KTM has always been the brand that screams performance, style, and a whole lot of “ready to race” energy. But now, they’ve set their sights on a new battlefield — the 160cc segment. That’s commuter territory, sporty beginners, and first-time buyers. So naturally, the question is: can the Duke 160 deliver the same adrenaline punch as its bigger siblings? Spoiler: oh yes, it can.
From the moment you lay eyes on it, the Duke 160 flexes that aggressive KTM DNA. The sharp tank shrouds, beefy stance, and the signature split LED headlamp give it the aura of a bike that wants to fight above its weight class. And those fresh colourways — Electric Orange, Atlantic Blue, and Silver Metallic Matt — are basically poster-ready.
Hop on, and it’s surprisingly chill. The upright seating, well-padded saddle, and relaxed ergonomics mean you can cruise for hours without feeling like you just wrestled a bull. It’s comfortable enough for long rides, but still feels like a performance machine when you want it to.
Here’s where things get fun. That 164.2cc liquid-cooled single churns out 18.7 bhp, making it one of the most powerful bikes in its class. Above 4,000 rpm, it absolutely comes alive — a proper hooligan that dares you to redline it again and again. Below that though, it can feel a little tame, but once you open it up, you’ll be grinning inside your helmet.
Handling? Classic Duke. Agile, flickable, and super confidence-inspiring at just 147 kg. Perfect for slicing through traffic or leaning into weekend corners. For new riders, it’s approachable; for experienced ones, it’s still plenty of fun.
The suspension setup strikes a sweet balance — soft enough for city bumps, firm enough for highway runs. Stopping power comes from ByBre brakes with dual-channel ABS, and yes, the rear ABS can be switched off if you’re in the mood for slides.
The 5-inch LCD dash is crisp and packs in all the essentials — speed, revs, trip data, fuel — plus smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation. Add a 10.1-litre fuel tank, and you’ve got enough range for city commutes and short weekend runs.
At Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), the Duke 160 isn’t exactly cheap, but you’re buying into the KTM lifestyle. Against rivals like the Yamaha MT-15 or even bigger bikes like the NS200, the Duke 160 holds its own — with raw charm, sharp looks, and a dose of KTM mischief.
For anyone eyeing their first “serious” bike, this little Duke packs enough punch to make every ride an event.
Engine: 164.2cc single-cylinder
Power: 18.7 bhp at 9500 rpm
Torque: 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm
For: Fun Performance
Against: No colour TFT
