2. Good for city or highway runs?
Ans: This bike is best suited for short city runs and weekend rides on the twisties. The occasional highway rides are also fun but the wind blast at high speeds will soon tire you. Extra ad-ons like a windscreen might be available(though not common) and can help this. However only opt for this as your highway bike if you can live with the revv happy nature and harsh sounding engine(at high revs).
3.Is the underbody exhaust a problem?
Ans: Not at all. Infact the position of the exhaust benefits the handling of the bike by lowering the center of gravity. It is not a problem in rains as the bike can wade through water. However like all exhausts it is recommended to avoid getting water inside it. So keep the throttle open when wading and you wont have any problems. The exhaust doesn't scrape at speed breakers as the ground clearance is ample.
4. Is the fibre body a problem?
Ans: Well if you crasg the bike it will break. But the crash guards ahead(referred to as "leg guards" by us) do a good job of protecting the fairing. I skid the bike pretty badly but the fairing never came in contact with the road surface due to the crasg guard.
5. Are the tyres grippy? The absence of treads seem like a problem.
Ans: Yes the MRF Revz are grippy tyres. Do not mistake the tread pattern to be unreliable as these are soft compound sport tyres. They are made that way for extra grip. If you do not believe this then have a look at the tyres of the Moto GP bikes. They have absolutely NO treads. However dont go corner carving the day you buy the bike as the tyres take some time to run in. Be cautious at first.
6. Is the headlight beam strong enough to be of use on highways?
Ans: Yes
7.I heard this is an expensive bike to maintain. Is this true?
Ans: Yes this is expensive when compared to other bikes of this segment in the indian market. Some parts need replacement sooner as compared to others. Like the chain-sprocket set, tyres etc. Average cost per service (paid) is 2000 rs.
8.How long does the tyres last?
Ans. Good use should see the tyres lasting upto 16000-17000 kms(for rear) the front usually goes 1000-1500 kms more. However pay attention to the tread wearing off and replace.
9. Kitna deti hai?
Ans: 80% city+20% highway - 38 kmpl
Only city riding(sane): 34-35 kmpl
Only city riding(maniacal): 27-28 kmpl
Only highway riding at 100 kmph+ : <25 kmpl
Sane riding means not revving the motor crazy. But it also does not mean riding it like a splendor
10. Is it comfortable for long rides and pillion?
Ans: Not that much. The hard seat will upset many but after sometime you get used to it. The seat material takes the shape of your butt after regular use and then it's not much of a problem. Infact very soft seats are not recommended for long as they may damage the nerve bundle. Your pillion also will complain over long rides. However this is not a deal breaker as softer pads are easily available in the market at any seat maker.
11. Does it have a good resale value?
Ans: NO. Unfortunately people do not pay for a used KTM bike. The reasons might be less awareness due to the absence of mainstream marketing of the bike. So if you think you will get a decent resale for this when you plan on going for your next bike, you are wrong. People make absurd offers of around 60-70k even for well maintained pre-owned dukes.
12. Does this have pose value?
Ans: Hell yeah! People will drive you crazy with stares and questions. So be prepared for that attention.
13. Any reliability issues?
Ans: Many people have faced different kinds of issues with the duke in the past. I myself was plagued by the oil-seal breakage issue. But newer lot bikes have improved a lot in quality. Example is they now come with front oil seal protectors(after the complants received from customers). End thing is no issue is not-fixable and a deal breaker. And the ride this bike gives you totally makes up for it.
Will add more inputs as they come in my mind. Feel free to contribute
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