Quick Analysis
KTM 160 DUKE
14.0 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM RC 390
14.0 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid cooling. Curved radiator with fans for better heat management |
| Displacement | 164.2 cc | 373.27 cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine | Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, FI Engine |
| Power | 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm | 43.5 PS @ 9000 rpm |
| Torque | 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm | 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.1 Ltrs | 13.7 L |
| Mileage | 36 kmpl | 29 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 147 | 172 kg |
| Seat Height | 815 mm | 835 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc, Radial caliper | 320 mm Disc with Radially mounted calliper |
| Front Suspension | 138.2 | WP APEX USD forks, 43 mm diameter |
| Rear Brake | Disc, Floating caliper | 230 mm Disc with Floating calliper |
| Rear Suspension | 160.98 | WP APEX Monoshock, 10 step adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/70 - 17 | 110/70 - 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/60 - R17 | 150/60 - 17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED HEADLAMP | LED Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V 8 AH Maintenance free Exide/Amaron | 12 V, 8 AH MF battery |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/atlantic-blue.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rc-390-blue.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/silver-matte.webp | — |
| Cluster | LCD Speedo | TFT Multifunction display |
| Color Options | Electronic Orange Silver Metallic Matte Atlantic Blue | ORANGE 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. | Heat Buildup: The single-cylinder engine can produce noticeable heat in heavy traffic or slow-moving city rides. Harsh Ride at Low Speeds: Stiff sport suspension can make daily commuting rough on bumpy or uneven roads. Aggressive Riding Posture: The forward-leaning position can be fatiguing for longer rides or casual commuting. Fuel Efficiency: The bike’s performance comes at a cost — real-world mileage is moderate when ridden aggressively. Maintenance Costs: Premium parts and periodic services (especially for the high-performance components) can be more expensive compared to typical middleweight bikes. Limited Comfort for Pillion: The rear seat is compact and not very comfortable for longer pillion rides. |
| 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 RC 390 is the ultimate entry-level superbike for riders who want a sporty three-hundred-something cc machine loaded with performance and attitude. Designed from the ground up to deliver track-focused aesthetics and a spirited riding experience, the RC 390 bridges the gap between aggressive streetfighters and full-blown supersport bikes. Its heart lies a 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that delivers around 43.5 PS and strong mid-range torque, making it both quick off the line and capable of high-rev thrills. Thanks to the six-speed transmission, plus an assist-and-slipper clutch, downshifts feel smoother and gear changes are quick—a big plus when riding aggressively or on twisty roads. KTM has equipped the RC 390 with serious handling hardware: its steel trellis frame keeps the weight in check, while WP APEX 43 mm USD front forks and a 10-step adjustable mono-shock at the rear offer a fine balance between sporty responsiveness and commuter usability. Combined with its slim chassis, the bike feels nimble and sharp, whether navigating tight city streets or attacking sweepers on a weekend ride. Braking power comes from a large 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, both supported by dual-channel ABS and a Supermoto mode—a thoughtful touch for riders who want more rear-wheel control under braking. One of the biggest draws of the RC 390 is its premium feel. The fully-faired bodywork looks aggressive and modern, while the MotoGP-style graphics and sharp design language set it apart from typical commuter bikes. A full-color TFT instrument cluster adds to its tech cred, showing real-time rpm, gear position, trip information, fuel range, and more—and it even connects with KTM’s smartphone app. On the comfort front, the riding posture is sporty, but the ergonomics are well thought out; the seat height may be a bit tall for some, but the footpeg and handlebar positioning create a balanced, aggressive ride feel for both short sprints and longer journeys. Despite its performance focus, the RC 390 can still serve as a commuter. It’s capable in traffic, though engine heat can build up in slow-moving conditions and fuel efficiency takes a hit if you ride aggressively. Maintenance is moderate; while KTM’s high-performance components — like the slipper clutch and premium suspension — offer excellent feedback, they also come with a slightly higher servicing cost compared to basic commuter bikes. The rear seat is compact and better suited for occasional pillion rides rather than long two-up tours. Ultimately, the KTM RC 390 is for riders who want more than just transportation. It’s a bike that delivers excitement, visual aggression, and racetrack-inspired dynamics without diving into the realm of liter-class superbikes. For young enthusiasts, weekend warriors, or anyone looking for a bold and capable sport machine under 400cc, the RC 390 offers a compelling mix of power, style, and performance. |
| 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 engine specification of the KTM RC 390? A: The RC 390 is powered by a 373.27 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. Q: How much power and torque does it produce? A: It generates approximately 43.5 PS at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and mileage of the RC 390? A: The bike has a 13.7-litre fuel tank. Q: What type of brakes and safety features does the KTM RC 390 come with? A: It features a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, paired with dual-channel ABS and a Supermoto mode for the ABS system. Q: What suspension setup does the RC 390 have? A: It uses WP APEX 43 mm USD forks at the front and a 10-step adjustable WP APEX monoshock at the rear. Q: What is the seat height and kerb weight of the RC 390? A: The seat height is 835 mm and the kerb weight is 172 kg. Q: Does the RC 390 support quick shifting and a slipper clutch? A: Yes, it comes with a slipper and assist clutch to make downshifts smoother and reduce rear-wheel chatter. Q: What electronic rider aids are available on the RC 390? A: The RC 390 offers several aids, including Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), cornering ABS, and Quickshifter+. Q: What kind of instrument cluster does it have? A: It features a TFT multifunction display that shows info like speed, rpm, gear position, fuel range, and more. Q: Is the KTM RC 390 suitable for both city riding and weekend rides? A: Yes — it’s designed to be sporty and rider-focused, making it agile enough for city commuting, while its power and handling also make it a capable pick for weekend rides. |
| Price Variants | | 170545 | | 322719 |
| 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. | High Power for Its Class: With a 373cc single-cylinder engine, the RC 390 delivers blistering performance and is one of the most powerful in its segment. Aggressive Sport Styling: Fully-faired design, sharp lines, and MotoGP-inspired graphics make it visually striking. Premium Components: Equipped with WP suspension, a slipper/assist clutch, and a responsive quickshifter, giving a premium feel at this displacement. Modern Electronics: Features like Traction Control (MTC), cornering ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, and Quickshifter+ boost both safety and performance. Excellent Braking: Strong braking performance using a 320 mm front disc and dual-channel ABS ensures high safety. TFT Instrument Cluster: A full-color display provides essential information and adds a modern touch to the cockpit. Excellent Handling: Lightweight frame and sporty geometry result in agile, confidence-inspiring cornering and performance. |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6 Speed Manual |
