Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

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With your requirements i would go for the Duke as it will be much easier to ride in town and congested urban traffic.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

+1 for duke. It gives good seating posture for commuting, and is easy to handle in jams and stop and go traffic.

but if you are a sucker for fairing, like me and dont mind being crouched all day long... go for RC.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

Been exactly there, came out with the RC.

Though, it IS the Duke which I should have been gone for, still went with the RC.
Its bit tough in the traffic but I guess, you get used to all things.

I went for the RC because my heart ruled over the mind.
Have done ~200kms ride. Not very comfortable but definitely not as painful ​as I had expected .

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

Go for RC. For touring, it's obviously better than the Duke. And though it'd be tougher to negotiate the city traffic with an RC, you'll definitely get used to with time.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

Is there any specific reason that you said "RC is better than duke for touring". Could you please elaborate on that?
I thought duke would be better for touring when compared to RC with the riding posture.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

The added weight of the fairings would definitely add to the stability against windblasts while on highways.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?


I wouldn't be so sure. See, when I went for a test ride of the RC 390 I noticed that thanks to the fairing and reset foot peg position I was feeling planted when cutting corners and the bike felt more agile than my duke. But while riding on straights I noticed that the cross winds caused the bike to sverve and veer of the line thanks to its massive fairing which acted as a sail of sorts.
From my own touring experience I can tell you its not the straight wind which is problematic while touring (coz you're not a top speed on a bike this fast and at reasonable speeds wind blast is negligible with a good helmet) it was infact the crosswind. The bike is very light and therefore the crosswinds just kept pushing me to the side especially at speed.
And as for wind blast at speed, I felt (and this is only my opinion) that the bike's fairing and windshield were utterly inadequate to protect one from wind blast unless he tucks in over the tank and ducks his head to avoid it. And I can't imagine that position being comfortable for a long ride.

Anyway this is what I saw while test riding the RC in a windy place with empty roads.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

I agree to you. But, don't you think among this two only, Duke is better for city and Rc is better for highways?
From various reviews that was my perception. Of course, as an owner, you'd know better.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?


Yeah but the duke can be good for highway rides too albeit with a decent helmet and a bigger wind screen. However the seating position on the RC will always be a pain for city and highway.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

Since you have ridden both the KTM versions, which one would you prefer for pillion comfort?

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

From whatever of duke i have ridden, windblast straightup is the problem. Rc with the powerparts windscreen will be best bet. And all fairing bikes will have that blast unless tucked in.Just that it will cut through air more nicely than the naked sibling at higher speeds.But with speeds the 200 does, i doubt you need fairing. Go for rc390 or duke 200.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

I would rather suggest RC 200 or duke 390. But that's just me.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

Yeah you are right with your ideas. But frankly considering my usage, I will never unleash the entire power of 390cc most of the time. But could you tell me if the ktm 200cc engines can sustain 100-110 Kmph speed for a long run.
Considering my friends Karizma, he said his ZMA could manage to remain stable without any hiccups at a speed of around 100 kmph for long distance. So I want to know if KTM can deliver the same performance with the 200cc engine.

Re: KTM Duke 200 vs RC 200?

100-110 on 200 is not a bother, but engine would be above 7.5k rpm, so the rider will feel fatigued.My idea of suggesting 390 was, you could cruise at 100-120 with no strain on engine.And most importantly, you will have that reserve power to avoid any mishaps, plus abs.The only place where 200 excels is city riding, thats it, 390 is also good, but 200 excels there.