Obviously I didn't mean to misdirect your friend. There are numerous people saying thousand different things about a bike everywhere. I am one of those people.
Yes I am good at spotting it. There it is->Having ridden a few bikes myself, for some small distances(they might not be as big as Pune - Mahabaleshwar)
If it wasn't sarcasm then I'm sorry I thought so. I thought you meant it that way because the KTM's weren't available for any substantial test rides that time when I visited.
I have felt uncomfortable many times on not-so-uncomfortable seats for as less as 250 kms rides. Pulsar 150, FZ-16..both have been uncomfortable to me and the pillion on long rides. This is my experience and my personal opinion. Others including your friend can totally disagree with it. After all isn't honest opinions what we should be giving in the thread? Anyway sorry for whatever I said before.
I have edited my posts and deleted the word "facts" from it and also deleted the Uncomfortable word so as not to misinform others.

Lets not argue. The Classic or CBR or Duke are all different bikes and all are very good in their own ways. I am just comparing the bikes as I am not sure if I really want a sports tourer or a cruiser. All I want is a bike that would meet all my requirements.

So please lets not indulge in the CBR vs Duke vs CL500 debate. Sure competition is inevitable considering these three are priced close, but no product is bad here. Hope most people will agree with this. Peace.

No debate. A little misunderstanding that's all. Has been sorted out. Peace

Last Saturday (25th February 2012) I test rode the KTM Duke 200 from the Bajaj Probiking, Indiranagar, Bangalore. The test ride was very short. Though it did reveal a few things about the bike.

LOOKS:
If looks would kill, then the Duke 200 sits right on top of the pile. It looks better than any other desi bike. The styling is spot on and very aggressive. It turned more than just a few heads even during the short test ride.

PERFORMANCE AND BRAKING:
The initial acceleration is strong and the braking is quite good. I could not ride it in 6th gear but the 3rd and 4th gears can create some serious drama.

COMFORT:
The riding saddle is good for most purposes. I'm 6'2" and the saddle is adequate. Can't comment about the comfort over long distances though. The pillion seat is rather cramped and is a joke for people considering highway riding with a pillion.

FUEL ECONOMY:
The fuel efficiency meter indicated 19.1 kpl on the test bike, though the real time average could be around 35 kpl as speculated. The sad thing is that the bike has a puny 10 litre fuel tank.

VERDICT:
The Duke is a fun bike. It has terrific response from the throttle, the handling is good, the gearbox is well sorted and the braking is spot on. The only fly in the ointment is the pillion seat comfort for long rides. The small fuel tank doesn't gives much confidence either. The riding position is good though. I am impressed with the bike, though I may not consider buying it. My requirements are different and only time will prove the Duke 200's highway capabilities.

WHICH BIKE FOR ME ??
I am going ahead with the CL500 DS now as it is closest to what I want from a bike. Though I would like to ride a CBR250R again just to be double sure.

test-ride always helps to decide what you really need,go ahead with your choice.

Very true sayank. Btw I booked the CL500 without actually riding it. I rode the CL350 and almost decided that I want a CL500. But later after riding the CL500 I was sure that I made a very wise decision because by then I knew that I had already fallen in love with the CL500.

so what about the waiting period?how much is it costing you on-road?

I booked the CL500 DS from Kolkata and the waiting period was 4-5 months. I booked it on 29th December 2011 and I am expecting it by mid-May. The on-road price of the bike in December was 1.50 lakhs approx. Now its around 1.55 lakhs I guess. Post delivery I plan to upgrade to the optional upswept exhaust which will cost another 3000 bucks. Also I plan to remove the saree guard and get a stay instead of it. Including all these, the price will come close to 1.60 lakhs.

i would have done that too

Yes somehow I feel the upswept exhaust does more justice to the Classic's appeal.

yeah,true.anyways keep us posted about your delivery.

Sure mate. But still its another 2 months away.

I have already started getting sleepless nights.

try sleeping pills.

I knw it looks good on the Bullets but the people following you wont be happy with it

i have driven behind Bullets with those upswept exhausts & boy I had to stop & let it go before my face was blown..

Congrats anyways for new new bike

I know what you mean Enthusiastic. I have myself driven behind Bullets with the upswept exhaust and it sure gives some serious kicks.

Btw good to see a reply by a fellow member from Ranchi.