KTM has just announced a new entry-level addition to the Duke family, the 2020 KTM 200 Duke. Availability in North America is slated for this month.
The “Ready to Race” brand’s latest lightweight naked sportbike is being aimed squarely at first-time riders with its extremely competitive MSRP of $3,999. This price point puts the 200 Duke in a comparable price bracket to the Honda Grom ($3,399) and Kawasaki Z125 Pro ($3,199) while offering the riding experience of a full-sized motorcycle.
A 199.5cc single-cylinder DOHC thumper engine powers the 200 Duke. It boasts a sporty 11.5:1 compression ratio with four valves, two overhead camshafts and ultra-hard, carbon-coated cam followers. KTM states that these features will improve reliability and longevity. No claimed performance figures have been released as of yet but we anticipate approachable levels of horsepower and torque for newcomers.
KTM says that the refined fuel injection system, as well as a close-ratio 6-speed transmission should not only encourage spirited riding, but also improve fuel efficiency. Combined with a decently sized 3.5-gallon fuel tank, this bike could prove to be quite economical in terms of MPG.
The 200 Duke keeps with tradition for the Duke lineup, using a steel trellis frame with a bolt-on subframe and aluminum swingarm. A short wheelbase of 53.4 ± 0.6 inches and a steep rake of 25 degrees will surely make the lightweight Duke a nimble motorcycle.
A non-adjustable WP Apex inverted fork with 4.6 inches of travel and a WP Apex linkless shock featuring 5 inches of travel, as well as spring preload adjustment, handle suspension duties.
Riders of all sizes should find the 31.6-inch seat height accommodating, especially when we consider how narrow these single-cylinder powered Dukes tend to be. Riders with shorter inseam lengths will be able to reach the ground confidently. In addition, a backswept handlebar will aid in a comfortable, neutral riding position.
When we say lightweight, we mean it. KTM has stated that the littlest Duke weighs in at an impressive 308.6 pounds, without fuel. Quick math tells us that the 200 Duke could tip our scales at just 337.6 pounds, which is whopping 21.2 pounds lighter than the weight of our last 390 Duke test bike.
The KTM 200 Duke is not equipped with the flashy full-color TFT instrument panels that are prominently featured on the 390, 790, 890 and 1290 models and opts for a conventional LCD as a cost saving measure. The LCD panel appears to be the same unit that is on the RC 390.
Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are shod with 110/70 front and 150/60 tires. A radially mounted four-piston ByBre brake caliper clamps onto a 300mm disc. In the rear, a single-piston floating caliper works in conjunction with a 230mm disc. Two-channel Bosch 10 MB ABS is standard. Supermoto ABS is available, allowing riders to slide the rear and begin their hooligan careers from the get-go.
We’re excited by the prospect of an entry-level Duke and can’t wait to test one ourselves.
2020 KTM 200 Duke Specs:
Website: ktm.com
Base Price: $3,999
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled single, DOHC, four valves per cyl.
Bore x Stroke: 72 x 49mm
Displacement: 199.5cc
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain
Wheelbase: 53.4 ± 0.6 in.
Rake/Trail: 25 degrees / NA
Seat Height: 31.3 in.
Claimed Dry Weight: 308.6 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gals.
2020 KTM 200 Duke Photo Gallery:
Source: RiderMagazine.com