Next-gen KTM 200 Duke spied in India; to be launched in early 2017

The underbelly exhaust of the current version will be dropped in the new 200 Duke.

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2017 KTM 200 DukeOverdrive
2017 KTM 200 DukeOverdrive

Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has been working on the next generation of 200 Duke. A new batch of spy pictures of the purported motorcycle has hit online giving a better idea. The 2017 Duke 200 is expected to get launched early next year.

The spy pictures taken by Overdrive show the bike with a new brake lever. The new version will get a new master cylinder and lever for better braking. The ignition key slot will be replaced to the front of the fuel tank from the instrument cluster area of current 200 Duke.

Other changes that can be spotted from the pictures include the pillion grab rail moved to front. The grab rail for pillion is now integrated and is just behind the rider's seat.

The pictures also indicate that the new version will get a new sub-frame. The additions are expected to provide better overall stability to the new 200 Duke. Previous reports said that the new 200 Duke will be heavier than the current version by around 4-5kg. The reason for weight gain is the adoption of a conventional full-sized exhaust in place of the underbelly exhaust. The 200 Duke in spy pictures comes with full-sized exhaust pipe.

The motorcycle is expected to employ ABS as standard since regulations will soon demand it in motorcycles above 125cc in India. The disappointing bit is that the motorcycle may not come with an increase in power figures. The 200 Duke will come with ride-by-wire technology that lends smooth and precise throttle inputs. However, to meet the new regulations, the company may continue with the same numbers. KTM 200 Duke is powered by 199.5cc single-cylinder engine that develops 24.6bhp mated to six-speed transmission.

The new version of the 200 Duke's elder sibling, the 390 Duke is expected to pack riding modes, ride-by-wire and TFT instrument cluster. The motorcycle was spied recently in India. The fuel tank has been reworked and tank extensions are longer now, overlapping with the USD forks. The same treatment can be expected in 200 Duke as well.