KTM 200 Duke ABS variant launched

Austrian performance bike maker KTM has just launched the ABS variant of their popular 200 Duke motorcycle in India. The new variant has been priced at Rs. 1.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). With this, KTM has resolved the biggest complain buyers had for the bike, its lack of ABS. The ABS system incorporated in the bike is made by Bosch and is most probably a dual channel ABS system. Compared to the older non-ABS 200 Duke, the ABS equipped bike is about Rs. 9,000 more expensive.

The 200 Duke is the most affordable bike in India by KTM, and among the fastest accelerating bike in its segment. The company has been quite late at equipping their 200 cc challenger with ABS. Other rivals like the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 etc have been coming with ABS since long now. Other than the ABS, no other change has been made on the 200 Duke and it still is visually the same.

The 200 Duke is also KTM’s best selling bike in India. The ABS version will be made available in three colour schemes, which are – orange, white and black. The ABS update is also in lieu with upcoming government norm that states it is mandatory for all 125 cc and above bikes to be equipped with ABS.

The engine and power output remain the same as before. The KTM 200 Duke gets powered by a 199.5 cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled engine that produces 24.6 Bhp of power along with 19.2 Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The 200 Duke has a lot of low end grunt which makes it very quick off the line. However, it loses out on top end and has a lower top speed than some other bikes in the competition.

KTM will continue to sell the non-ABS variant alongside the ABS equipped variant. As already mentioned, the ABS version costs only Rs. 9,000 more than the standard, non ABS model. With ABS aided brakes, the bike has become much more safer to ride, especially in emergency braking situations. Therefore, it will be a better choice for paying marginally more and getting the ABS equipped variant.