The interpretation of a number, specially in motorcycling, depending on how the number is put to use.

Say for example, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R - 129 PS @ 14k rpms, and Kawasaki Ninja 650R (by numbers 50cc more than the ZX-6R) - 72.1 PS @ 8k rpms. By number theorem, the 650R should have more power output than the ZX-6R?? We all know that's not the case and that can never be the case.

What we need to consider here is that we need to put the numbers in context to the type, nature and intent of the motorcycle. The KTM Duke 200 has a very closed grear ratio and a very different sproketing and that's what shows in the bike's top end. Alter the front srpoketing by a teeth and you would see the difference -

1) in the radical pickup of the bike, which would obviously go down and blemish that signature KTM Duke character

2) in the top end going up, which might bring a slight smile on the riders face in what... once every 6 months....when the rider actually gets the time to check the top end??

I hope I did not overdid something to your already in trouble number digestion (pun indended... please don't flame me )

Well put. Especially the bit about the half yearly slight smile

Guys ... Test drive started in bangalore from today ...

My post was not to provoke any thoughts in anyone, just a normal thought. Anyways, we can let the matter go

I was expecting this exact same reply to come up!!

Ok, first things first how quick is the KTM. As we all know it is massively short-geared for the sake of acceleration compromising on top speed. But its only as quick as the other 25PS machine in the market. The only thing going in its favour is the better roll-on timings and thats it. So where have all the power-weight ratio advantage gone is my reason for indigestion.

I am just not talking about on-paper specs, on-road performance is what I am interested and I am yet to be surprised as far as reviews/tests are concerned. Hope there is some surprise element in this bike.So waiting for the actual V-BOX results from mags!!

I've riddent both the 25PS motorcycles to good exten and I can tell you than, the acceleration, manuverability and weight distrbution of the KTM is much better than the CBR 250, because both the bikes are built with completely different intent. For a sports tourer, the CBR 250R is expected to curise for long at good speeds, but as a naked street fighter, the Duke is expected to zip through tights, manuver sharp and still be comfortable and not munch miles on and on (at least I don't expect it to do that and I might be completly dumb at expecting that)

So, I would again say, that no matter what an equipment say, we always need to judge the numbers in perspective to appriciate the true spirit of a motorcycle.

Say for example, a Triumph Rocket III more torque in stand still than a Hayabusa does at it's peak!! So, that would not make you call the Hayabusa wooden bike!! We only truely appreciate these values when we realise what each of these bikes are acutally capable of doing, that is give us shere pleasure in their own possible way

Had a short (very short) test ride of the Duke today! Seating was pretty comfortable. Good posture. Foot pegs were a little behind, will take a few seconds to adjust to it if one has been riding different bikes.

Awesome power. Don't need frequent gear changing in bumper to bumper traffic. The TD distance was too small to feel anything more. Was there around 5'ish - so you can imagine the traffic.

The not so good part- Gear shifts were hard. Was difficult to get to neutral (its a 1 down - 5 up sequence). This may be fixed after a service.

Due to too many people taking turns to push it to the limit - bike was uber hot (thigh burner) when I rode it.

Clutch is very very sensitive. Will take a few seconds to get used to the release. A slight release - vehicle stalled. at least 3 times before I could get a hang of the clutch.

rev limiter is set at 7500 rpm.

Deliveries --- $1m question. and $0.001 answer - You will get it with much much within 90 days! :P

Took a TD

Guys,

The B'lore Indiranagar showroom offered a TD today. Love to sitting posture to begin with (I'm 5'7.5), kinda upright. I tried to slide my butts behind but the pillion seat won't let me. The down-side of the TD was the bike had not completed its break-in. The gear shifts/clutch was hard, plus moving to neutral is a bit of task when the engine's running, not so much when its off. There's a red light at the top-center of the console, which when beyond the requisite RPM for a particular gear, turns on. Gear ratio's seem small, as the gear switching was required very quickly (as per the red-light). Add to that the B'lore morning traffic didn't let me test the limits. Very light and easy in terms of maneuverability, in case I did not add. Loved the response of the acceleration. Did have a small test on the braking...they seem impressive. No idea on the shocks, but for a couple-of-potholed road, it seemed less stressful, so maybe it were those shocks in action. The exhaust note is something new, like a refined 2 stroke with a metal-like sound. Cannot really describe is all that well, coz I have nothing to compare it with. And yes, for an underbelly exhaust, the GC seemed perfectly fine, no issues on speed-breakers or potholes.

Awaiting the Pulsar 200NS to compare with now.

~Amod.

after you there was 2 more guys who raped it ... Then i got the chance ... Bike was sooo Hottttttt :P :P :P

i felt it like Fz with lots of powerrrr ......

bike was showing 20 kmpl ... So i guess it will give 30 kmpl ....

There are not sure when will the first lot is delivered ... There are 250 booking in banglaore .. not sure when will the last person get it

Well, I am sure none of the knowledgeable biker would compare the two, but Bajaj pulled in the CBR into the comparo during the unveiling, so comparisions are inevitable now.

+100. I whole heatedly agree to what ever you have mentioned.

I just love the DUKE for the way it has been conceived, it should be a true street hooligan.

@Raven20: My wife rides pillion on 220. I took the test ride of the KTM and a round with her as pillion too. Not an issue for her at all. She is 5 ' 3"
Ofcourse, long rides are an uncharted territory.

Agreed!!

But i am concerned about the performance part. I am not talking about dynamics here. I ride a RTR 180 and the CBR is nowhere close to it as far as maneuverability/braking dynamics is concerned so comparing it(against KTM) in this aspect is out of the question.


Exactly!!

True spirit in case of KTM is brutal acceleration and that is what i am not convinced about.(in reference to the claimed numbers).

Whereas true spirit of CBR is effortless cruising with abundance of torque throughout the rpm band.

Notice any similarities between above lines. No, that is what exactly i am trying to say.

Again, on-road performance is what i am interested in here. I just dont care if it makes 200Nm or 2000Nm on paper.

+∞

CBR and KTM should not be compared in the first place but i am forced to do so as those bikes which even if sharing similar output but a completely different gearing setup are close to each other in acceleration stakes.

Btw as you have ridden the KTM can you please enlighten me how is the handling in comparison with the R15?

PS: I am yet to ride the KTM, so my observation is purely based on the claimed numbers.

Well since the R15 is your daily use sports bike of sorts, initially it might feel that the R15 is better in handling. But believe me, it's just in the riding geometry of the bike. Get aboard the KTM and once you get used to the riding geometry, the baby Duke is at par to the handling of R15. Infact on the Duke 200, you would find that flicking the bike is more confidant than R15 because of the rounder profile tyres.

I would suggest that get a TD and see if you like it

First up it is natural that the KTM and CBR get compared. While I appreciate the fact that both were developed with different intent, they fall in a particular price bracket and have similar power output.

And since you are more interested in on road performance and don't care what power figures say on paper the only option is for you the ride both bikes and decide for your self.

A forum will only give you paper figures and other peoples opinion. And these may be people who don't share similar opinions to yours.

End of the day its why you want and need. Ride em both and share your opinion here. There will be quite a few grateful members on this forum who will make up their minds based on you opinion.

who knows may be i'll change my mind and buy the CBR

WATTT!!!!???.....they were sayin 1month...for the 1st few bookings...

I wil v to go for a TD everyday then...