The KTM Duke was the first motorcycle to bring the now-familiar shade of orange to the Indian motorcycling scene. In the 13 years since its launch, the Duke range has expanded considerably, growing into a six-model line-up that stretches from a 160cc entry point to a 1300cc flagship – the only model family in India to offer such a comprehensive spread of displacements under one name.
That variation in capacity naturally brings wide differences in performance, features and pricing. Yet, what remains consistent across the Duke range is KTM’s signature design language and the engaging performance that has defined the brand from the outset.
Interestingly, the way the bikes are priced at the lower end means that for a little extra money, buyers can often step up to the next model in the line-up. But the real question is whether that upgrade is worth it. That’s what we aim to answer in this article.
KTM 160 Duke
The KTM 160 Duke is priced at Rs 1.85 lakh
The KTM 160 Duke replaces the discontinued 125 Duke as the most accessible and smallest-capacity model in the line-up. At its core is a 164.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 19hp and 15.5Nm. On paper, these may appear modest numbers, but the 160 Duke holds the distinction of being the most powerful 160cc motorcycle currently on sale in India. Coupled with a 147kg kerb weight, it also delivers one of the strongest power-to-weight ratios in its class.
Equipment levels are impressive, too, with a 5-inch LCD dash, full LED lighting, and dual-channel ABS featuring KTM’s Supermoto mode, which allows the rear ABS to be disengaged. We haven’t yet had the chance to ride the 160 Duke, but if it stays true to KTM’s DNA, it should make for a worthwhile beginner motorcycle.
KTM 200 Duke
The KTM 200 Duke is priced at Rs 2.07 lakh
Unlike the newer 250 Duke and 390 Duke, the 200 Duke continues on KTM’s Gen-2 platform, though a recent update has brought it closer to its larger siblings. It now gets the 5-inch TFT display from the 390 Duke, complete with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and music controls via the KTM app.
Performance comes from a 199.5cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 25hp and 19.3Nm, with a kerb weight of 159kg. Priced Rs 22,000 higher than the 160 Duke, the 200 Duke sits in a narrow band, where a similar premium will get you the more capable and better-equipped 250 Duke.
KTM 250 Duke
The KTM 250 Duke is priced at Rs 2.30 lakh
The 250 Duke received a round of updates late last year that brought it closer in line with the 390 Duke. It now features the same TFT display, updated switchgear, and full LED lighting.
Power comes from a 249cc, single-cylinder engine producing 31hp and 25Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a bi-directional quickshifter. At Rs 2.30 lakh, it represents a meaningful step up in both performance and equipment over the 200 Duke, making it a compelling middle ground for riders who want more capability without venturing into 390 territory.
KTM 390 Duke
The KTM 390 Duke is priced at Rs 2.97 lakh
The 390 Duke is the largest-capacity model among the made-in-India KTM Dukes, and arguably the one that offers the best value. Its latest update brings cruise control to the package, complementing an already extensive suite of electronics that includes traction control, launch control, cornering ABS, a bi-directional quickshifter, and a crawl function that allows the bike to move at low speeds without clutch or throttle input – a feature that makes city riding noticeably easier.
Power comes from a 399cc single-cylinder engine producing 46hp and 39Nm, delivering more than enough performance for most riding scenarios. At Rs 2.95 lakh, it represents a steeper step up than the lower models in the range, but remains one of the strongest value propositions in KTM’s entire line-up.
KTM 890 Duke R
The KTM 890 Duke R is priced at Rs 14.50 lakh
The jump from the 390 Duke to the 890 Duke R is a substantial one, not just in price but also in performance and equipment. Powering the bike is an 889cc parallel-twin engine producing 121hp and 99Nm, with a kerb weight of 180kg, making the 890 Duke R a serious high-performance street naked.
Hardware includes fully adjustable WP Apex suspension and Brembo Stylema brakes, while the electronics suite includes cornering ABS, traction control and multiple ride modes. Priced at Rs 14.50 lakh, it sits higher than similarly positioned rivals, such as the Kawasaki Z900 and Triumph Street Triple RS, but also promises a sharper and more focused riding experience.
KTM 1390 Super Duke R
The 1390 Super Duke R is priced at Rs 22.96 lakh
Sitting at the very top of KTM’s streetfighter hierarchy is the 1390 Super Duke R, powered by a 1,350cc V-twin that produces 190hp and 145Nm, making it the most powerful KTM currently on sale. It delivers litre-class superbike levels of performance, but with no fairing and a relatively upright riding position, which is a combination that should make for a truly manic experience.
As expected, the hardware is impressive. The bike is equipped with WP Apex suspension at both ends, Brembo Stylema callipers with dual 320mm discs up front and a 240mm disc at the rear, along with a comprehensive list of electronic rider aids. These include adjustable traction control, launch control, wheelie control, slide control, multiple ride modes and a bi-directional quickshifter.
At this level of performance and pricing, the 1390 Super Duke R goes head-to-head with other range-topping streetfighters like the Ducati Streetfighter V4 and BMW S1000 R.
