Bajaj Auto, the second largest two wheeler manufacturer in the country, has increased the price of KTM Duke 200 for the second time this year. The KTM Duke 200 was launched for a competitive introductory price tag of INR 1,17,500, which was later increased by Rs. 3,500. The second consecutive rise this year has taken its price to INR 1.29 lacs, ex-showroom Delhi. The hike in the price of the two wheeler is steep this time with its price going up by 5 per cent. Duke 200, ever since its launch has caught the attention of buyers as it came with a new look, street fighter styling and a powerful engine.
Despite the recent price hike, the Duke 200, having a host of features, is still available at a very reasonable price, especially when compared against the prices of its competitors. Honda CBR150R, for example, has much less features and offers lesser than Duke in terms of performance but is available at a whooping Rs. 1.17 lacs. On the other hand, the Honda CBR250R is available for Rs. 30, 000 more than the KTM Duke 200.
The competitive price of both KTM Duke and the Pulsar 200 NS has been achieved basically because the bikes are completely built in the country with no technology imported from outside India. The KTM Duke 200, which has gained wide popularity in the country, is manufactured at Bajaj Auto's Chakan unit. The two wheeler is not only sold in the domestic market but also exported to all parts of the world including Europe. The Duke 200 comes with a 199.5cc liquid cooled engine having four valves and a DOHC head. The engine can deliver a power as high as 25 bhp at 10,000 rpm and achieves a peak torque of 19.2 Nm at 8,000 rpm.
KTM Duke comes with explosive acceleration, thanks to its happy rev engine, which is mated with a six speed gearbox and can deliver a true top speed of about 130 kph. The year 2013 will see a more powerful version of Duke that would be launched both in the country and abroad. The Duke 375, is also expected to be launched sometimes in 2013 at a price around Rs. 50,000 higher than the Duke 200cc version. Following suit, a Pulsar 375 will also be brought out from Pulsar 200 NS.
