Quick Analysis
KTM 85 SX
11.0 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 160 DUKE
24.0 pts
Unweighted: 18 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid cooling (0.8L) | — |
| Displacement | 84.9 cc | 164.2 cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Power | 15.5 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm |
| Torque | 14 Nm @ 8500 rpm | 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.2 L | 10.1 Ltrs |
| Mileage | 25 kmpl | 36 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | approx. 67 kg (without fuel) | 147 |
| Seat Height | 865 mm | 815 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 240 mm | Disc, Radial caliper |
| Front Suspension | XACT 43 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 43 mm | 138.2 |
| Rear Brake | Disc 220 mm | Disc, Floating caliper |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP PDS mono shock | 160.98 |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 70/100 - 17 | 110/70 - 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 90/100 - 14 | 140/60 - R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | 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 |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/silver-matte.webp |
| Cluster | — | LCD Speedo |
| Color Options | Orange | Electronic Orange Silver Metallic Matte Atlantic Blue |
| Cons | Not road legal and suitable only for off-road tracks. High maintenance due to 2-stroke engine rebuilds. Kick-start only, no electric start option. Relatively expensive compared to other youth dirt bikes. Small fuel tank limits long riding sessions. | 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. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 85 SX is one of the most popular and respected youth motocross bikes in the world, designed specifically for young riders who are ready to take the next big step toward competitive racing. More than just a beginner’s off-road bike, the 85 SX brings true race-bred DNA from KTM’s full-size SX lineup, giving upcoming racers the opportunity to experience high-level performance at an early age. With its sharp power delivery, lightweight design, and premium components, the bike is built to help young riders improve skills and confidently tackle motocross tracks. At the heart of the KTM 85 SX lies its 84.9cc 2-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, which is known for delivering punchy power and rapid acceleration. The powervalve system ensures that the engine produces strong torque across the rev range, making the bike easier to control while still offering impressive performance. Whether riders are attacking tight corners or hitting long straights, the engine responds crisply and delivers the thrilling character 2-strokes are known for. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, the bike offers smooth shifting and plenty of flexibility for both beginners and experienced youth racers. One of the standout features of the 85 SX is its lightweight chassis, made with high-strength chromoly steel. This frame not only enhances stability but also ensures precise handling, allowing riders to maneuver confidently through jumps, whoops, and rough terrain. The ergonomics are thoughtfully designed to fit young riders, offering a slim body that allows easy movement, better grip, and improved control during aggressive riding. Suspension is another area where KTM excels, and the 85 SX is no exception. It comes equipped with WP XACT suspension, featuring an AER air fork at the front and a fully adjustable shock absorber at the rear. This setup provides excellent damping, great response on jumps, and impressive support on uneven surfaces. Riders can also fine-tune the suspension to match their weight, riding style, and track conditions — something rarely seen in youth motocross bikes. The bike also features powerful disc brakes on both ends, giving young riders the confidence to brake hard into corners. The wave-style discs help with heat dissipation, which is especially important during long practice sessions or competitive races. Lightweight wheels, grippy motocross tyres, and a race-focused design further enhance the overall performance package. In terms of ergonomics, the KTM 85 SX is designed to feel like a miniature version of the bigger SX bikes. The seat height, handlebar position, and narrow bodywork all work together to provide comfort while promoting proper riding posture. This allows young riders to develop good habits early in their riding journey. Overall, the KTM 85 SX is a bike built for serious young racers who want real performance, durability, and race-ready features. With its responsive engine, excellent suspension, strong brakes, and lightweight build, it stands out as one of the top choices in the youth motocross segment. Whether used for training or competition, the 85 SX gives riders a true taste of professional motocross performance. | 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. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 18–20 kmpl (may vary as it’s an off-road motocross bike). Q: What is the engine capacity? A: The KTM 85 SX comes with an 84.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is approximately 850 mm. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is around 110 km/h, depending on rider and terrain. Q: Does the KTM 85 SX have electric start? A: No, it comes with a kick-start mechanism. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 5.2 liters. Q: Is the KTM 85 SX road legal? A: No, it is not road legal as it is designed specifically for motocross/off-road racing. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: It features disc brakes at both front and rear. Q: Is the KTM 85 SX suitable for beginners? A: It is ideal for youth riders transitioning to higher-powered bikes, but not recommended for complete beginners. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The bike weighs approximately 68 kg (dry weight). | 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. |
| Price Variants | | 669000 | | 170545 |
| Pros | Powerful 2-stroke engine with strong mid-range performance. Lightweight chassis for excellent handling on tracks. Premium WP suspension for smooth jumps and rough terrain. Strong disc brakes offering sharp stopping power. Race-ready ergonomics designed for young motocross riders. | 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. |
| Starter | Kickstarter | — |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6 Speed Manual |
