Quick Analysis
KTM 160 DUKE
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 890 DUKE R
18.5 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger |
| Displacement | 164.2 cc | 889 cC |
| Engine Type | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Power | 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm | 121 PS @ 9250 rpm |
| Torque | 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm | 99 Nm @ 7750 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.1 Ltrs | 14 L |
| Mileage | 36 kmpl | 21 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 147 | 180 kg |
| Seat Height | 815 mm | 834 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc, Radial caliper | 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper |
| Front Suspension | 138.2 | WP APEX 43 |
| Rear Brake | Disc, Floating caliper | Brembo single-piston floating calliper, brake disc |
| Rear Suspension | 160.98 | WP APEX - Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/70 - 17 | 120/70 - ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/60 - R17 | 180/55 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED HEADLAMP | LED Headlights |
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 | — |
| 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 | Atlantic 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. | High seat height: 834 mm seat height may not be ideal for shorter riders. Limited wind protection: As a naked bike, there’s minimal fairing, so windblast can be fatiguing on fast highway rides. Premium running costs: High-performance parts (tires, brakes) and maintenance could be expensive. Potential reliability concerns: Some users report cam wear or top-end issues over time. > “clunk … on low-mileage … they think … scarring” Ergonomics trade-off: Sporty, aggressive ergonomics may be tiring over very long rides. Price: Being a high-spec naked bike, its cost is on the higher side, which might limit its appeal to more performance-focused buyers. |
| 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. | The **KTM 890 Duke R** is a high-performance naked streetfighter that builds on KTM’s “Duke” legacy by amplifying power, handling, and electronics, making it a thrilling choice for riders who want sportbike-level performance without the full fairing. At its heart, the 890 Duke R is powered by an **889 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin** engine, which churns out approximately **121 PS at 9,250 rpm** and **99 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm**, delivering a broad and usable powerband that makes the bike both fast in the high revs and surprisingly agile at lower speeds. The frame is a lightweight chromium-molybdenum steel trellis chassis, which uses the engine as a stressed member, helping the bike remain nimble and responsive. The suspension setup employs WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear, giving the 890 Duke R a great balance of comfort, stability, and sporty feedback whether you’re pushing hard through corners or cruising around town. Braking is handled by Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers on twin 320 mm front discs, paired with a 240 mm rear disc, offering strong and precise stopping power. One of the strengths of the 890 Duke R is its advanced electronics package. It comes with **multiple ride modes** (Street, Sport, Track, Rain, and a configurable “Rider” mode), lean-sensitive traction control (MTC), cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP) with a Supermoto mode, a quickshifter, and a PASC anti-hopping clutch. These systems make the bike safer and more versatile, allowing the rider to exploit its performance on a track or tame it for daily riding. The instrument cluster is a crisp **5-inch TFT** display that provides all the critical information clearly and dynamically. Ergonomically, the Duke R offers a sporty but relatively comfortable riding position. With a seat height of **834 mm**, it’s accessible for many riders, though it may be slightly tall for those with shorter legs. The fuel tank holds **14 litres**, giving a reasonable range for a performance bike. Ground clearance is 206 mm, which helps in handling kerbs or uneven roads without feeling too fragile. In terms of weight, the 890 Duke R is commendably light — the dry weight is around **166 kg** per technical specs — which contributes significantly to its agility and sharp handling. This lightness, combined with the powerful engine and electronics, makes the bike feel very alive and dynamic under throttle. It’s a machine that rewards aggressive riding but stays manageable enough for weekend use or spirited city runs. However, potential buyers should be aware of some trade-offs. While its performance is impressive, some owners on forums note early “cam wear” or engine top-end issues if not maintained well. > “There are dozens … cam wear issues … on 790/890 …” Also, being a high-performance naked bike, wind protection is limited — at high speeds, the rider will feel more exposure compared to full-faired sportbikes. Maintenance and running costs (tires, high-spec brakes) are also higher than more entry-level motorcycles. Overall, the **KTM 890 Duke R** is a highly capable, technologically advanced, and extremely fun-to-ride naked bike. It strikes a compelling balance between raw performance, agile handling, and modern rider aids, making it a top choice for enthusiasts who seek a street weapon that feels as good on the track as it does on a winding road. For those willing to invest in its maintenance and manage its aggressive character, the 890 Duke R remains one of the most exciting bikes in the middleweight naked segment. |
| 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 engine does the KTM 890 Duke R have? A: It is powered by an 889 cc parallel twin (LC8c) engine with a bore/stroke of 90.7 mm × 68.8 mm. Q: What are the power and torque figures? A: The engine produces about 121 PS (89 kW) at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm. Q: What is its seat height and weight? A: The seat height is 834 mm, and its dry weight is approximately 166 kg (some sources list around 180 kg as “ready to ride”). Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and mileage? A: The fuel tank capacity is around 14 litres. The claimed fuel consumption is about 4.74 L/100 km for some variants. Q: What kind of brakes and suspension does the 890 Duke R use? A: It comes with WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX mono-shock at the rear. For brakes, it uses Brembo Stylema calipers with dual 320 mm discs in the front, and a 240 mm disc at the rear. Q: What electronics and rider aids are available? A: The 890 Duke R has a modern electronics suite including ride-by-wire, multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Track, Rain, and Rider), cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP), lean-angle traction control (MTC), Supermoto ABS, and a PASC anti-hopping clutch. Q: What is the frame type and chassis design? A: The frame is a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis that uses the engine as a stressed member, which helps reduce weight while providing stiffness and agility. Q: What is the expected first service interval or maintenance requirement? A: While KTM’s official manual should be consulted, many users suggest being careful with break-in; some reports mention limiting revs and usage before first major service / oil change. |
| Price Variants | | 170545 | Standard |1450000 |
| 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, high-revving engine: The 889 cc parallel-twin makes 121 PS at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque. Great electronics package: Includes lean-angle traction control, cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP), Supermoto ABS mode, multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Rain, Track), and optional Track mode. Premium suspension & brakes: Fully adjustable WP APEX 43 mm fork and monoshock, plus Brembo Stylema calipers on 320 mm twin front discs. Agile chassis: The steel trellis frame (engine as a stressed member) gives it a stiff yet flickable character, very suited for spirited riding. Good fuel efficiency for its performance: The spec sheet shows about 4.74 L/100 km fuel consumption. Light weight relative to its power: With a dry weight around 166 kg, it's quite light for a high-performance “R” naked bike, which helps handling and responsiveness. Distinctive and aggressive styling: Sharp design, LED lighting, orange frame, and muscular tank extensions make it visually striking. |
| Starter | — | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6 Speed Manual |
