Quick Analysis
KTM 160 DUKE
13.5 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE
11.0 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Displacement | 164.2 cc | 776 cm3 |
| Engine Type | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine | 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm | 83 bhp @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm | 78 Nm @ 6800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.1 Ltrs | 20 L |
| Mileage | 36 kmpl | 22.7 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 147 | 232 kg |
| Seat Height | 815 mm | 855 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc, Radial caliper | Disc Front Brake 310 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | 138.2 | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear Brake | Disc, Floating caliper | Disc Front Brake 260 mm Caliper - Rear1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | 160.98 | Link type, coil spring, oil damped |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/70 - 17 | 90/90-21M/C 54H |
| Rear Tyre | 140/60 - R17 | 150/70R17M/C 69H |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| 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/vstrom800depearltechwhite.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/silver-matte.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstrom800deglasssparkleblack.webp |
| Cluster | LCD Speedo | — |
| Color Options | Electronic Orange Silver Metallic Matte Atlantic Blue | Glass Sparkle Black Pearl Tech White Champion Yellow |
| 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. | The bike is on the heavier side, which can feel a bit cumbersome in tight spaces or slow-speed city manoeuvres. Its tall seat height may be challenging for shorter riders, especially when stopping on uneven surfaces. The use of tube-type tyres on spoked wheels can be inconvenient during punctures compared to tubeless setups. The handling is tuned more for stability than sharpness, so riders looking for a sporty feel might find it less nimble. Heat from the engine can become noticeable in congested traffic, especially during slow-moving conditions. |
| 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. | Riding the V-Strom 800 DE leaves you with a strong sense that this is a motorcycle built for doing many things well — commuting, weekend rides, long highway runs or even dirt-trail adventures — rather than specialising only in one. Its heart is a 776 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin engine. That numbers to a mid-displacement motorcycle, but thanks to a 270° crankshaft and a long-stroke configuration (bore and stroke of 84.0 mm × 70.0 mm), the engine delivers a smooth yet torquey character rather than a high-revving, buzzy one. What this means on real roads is confidence: from slow city traffic to winding country roads, the bike responds with a satisfying blend of tractable low- and mid-range pull, making it easier to ride whether you are carrying luggage, a pillion, or simply cruising solo. The compact engine design also helps the bike keep good weight balance — a useful quality when manoeuvring in tighter spots or when riding on uneven terrain. The transmission is a 6-speed constant-mesh gearbox, and paired with the built-in bi-directional quick-shift system. For the rider, this translates to smoother shifts — upshifts or downshifts — often without needing to use the clutch lever when you’re on the move. In real-world riding, that means less fuss in city traffic or during spirited overtakes, and a more seamless connection with the road, especially on long rides. What gives the V-Strom 800 DE its true “adventure-tourer” character is the chassis and suspension setup: a sturdy steel frame with a lightweight aluminum swingarm, 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel on spoke rims, and suspension designed to handle more than just smooth asphalt. The front end uses inverted telescopic forks (coil-spring, oil-damped), while the rear is a link-type mono-shock (coil-spring, oil-damped) with adjustable preload — handy when carrying a passenger or luggage. With a ground clearance of 220 mm, long wheelbase, and geometry tuned for stability, the V-Strom handles gravel, rough village roads or uneven tarmac with unexpected composure. The suspension’s travel and forgiving nature mean that long hours in the saddle — even on imperfect roads — remain reasonably comfortable, while still offering the control you need when the pace picks up or when cornering hard. On the road, the bike’s size and weight give it a stable, planted feel. Measuring about 2,345 mm in length, 975 mm in width and 1,310 mm in height, with a 1,570 mm wheelbase and a seat height of 855 mm, the V-Strom feels substantial — but in a “reassuring-presence” way, rather than “bulky and unwieldy.” Its kerb weight sits at around 232 kg. That might sound hefty, but the way the bike is balanced and the distribution of mass make a noticeable difference: at speed, it rides with composure and stability; while at low speeds or stop-and-go traffic, the low-to-mid torque helps keep it manageable. Yes — parking or tight U-turns will ask a bit of care, but once you’re moving the bike feels surprisingly agile for its size. Braking is handled via disc brakes at both ends — twin discs up front, a disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS (and the option to cancel rear ABS when riding off-road). That means you have confidence whenever you need to scrub speed — on twisty downhill curves, sudden city brakes, or uneven off-road patches. The ABS modes give flexibility: less intrusive on gravel or dirt, firmer when on asphalt. From a rider-aid and convenience perspective, the V-Strom 800 DE stands well above basic bikes. A 5-inch colour TFT instrument cluster sits front and centre, delivering clear and rich info — speed, revs, riding modes, navigation data, alerts — in a modern, intuitive layout. Day/night modes make it readable in varying light conditions. Lighting around the bike is all LED: stacked hexagonal headlamps, LED position/taillight, turn indicators — bright, efficient and giving a modern visage. There’s even a USB (DC) outlet built into the console — useful on long rides for charging phones or powering navigation accessories. The windscreen, adjustable in three positions, does a decent job of deflecting wind and debris, and combined with upright handlebar geometry and a comfortable seat (flat enough for long hours, yet shaped to let the rider reach the ground easily) the bike stays comfortable in touring mode. Pillion comfort and luggage-mount capacity are taken care of too, with sturdy footpegs, grab bars and a rear carrier ready for top-case mount. Fuel tank capacity — 20 litres — adds to its touring credentials. That’s enough to build a healthy riding range between fill-ups, especially on highways or during longer trips. The fuel-injected engine with its tuning tends to give a balanced mix of efficiency and usable power; while aggressive throttle will affect fuel economy, at gentle to moderate riding it remains reasonable, making the bike practical as a daily commuter or long-haul tourer. What all this boils down to is a motorcycle that aims to be a “do-everything” companion — comfortable enough for daily use, robust enough for light off-road or gravel exploration, capable enough for long highway runs, and refined enough for city commuting or touring. The V-Strom 800 DE doesn’t insist you commit fully to one type of riding — instead it offers flexibility: the same bike plays a safe role in rush-hour traffic or scenic getaways, highway cruising or dirt-path diversion, solo ride or two-up with luggage. Of course, this flexibility comes with some trade-offs. The seat height and weight make it a bit demanding for shorter or new riders, especially at slow speeds or when parked. The spoked wheels with tube-style tyres — while offering durability and off-road resilience — may not deliver the same instant handling feedback or lower maintenance ease as tubeless tyres, especially under heavy touring load or when puncture repair is needed. And because it’s built for a variety of roles, it doesn’t feel like a razor-sharp sportbike or a hardcore off-roader — but that is by design. The V-Strom 800 DE is not about extremes; it’s about balance. If you imagine yourself as someone who wants a single motorcycle that does many things — commuter, weekend ride, highway tourer, occasional off-road explorer — the V-Strom 800 DE makes a strong case. It’s less about chasing top-end thrill and more about offering a reliable, enjoyable and well-rounded riding experience, day in and day out. And that is precisely where it shines — the everyday adventure that doesn’t ask for compromises. |
| 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 mixed riding. Q: What is the engine capacity? A: It is powered by a 776cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. Q: How much power does it produce? A: It produces roughly 82–84 PS of power. Q: What is the torque output? A: The torque is about 78 Nm, delivered in a smooth, usable mid-range. Q: Does it come with a quickshifter? A: Yes, it has a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. Q: What type of suspension does the bike use? A: It uses long-travel, fully adjustable suspension designed for off-road and rough-road riding. Q: What are the wheel sizes? A: The bike runs a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel. Q: Does it have traction control? A: Yes, it has a multi-level traction control system, including a gravel/off-road-friendly mode. Q: Does the bike come with riding modes? A: Yes, it offers multiple power delivery modes to suit different riding conditions. Q: What is the ground clearance? A: It offers tall ground clearance, giving it strong off-road capability (around 220 mm). Q: Does it have ABS? A: Yes, it features dual-channel ABS with selectable modes. Q: Is this bike good for long-distance touring? A: Yes, the comfortable ergonomics, smooth engine, and long-travel suspension make it ideal for long rides and adventure touring. Q: Is the V-Strom 800DE beginner-friendly? A: It is manageable for confident riders, but its weight and power make it better suited for riders with some experience. |
| Fuel System | — | Fuel injection |
| Price Variants | | 170545 | | 1100763 |
| 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. | The 776cc parallel-twin engine has a very strong mid-range, making the bike effortless to ride both in the city and on long highway stretches. The long-travel, fully adjustable suspension gives it excellent comfort on broken roads and makes rough-patch riding feel natural and controlled. The upright ergonomics, wide handlebars, and supportive seat make it extremely comfortable for touring, even over long distances. The 21-inch front wheel and generous ground clearance give it real off-road confidence compared to typical road-biased adventure bikes. It comes well-equipped with modern features like a bi-directional quickshifter, riding modes, traction control, and a clear digital display. Stability at high speeds is impressive, giving riders a sense of confidence on open roads. |
| Starter | — | Electric |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6-speed |
