Technical basis: 164.2 cm³, modern equipment, and proven chassis
The KTM 160 Duke is powered by a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 164.2 cm³. The engine delivers 14 kW (19 hp) at 9,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 15.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. This positions the bike between the previous 125 Duke and the now discontinued 200 version.
The chassis is typical KTM style: a split trellis frame combined with an aluminum swing arm, a WP Apex upside-down fork at the front, and a WP monoshock at the rear. Braking is provided by a 320 mm brake disc at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear, supported by a two-channel ABS with switchable off-road mode.
Modern features: display with smartphone connectivity
Despite its position as an entry-level model, the 160 Duke is technically up to date: A 5-inch LCD display enables smartphone pairing, navigation, and music and call control—features that are rarely found in this class.
KTM and Bajaj: Strategy change due to Indian majority
Behind the new model is a major strategy change at KTM. After a difficult financial period, Bajaj not only acquired a majority stake in the company, but also invested €800 million (approx. US$875 million) in the group. This means that the Indian company is not only taking control, but also apparently reorienting the business: away from neglecting the small displacement classes and toward a stronger focus on precisely these segments.
The 160 Duke could play a central role, especially in markets such as Southeast Asia, where motorcycles are an important means of everyday and leisure transportation, but purchasing power is often limited. In countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia, it could establish itself as an attractive yet affordable dream bike for many young riders.
A sign of the return of the small Dukes
The KTM 160 Duke thus symbolizes a return to what made KTM great in many regions of the world: powerful, affordable entry-level bikes with sporty aspirations. The success of this model could determine whether KTM will increasingly focus on displacement classes below 200 cm³ in the future – and whether Bajaj’s course will stabilize the group in the long term.
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