Bajaj Auto has done it again! The Pune-based manufacturer has launched its newest and most-exciting motorcycle yet – the KTM 200 Duke at an introductory price of Rs 1.175 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. Yes, that’s the new big number for enthusiasts, since the KTM 200 Duke with its radical styling, juicy performance package and super-agile handling is all set to challenge every performance motorcycle manufactured in the country. While the Duke 200 will be aiming straight for Yamaha’s YZF-R15 with its extremely competitive pricing, it is also sure to bite into Honda CBR 250R’s market share since it slots in perfectly between the two motorcycles with its 200cc displacement. The KTM 200 Duke uses a 199.50cc single-cylinder engine that produces 25PS at 10,000rpm and 19.2Nm at 8000rpm, and weighs in at 126kg dry. The 200 Duke boasts of USDs (Upside-down-forks) and a 280mm disc brake at the front, and gets a fat 150/60R17 tyre at the rear along with an under-belly exhaust and WP suspension. Power to weight ratio for this pocket rocket at 184PS/tonne is higher than the CBR250R’s 155PS/tonne and the R15’s 130PS/tonne. The 200 Duke will be sold through Bajaj’s chain of Pro-biking showrooms, which are now KTM stores. Currently the Bajaj dealer network includes 32 such dealerships in 30 cities across the nation, and the number is expected to increase soon. Through these showrooms customers can also choose through KTM’s extensive range of apparel and accessories – including power parts, riding gear, clothes, gloves, caps, tee-shirts, stickers and so on, apart from an Akrapovic exhaust. Plans are to launch at least one new motorcycle each year, and the 350 Duke based on the 200 and their faired Moto3 racer will be launched next year according to KTM boss, Stefan Pierer. The 200 Duke will be exported to all Asian markets and Latin America, making it the first small capacity motorcycle to take on the might of the Japanese manufacturers in the segment. Bajaj will start accepting bookings for the 200 Duke from the first week of February and start delivering shortly thereafter. However, Bajaj were very clear at the 200 Duke launch that there would be no conflict between the KTM and Kawasaki brands and that both will continue to co-exist, and Pulsars and Avengers will now move out of the Pro-biking showrooms. However, Bajaj refused to reveal any plans of launching KTM’s higher capacity motorcycles in the country via the CBU route and said it wishes to focus on the Duke 2000 for now. Stay tuned for further updates.
