Quick Analysis
KTM 160 DUKE
15.5 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
BENELLI 502C
19.0 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 164.2 cc | 500 |
| Engine Type | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve |
| Power | 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm | 35kW at 8500 r/min |
| Torque | 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm | 46N·m/6000 r/min |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.1 Ltrs | 21.5 |
| Mileage | 36 kmpl | 22 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 147 | 220 |
| Seat Height | 815 mm | 760 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc, Radial caliper | Disc Front Brake 280 mm Caliper - 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | 138.2 | Upside down telescopic fork – 135mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc, Floating caliper | Disc Front Brake 240 mm Caliper - 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | 160.98 | Telescopic coil spring oil damped – 50mm |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/70 - 17 | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/60 - R17 | 160/60 ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tube |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED HEADLAMP | — |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V 8 AH Maintenance free Exide/Amaron | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/atlantic-blue.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/502cmatteblack.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 | Matte Cognac Red Matte Black |
| 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. | Bulk and weight can make city riding or tight manoeuvres tricky: For its size and weight, it’s not the nimblest — U-turns, narrow lanes or heavy traffic require care and effort. Pillion comfort and practicality issues: The rear seat and pillion comfort setup don’t match the front’s promise very well; for two-up rides or long tours with a passenger, it might feel compromised. Ride can be a bit firm: Suspension may feel stiff on certain rough patches or very uneven roads — not the plushest cruiser ride in all conditions. Fuel efficiency and running cost may not be ideal: Given the displacement and weight, fuel consumption and maintenance may turn out costlier than lighter/smaller bikes — something to weigh if you ride daily. Feature-set and usability tradeoffs: While it offers the basics, it misses some modern amenities (e.g. advanced electronics or luggage accessories) that some rivals may provide — limiting its appeal for tourers or riders wanting more convenience. |
| 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. | When you fire up the 502C, you wake a 500-cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that’s built around a DOHC, 8-valve layout. It uses electronic fuel injection and runs a fairly high compression ratio, so throttle response feels sharp and smooth — no lags or jerks when you twist the throttle. The engine makes about 35 kW (roughly 47–48 PS) around 8,500 rpm, and delivers its peak torque of around 46 Nm at 6,000 rpm. On Indian roads, that translates into a character that’s friendly in traffic yet competent and eager when you open it up — enough grunt for overtakes, decent roll-on from mid-range, and comfortable cruising at highway speeds without feeling stressed. Once you slot it into the 6-speed gearbox, shifts feel precise, and the chain drive delivers power without fuss. In daily commuting or in stop-go city traffic, the clutch and gearbox combine to give a relaxed ride. On open roads or highways, the 500-cc twin keeps things stable and alive, rather than peaky or nervous. What helps the 502C feel grounded is its chassis and suspension setup. It rides on a sturdy steel trellis frame, which provides a nice balance between rigidity and a bit of give — meaning that rough roads or small bumps don’t jolt you harshly. Up front, there’s an upside-down telescopic fork; at the rear, a mono-shock. The suspension soaking capabilities make city potholes, uneven surfaces or speed-breakers feel far less jarring than you might expect for a cruiser. If you ride alone or with a pillion, the rear suspension remains composed — and the preload-adjustability allows a little customization when carrying different loads or luggage. Physically, the 502C sits in a comforting sweet spot. Its seat is relatively low (so many riders find their feet touch the ground easily at stops) and yet the bike carries enough bulk and presence to feel like a proper cruiser. The wheelbase gives it stability at speed, and while it won’t dance through narrow alleys or squeeze through bumper-to-bumper traffic like a lighter commuter, once you’re rolling, it tracks straight and steady rather than nervous or twitchy. For longer rides — intercity or weekend rides — this relaxed stability becomes a big advantage: you don’t get tired quickly, and control remains confidence-inspiring. Stopping power on the 502C matches the confidence the engine gives. With dual discs up front and a disc at the rear — all backed by dual-channel ABS — braking feels strong and progressive. You’re unlikely to get unpleasant surprises under hard braking, whether you’re solo or riding with a pillion and load. The setup gives assurance even in tricky situations: a quick stop, a sudden swerve, or braking on slippery surfaces — the bike handles them calmly. Range-wise, the 21.5-litre fuel tank lets you cover decent distances without frequent fuel stops, which is a welcome bonus if you enjoy longer rides or city-to-city stretches. Add to that the comfortable ergonomics — upright posture, thoughtfully placed footpegs and a well-padded seat — and the 502C becomes a machine that invites you to ride for hours without undue fatigue. Of course, it’s not a light commuter or nimble sport-bike: the weight and geometry mean low-speed manoeuvres and tight traffic can be a little unwieldy, and quick lane-splits or U-turns require a bit of care. But that’s part of the deal when you choose a cruiser: in return for a laid-back, planted ride and a relaxed highway character, you trade a bit of agility. In real-world terms, the 502C feels like a “grown-up’s cruiser” — balanced, capable, and accessible. It gives you more than enough power to enjoy open roads, offers comfort and stability for longer rides, yet remains manageable enough for daily city commuting (with some care). For a mid-size cruiser, it strikes that rare balance where you don’t need to be a hardened rider to enjoy what it delivers, yet it doesn’t ride like a mere commuter. |
| 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 mileage? A: The mileage is around 22–25 kmpl in real-world riding, while the official claim is roughly 26 kmpl. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 21.5 litres. Q: What is the kerb weight of the bike? A: The Benelli 502C weighs approximately 216 kg. Q: What kind of engine does it have? A: It uses a 500cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin DOHC engine producing about 47.5 PS and 46 Nm of torque. Q: What braking setup does it come with? A: It has dual discs at the front and a single disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. Q: How many gears does it have? A: The bike comes with a 6-speed gearbox. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is around 760 mm, making it accessible for most riders. Q: Is the Benelli 502C good for long rides? A: Yes, its comfortable ergonomics, smooth twin-cylinder engine, and large fuel tank make it well-suited for long-distance riding. Q: Is it easy to handle in city traffic? A: It is manageable, but its 216 kg weight means low-speed manoeuvres require some care. Q: What type of suspension does it use? A: It has an upside-down front fork and a rear mono-shock with preload adjustability. Q: Does it have LED lighting? A: Yes, the 502C features LED headlights, tail lamps, and indicators. Q: Is the bike suitable for beginners? A: It can be used by newer riders who are confident, but the weight and size may feel challenging for complete beginners. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is generally around 160 km/h. Q: Are the ergonomics comfortable? A: Yes, it offers a relaxed cruiser stance with a low seat and forward-set footpegs. |
| Price Variants | | 170545 | | 580000 |
| 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. | Looks and road presence: The 502C has a bold, muscular cruiser-style appearance. Its design draws attention, giving you strong presence on the road. Balanced engine and rideability: The 500 cc twin offers smooth, linear power delivery that’s easy to manage in city traffic but still capable on highways — enough punch for overtakes or cruising without being overly aggressive. Comfortable ergonomics for many riders: With a low-ish seat height and relaxed riding posture (wide handlebars, forward footpegs), it’s reasonably comfortable for day-to-day rides or weekend trips. Good for highway and long rides: Large fuel tank and stable chassis make it well-suited for longer rides — less frequent refuelling and a planted feel at cruising speeds. Decent performance + braking hardware: The bike’s brakes (disc + ABS) and suspension are competent for its segment, offering reasonably confident stopping power and decent ride quality over typical road surfaces. |
| Starter | — | Electric |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6-speed |
