KTM 160 Duke Launched in India has officially launched the long-rumoured 160 Duke in India, positioning it as the brand’s most affordable streetfighter and a fresh gateway into the “Ready to Race” family. Priced at ₹1,84,998 ex-showroom (Delhi), the new model slots below the 200 Duke and takes the fight straight to popular 150–160cc rivals from Yamaha, TVS, and Bajaj.
This launch caps off a week of teasers and confirmations from KTM and the auto press. Multiple outlets had hinted at a mid-August arrival and ~₹1.85 lakh pricing; the bike is now live with pricing aligned to those expectations.
Positioning and Price
At ₹1.84 lakh ex-showroom Delhi, the 160 Duke undercuts KTM’s 200 and 250 Duke models while offering a premium set of features and performance for the segment. With this sticker, KTM is betting on buyers who want KTM’s aggressive design and chassis feel but don’t want to stretch to the 200 or 250. It’s also the most affordable KTM on sale in India right now.
Engine and Performance
Under the sharp bodywork sits a 164.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled SOHC engine. Output figures reported at launch put the 160 Duke at about 19 bhp and 15.5 Nm, which would make it among the most powerful motorcycles in the 160cc class—squarely aimed at enthusiasts who value punchy top-end without giving up everyday tractability.
A separate launch report mentions a peak of 18.74 bhp and 15.5 Nm, reflecting minor rounding differences in how publications report power (bhp vs PS), but the broad takeaway is the same: the bike delivers segment-topping power with a performance-first tune.
Chassis, Hardware, and Features
While KTM hasn’t issued a full technical brochure in these reports, early coverage indicates the 160 Duke borrows heavily from the 200 Duke’s design language and chassis attitude, likely including a trellis frame, aggressive ergonomics, and premium components relative to the class.
Given its price and placement, you can reasonably look for:
- LED lighting and KTM’s angular tank shrouds with bold graphics.
- Digital instrumentation with essential ride data.
- ABS (at least single-channel; dual-channel would be a segment surprise, pending official spec sheets).
- Sporty tyres and braking hardware tuned for quick stops and fast direction changes.
(Exact feature lists may vary; watch for KTM’s official specification sheet as dealer dispatches begin.)
Rivals and Market Context
KTM deliberately targets India’s most hotly contested performance-commuter bracket with the 160 Duke. The bike’s chief adversary is the Yamaha MT-15 V2, while TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar NS160 also sit in the crosshairs.
Why KTM Made A 160
For years, KTM’s entry point in India was the 125 Duke or the 200 Duke, depending on the season and stock position. A 160 bridges the sizable gap between 150/160cc commuters and KTM’s 200, bringing more buyers into KTM showrooms without diluting the brand’s performance ethos. Reports also suggest the 160 Duke replaces the earlier 125 Duke as the new entry point—a strategic shift toward offering more power per rupee and aligning better with market demand in 2025.
Early Verdict
If KTM pairs that with sensible gearing and friendly midrange, the 160 Duke could become the default choice for enthusiasts graduating from 125–150cc machines who want a genuine step up in performance and handling.
FAQs About The KTM 160 Duke
1) What is the price of the KTM 160 Duke in India?
The launch price is ₹1,84,998 ex-showroom (Delhi), making it the most affordable KTM currently on sale in India.
2) What engine does it use, and how powerful is it?
It’s powered by a 164.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder SOHC engine. Power/torque figures reported at launch are around 19 bhp and 15.5 Nm, with some outlets listing 18.74 bhp and 15.5 Nm due to different rounding conventions.
3) Is it the most powerful 160cc bike in India?
Launch-day reports bill it as class-leading in output within the 160cc category, edging rivals on peak power. Final, official spec sheets will settle any decimal-point debates, but it’s effectively at the top of the class.
4) Which bikes does the KTM 160 Duke compete with?
Primary rivals include the Yamaha MT-15 V2 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V; the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is also in the same hunting ground.
5) Does it share parts or design with the 200 Duke?
Reports indicate the 160 Duke mirrors the second-gen 200 Duke’s styling and broad chassis philosophy (sharp bodywork, streetfighter stance). This is a typical KTM strategy to deliver a premium feel even in entry segments.
6) What features can I expect at this price?
Expect LED lighting, a digital console, ABS, and sporty suspension and tyres. Exact kit (e.g., single vs dual-channel ABS, tyre specs) will be clearer once KTM publishes the official spec sheet from dealers. (Positioning inferred from launch coverage and KTM’s segment play.)
7) Is the 160 Duke replacing the 125 Duke?
According to Autocar India, KTM has confirmed the 160 as the new entry point, replacing the earlier 125 Duke in the lineup.
8) When did KTM launch the 160 Duke?
Launch coverage went live on August 11, 2025, with multiple publications reporting price and key figures the same day.
9) Will the price vary by city?
Ex-showroom pricing can differ slightly by state due to logistics and tax structures, and on-road prices will vary with local RTO charges, insurance, and accessories. The benchmark Delhi ex-showroom launch price is ₹1,84,998.
10) Is this an India-specific model?
Pre-launch reporting suggested the 160 Duke is an India-specific model tailored to our market’s 150–160cc sweet spot, though KTM could explore exports later.
11) How does it compare to the Yamaha MT-15 on price?
Reports ahead of launch pegged the KTM around ₹1.85 lakh, a little higher than the MT-15 V2’s ex-showroom range, which KTM counters with higher peak output and its sportier chassis character.
12) What about mileage (fuel efficiency)?
Official fuel-efficiency figures weren’t included in the day-one coverage. Given its performance bias and liquid-cooled setup, expect efficiency typical of sporty 160s rather than commuter-focused 150s. Watch for official ARAI numbers from KTM/dealers.
13) When will deliveries start?
Launch-day reports focus on specs and pricing; delivery timelines should follow quickly after dealer invoicing. Check with local KTM dealers for allocations in your city as updates roll out.
14) Will there be multiple variants or colors?
BikeDekho lists one variant at launch pricing; colorways typically include bold KTM graphics. Dealer information will clarify paint options and any special editions.
15) Is this a good upgrade from a 125–150cc bike?
If you’re seeking more outright performance with KTM’s handling DNA and don’t mind a slightly firmer ride, the 160 Duke looks purpose-built for exactly that step-up. Riders focused on pure commuting economy might find better value in milder 150s, but enthusiasts will appreciate the added power and sharper feel.
Summary
The KTM 160 Duke delivers a compelling blend of price, power, and pedigree. With ₹1.84 lakh ex-showroom pricing and class-leading output, it creates a new, more accessible on-ramp to KTM ownership without skimping on the brand’s sporty essence. If your priority is an agile, expressive streetfighter that feels a notch more serious than the average 160, the 160 Duke should be high on your shortlist.
Note: As early reports sometimes vary on exact power figures or equipment, consult your nearest KTM dealer for the official specification sheet and variant/color availability as dispatches begin.