Quick Analysis
KTM 160 DUKE
28.5 pts
Unweighted: 20 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
ATHER 450 Apex
0.5 pts
Unweighted: 1 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
||
| Displacement | 164.2 cc | — |
| Engine Type | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine | — |
| Power | 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm | 7.0 kW |
| Torque | 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm | 26 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.1 Ltrs | — |
| Mileage | 36 kmpl | — |
Dimensions & Weight |
||
| Kerb Weight | 147 | 111.6 kg |
| Seat Height | 815 mm | 780 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
||
| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | — |
| Front Brake | Disc, Radial caliper | Hydraulically actuated triple-piston calliper disc |
| Front Suspension | 138.2 | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Brake | Disc, Floating caliper | Hydraulically actuated single-piston calliper disc |
| Rear Suspension | 160.98 | Symmetrically mounted progressive monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
||
| Front Tyre | 110/70 - 17 | 90/90 - 12 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/60 - R17 | 100/80 - 12 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
||
| Headlight | LED HEADLAMP | LED |
Other Specifications |
||
| Battery | 12 V 8 AH Maintenance free Exide/Amaron | 3.7 kWh Lithium-ion |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/atlantic-blue.webp | — |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/silver-matte.webp | — |
| Cluster | LCD Speedo | — |
| Color Options | Electronic Orange Silver Metallic Matte Atlantic Blue | Edium Blue |
| Cons | Short gearing limits top speed: The bike’s gearing is tuned for quick acceleration, but this hurts its highway performance and top-end speed. Firm seat: Multiple users note that the seat is firm, which may lead to discomfort on longer trips. Basic instrument console: The LCD display is functional but lacks the premium feel of a color TFT screen. Price premium: It’s relatively expensive for its displacement, making it less value-focused compared to some rivals. Rear ABS not always active: While it has dual-channel ABS, the supermoto mode allows disabling rear ABS, which may be a safety concern for some. | Relatively expensive — might feel like overkill if you only need basic commuting. Suspension and ride comfort may feel a bit firm on rough or potholed roads. Storage and seating/space may feel limited if you need more room or are a taller rider. Real-world range drops noticeably with aggressive riding or heavy load — and reliability depends on having charging access. The premium features and extra cost may not feel “worth it” for riders who don’t use them often. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 160 Duke marks a bold and refreshing entry into the lightweight naked streetfighter segment, bringing the unmistakable KTM DNA to a more accessible level while still offering thrilling performance. Designed as the perfect stepping stone for new riders and a fun city machine for experienced ones, the 160 Duke impresses with its aggressive styling, sharp body lines, split LED headlamp, and premium build that instantly makes it stand out from typical 150–160 cc motorcycles. Powering the bike is a new 164 cc liquid-cooled engine that produces around 19 PS, making it one of the most powerful machines in its category. The engine feels eager and responsive, with a punchy mid-range and refined fueling that make quick overtakes and spirited rides effortless. What truly elevates the riding experience is KTM’s focus on handling—the lightweight trellis frame, wide handlebars, and WP Apex suspension deliver excellent agility, allowing the bike to slice confidently through traffic while remaining exceptionally stable at high speeds. Even in crowded urban conditions, the improved heat management and smooth low-end torque ensure a comfortable and manageable ride. Braking is another strong point, with a large 320 mm front disc paired with dual-channel ABS and a supermoto mode for those who enjoy more dynamic control. The Duke 160 also brings a blend of modern features such as full LED lighting, a crisp digital LCD console, and slip-and-assist clutch, making daily riding easier and more engaging. While the bike excels in performance and handling, KTM has kept a few characteristics that reflect its sporty nature—the firm seat may not be ideal for long-distance touring, and the short gearing prioritizes acceleration over top-end highway cruising. The LCD display, though functional, doesn’t feel as premium as a TFT would, especially considering the bike’s price. Speaking of price, the 160 Duke sits on the premium side of the segment, but KTM balances it with superior engineering, high-quality components, and performance that is unmatched in the 160 cc space. For riders who want a motorcycle that looks sharp, rides aggressively, and feels like a scaled-down version of bigger Dukes, the 160 Duke offers a compelling package. It is perfect for college riders, daily commuters, and enthusiasts who want a fun, sporty machine that can handle both city streets and weekend fun rides without compromising on build quality or modern essentials. The KTM 160 Duke positions itself as a machine built not just for transportation but for pure riding enjoyment, embodying the signature attitude, styling, and performance edge that has made the Duke lineup iconic. Overall, it brings excitement, premium engineering, and a true streetfighter character to a segment that has long needed a fresh, performance-oriented option. | From the moment you swing a leg over the Ather 450 Apex, you quickly realize this isn’t just another electric scooter — it’s meant for people who care about performance, control and smart urban commuting. The heart of the ride is a well-tuned 7.0 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). Thanks to that, the Apex produces up to 26 Nm of torque and delivers brisk acceleration. The numbers are impressive on paper — 0 to 40 km/h in about 2.9 seconds — but on the road that translates to a quick launch off the traffic light, a feeling of immediacy and confidence in start-stop city traffic. What really stands out is the top-end power: the Apex can push beyond the 100 km/h mark, which is rare for an electric scooter in everyday commuter territory. That means the scooter doesn’t just shine in stop-and-go traffic — it’s also capable enough for longer rides, smoother expressway bursts, or overtaking with composure, rather than relying on brute throttle. Under the floorboard lies a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. According to the maker, a full charge delivers a certified “IDC” range of up to 157 km — though real-world results will depend heavily on riding style, mode selected, and load (rider + pillion + cargo). In everyday mixed use, you might see somewhere between 110–130 km on a charge if riding moderately, or closer to 75–95 km if you’re leaning on the scooter’s performance edge with aggressive acceleration or using “Warp+” mode. That makes the Apex genuinely practical for daily commuting and occasional long-ish rides. Recharging doesn’t take forever either: with the standard home charger, going from zero to full takes roughly 5¾ hours. For many users, that means a single overnight charge can give you more than a day’s worth of commuting — convenient and low-friction. Of course, power is nothing without control — and on that front, the Apex doesn’t disappoint. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both the front and rear, paired with a combined braking system plus regenerative braking. The regenerative braking is enhanced via a feature called “Magic Twist”: simply releasing the throttle initiates deceleration and regeneration, which smoothens urban rides and helps squeeze out a bit more from the battery. That also means less reliance on brake levers for everyday slowing, making riding more intuitive — especially in stop-heavy traffic. Ride quality strikes a balance between agility and comfort. The suspension setup — telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear — combined with relatively light kerb weight (about 111.6 kg) and compact 12-inch wheels, makes the scooter nimble and easy to manoeuvre through crowded lanes or narrow city roads. For you, that translates into easy overtakes, nippy turns, and less stress when weaving through traffic, while the suspension does enough to absorb most urban bumps and potholes without jarring you. Practicality isn’t ignored either: there’s an under-seat storage of generous 22 litres — handy for a helmet, groceries or a backpack — and seat height is accessible for most riders. In real life, that means you don’t have to worry about where to stash your stuff, and mounting or dismounting remains easy even in everyday use. But what really makes the Apex feel like a “modern scooter of 2025” is how connected and smart it is. A sharp 7-inch touchscreen dashboard offers smartphone connectivity, navigation (via Google Maps), music and call controls, notifications and more. You don’t need to dig out your phone for directions — just glance at the dash. Features such as auto-cancel indicators, “guide-me-home” lights, emergency stop signal, and even “infinite cruise” (cruise-like comfort for longer trips) lend the scooter a layer of convenience and modernity that gets appreciated in day-to-day life. For many riders, having multiple ride modes — ranging from Smart Eco and Eco to Sport and the aggressive Warp+ — is a big plus. It means you can tailor the ride depending on traffic, terrain or mood: ride efficiently during daily commutes, or unlock full power when you want a spirited ride. What this all adds up to — in simple human terms — is an electric scooter that doesn’t force compromises. You get the zippy agility and ease of a scooter tailored for city roads, combined with enough punch, speed, and sophistication to make longer or faster rides genuinely reasonable. Whether you’re weaving through street traffic in tight lanes, commuting to work, or taking a leisurely evening ride out of town, the Ather 450 Apex feels ready for it. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity and power output of the KTM 160 Duke? A: It has a 164.2 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces about 19 PS at 9,500 rpm. Q: What is the torque figure of the 160 Duke? A: The peak torque is 15.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 10.1 litres. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is 815 mm, and the ground clearance is 174 mm. Q: What kind of brakes and ABS does it come with? A: It comes with a 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc, and has dual-channel ABS (with off-road ABS mode). Q: Does the 160 Duke have a modern instrument cluster and connectivity? A: Yes — it features a 5-inch LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and KTM Connect app integration. Q: What is the kerb weight of the KTM 160 Duke? A: The kerb weight (unloaded weight) is around 147 kg. Q: What is the expected mileage of the 160 Duke? A: According to KTM, the mileage is around 37 km/l. Q: What is the price of the KTM 160 Duke? A: The ex-showroom price is approximately ₹ 1.85 lakh. Q: What features does it have to set it apart in the entry-level performance bike segment? A: It has premium features such as WP USD front forks, a trellis frame, off-road ABS mode, LED lighting, and a slipper & assist clutch. | Q: What is the top speed of the Ather 450 Apex? A: The top speed is around 100 km/h. Q: How fast does the Ather 450 Apex accelerate from 0–40 km/h? A: It accelerates from 0–40 km/h in about 2.9 seconds. Q: What is the battery capacity of the Ather 450 Apex? A: It comes with a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. Q: What is the real-world range of the Ather 450 Apex? A: You can typically expect around 110–130 km in mixed riding, and about 75–95 km in hard riding. Q: What is the certified range of the Ather 450 Apex? A: The official IDC-certified range is up to 157 km per charge. Q: How long does it take to charge the Ather 450 Apex? A: A full charge through the home charger takes roughly 5.75 hours. Q: What kind of motor does the Ather 450 Apex use? A: It uses a 7.0 kW PMSM motor that produces up to 26 Nm of torque. Q: Does the Ather 450 Apex have fast charging? A: It supports Ather fast charging, letting you top up quickly on compatible chargers. Q: What ride modes are available on the Ather 450 Apex? A: Modes include SmartEco, Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp+. Q: What type of brakes does the Ather 450 Apex have? A: It has disc brakes at both front and rear, with combined braking and regenerative braking. Q: What is Magic Twist on the Ather 450 Apex? A: Magic Twist is a regenerative braking system that slows the scooter when you release the throttle. Q: How much does the Ather 450 Apex weigh? A: It weighs around 111.6 kg. Q: What is the under-seat storage capacity? A: It offers 22 litres of under-seat storage. Q: Does the Ather 450 Apex have navigation? A: Yes, it has onboard navigation integrated into the touchscreen display. Q: What size is the instrument display? A: It has a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard. |
| Price Variants | | 170545 | | 189999 |
| Pros | Rev-happy, fun engine: The 164 cc liquid-cooled engine produces about 19 PS and feels very lively, especially when pushed. Excellent handling: Lightweight trellis frame (147 kg) paired with good-quality WP suspension gives very agile and precise cornering. Premium braking setup: It comes with a large 320 mm front disc and dual-channel ABS + supermoto mode for confident and versatile braking. Modern, useful features: Full LED lighting, slip-and-assist clutch, digital LCD display, and optional Bluetooth connectivity via KTM Connect. Good low-end tractability: A large portion of torque is available at low RPMs, which makes it very manageable in city traffic. Improved heat management: Bigger radiator keeps engine heat under check, even in traffic-heavy conditions. | Strong, responsive acceleration — fun and confident around city traffic or during quick overtakes. Good top speed for an electric scooter, making it usable not just for city commutes but occasional longer or faster rides. Smart, modern features and a connected dashboard — adds convenience, navigation, and a premium feel. Adequate real-world battery range for daily commuting and moderate longer rides. Low maintenance compared with petrol scooters — simpler upkeep, no fuel hassles. |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | — |
