Quick Analysis
KTM 160 DUKE
9.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
SUZUKI V-STROM SX
13.5 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Oil Cooled |
| Displacement | 164.2 cc | 249 cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine | 4-stroke, Single-cylinder, oil-cooled, SOHC |
| Power | 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm | 26.1 bhp @ 9300 rpm |
| Torque | 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm | 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.1 Ltrs | 12 litres |
| Mileage | 36 kmpl | 36 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 147 | 167 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 | Disc 300 mm Caliper - Front 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | 138.2 | Telescopic, coil spring, oil dampedgpt |
| Rear Brake | Disc, Floating caliper | Disc 220 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | 160.98 | Swing arm type, coil spring, oil damped |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/70 - 17 | 100/90 - 19 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/60 - R17 | 140/70 - 17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED HEADLAMP | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V 8 AH Maintenance free Exide/Amaron | Maintenance Free, 12V 6AH |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/atlantic-blue.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstromsxmetsonomared.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/silver-matte.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstromsxglasssparkleblack.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstromsxchampionyellowno2-1.webp |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstromsxpearlglacierwhitemetallicmatstellarblue.webp |
| Cluster | LCD Speedo | — |
| Color Options | Electronic Orange Silver Metallic Matte Atlantic Blue | Glass Sparkle Black Pearl Glacier White Champion Yellow Champion Blue Met Sonoma Red Glass Sparkle 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. | Seat height of 835 mm may be challenging for shorter riders. Fuel tank capacity of 12 litres could feel small for long-distance touring. Not designed for hardcore off-roading; more suited for mild trails. Wind protection is average at higher speeds. Rear tyre could have been slightly wider for stronger high-speed confidence. Engine feels a bit stressed above 100 km/h during continuous cruising. |
| 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. | If you’re looking for a motorcycle that quietly bridges the gap between everyday use and weekend adventure, the V-Strom SX stands out as a smart pick. Under its body sits a 249 cc single-cylinder engine that offers enough power to keep pace on open roads while remaining gentle and manageable in city traffic. The ride never feels nervous or eager to burst — instead it delivers smooth, linear thrust that riders appreciate when pulling away from traffic lights, overtaking, or cruising steadily. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine gives you flexibility: easy shifts and light clutch work mean city commutes are stress-free, while the taller gears serve highway cruising well — the bike doesn’t feel like it’s straining even when you push past 90 km/h. Its relatively light kerb weight keeps handling easy and intuitive, which is especially helpful when maneuvering through narrow lanes or doing U-turns. Physically, the V-Strom SX occupies a comfortable middle ground. A tall seat and high ground clearance give you a commanding view over traffic, and a posture that doesn’t tire you out — useful if you spend hours on the saddle. The chassis geometry and suspension setup strike a balance between comfort and control: you’ll glide over city potholes and rough patches without feeling every bump, yet the bike remains stable and confidence-inspiring when cornering or riding on uneven surfaces. The braking setup — disc brakes front and rear with ABS — offers peace of mind. That extra bit of security becomes important when roads are slippery, brake distances unpredictable, or sudden stops unavoidable. The tyres and suspension together make the ride predictable and planted — whatever the terrain, the bike simply feels secure under you rather than skittish. For riders who value convenience, the V-Strom SX delivers. A modern instrument cluster, smart ergonomics, and a manageable fuel tank size combine to make both daily commuting and short touring hassle-free. While it won’t rival large tourers in fuel tank capacity or long-haul comfort, it finds its strength in versatility: breezing through morning traffic, handling a weekend escape, or tackling rough rural roads — all with the same bike. Used in a semi-urban or small-town setting, where road conditions vary from smooth tarmac to patchy stretches, the V-Strom SX adapts well. It doesn’t feel like a compromise between commuter and adventure — it genuinely works as both. For someone who doesn’t want the burden of an oversized tourer yet wants more than a basic commuter, this bike gives a little bit of freedom: enough power, enough comfort, enough stability — and a sense that you’re more ready than most to go somewhere, even if it’s not planned. |
| 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 35–40 kmpl in real-world riding. Q: Is the Suzuki V-Strom SX good for long rides? A: Yes, it’s very comfortable for touring thanks to its upright posture, smooth engine, and stable highway manners. Q: Can beginners ride this bike easily? A: Yes, the power delivery is friendly, and the handling is light, making it suitable for new riders. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 835 mm. Q: Does it come with ABS? A: Yes, the bike is equipped with dual-channel ABS. Q: How does the suspension perform on bad roads? A: It handles rough roads well due to long-travel suspension and 205 mm ground clearance. Q: What tyres does the V-Strom SX use? A: It has a 100/90-19 front tyre and a 140/70-17 rear tyre. Q: Does it have Bluetooth features? A: Yes, the digital console supports Bluetooth connectivity, including call alerts and navigation prompts. Q: What is the ground clearance? A: The ground clearance is 205 mm. Q: Is the bike comfortable for a pillion? A: Yes, the seat is wide and supportive, making pillion rides comfortable. Q: How big is the fuel tank? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres. Q: Does the engine heat up in traffic? A: No, the oil-cooled engine manages heat well and stays stable even in slow-moving traffic. Q: Is luggage mounting easy? A: Yes, panniers and top boxes can be mounted easily due to the strong rear subframe design. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The bike weighs 167 kg. Q: Is it suitable for off-roading? A: Light off-roading and rough patches are fine, but it’s not designed for hardcore off-road trails. |
| Fuel System | — | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | | 170545 | | 200189 |
| 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. | Smooth and refined 249cc engine that’s great for both city and highway use. Very comfortable riding posture, ideal for long rides and daily commuting. Light and easy to handle despite the ADV stance. High 205 mm ground clearance makes bad roads easy to tackle. Dual-channel ABS adds strong safety during sudden braking. Long-travel suspension offers a plush ride over potholes and uneven surfaces. Bluetooth-enabled digital console with navigation alerts and phone notifications. Good stability thanks to 19-inch front wheel and well-balanced chassis. Easy to mount luggage for touring; strong rear subframe. Reliable, low-maintenance engine with proven Suzuki durability. |
| Starter | — | Electronic ignition |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6 Speed Manual |
