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Moneycontrol News
Austrian bike maker KTM today launched the updated 2017 version of the Duke series – 390 and 200 – in the Indian market.
The Duke 200 was launched at a price of Rs 1.43 lakh, while the Duke 390 costs Rs 2.25 lakh. There was a surprise launch of the Duke 250 too priced at Rs 1.73 lakh.
The launches come little over a month after KTM gave the RC series a similar mid-life upgrade, during which time the Bajaj management clarified it had ruled out possibility of launching the 250cc version in India.
So how different are the new versions and are they worth the buy?
Firstly, at least one of the Dukes has turned slightly costly compared to the outgoing variants.
While KTM has retained prices of the Duke 200 at Rs 143,500, the new Duke 390, - priced at Rs 210,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) - is now costlier by Rs 15,000 compared to the earlier model.
KTM, whi ch is half-owned by Pune-based Bajaj Auto , has made quite a few changes to the overall styling of the Dukes, making it meatier and aggressive. These are the first such upgrades since their inaugural launch in January 2013.
While engine and power output remains the same there is a 10-kg increase in dry weight of the new Duke 390. This is owing to the entirely new exhaust system to meet the emission norm. Capacity of the fuel tank has been increased by 2.4 litres to 13.4 litres.
One of the striking features of the Duke 390 is the segment-first multi-colour TFT display. Display bars change colour on the 5-inch screen when the engine is revved.
Another industry-first feature on the Duke 390 is mobile connectivity. A smartphone can be tethered to the bike, giving full control over incoming calls and an audio player. The information can be accessed on the display u nit.
The Duke 200 also gets the same styling updates as the Duke 390. The new bike gets a brighter orange theme compared to the outgoing model. Unlike the 390 the Duke 200 does not get a colour display.
Unlike the Duke 390 this baby Duke retains its underbelly exhaust and gets new body graphics.
The Duke 250, meanwhile, will bridge the gap between the two other models and give the consumer an extra option. This new model is already available on sale in some countries such as Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Russia to name a few.
The RC and Duke range from KTM is entirely developed designed, developed and manufactured by Bajaj Auto in collaboration with its Austrian partner. They are made at the Chakan plant near Pune where Bajaj's own Pulsar range is also built.
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