KTM Duke is a one of its kind, lightweight and high performance series of motorcycles which actually changed the way performance was seen in the Indian market. The domination of faired motorcycles was first shattered by Yamaha FZ while the Duke series was actually double the feel the Yamaha street racer provided to the fans. The best part of these bikes was the use of high performance parts, lightweight chassis and the affordable price tag.
KTM 200 Duke was the true entry to the world of sport bikes while the 390 Duke was something which caught the attention of masses with its bright frame and super sport class performance. The 2017 version of the Duke series has been spied at various occasions, sometimes testing and sometimes being manufactured at the Bajaj’s facility. It is expected to have its world premiere at the 2016 EICMA Milan Show in November this year, and 2017 Duke Series is expeccted to be launched in India by Early 2017.
Rendered Image Source: Motorbeam
7 Must-Know Facts About 2017 KTM Duke Series
1) LED Headlights
The 2017 Duke series will carry a newly designed headlamp assembly with LED lights. The structure has been divided into two parts, most probably making one side useful for the low beam and one for the high beam. The pass may activate both at the same time, throwing a strong beam of crystal clear, focused light on the road. It is expected to carry 6 LED structure and the outer covering may act as the always on DRL’s of the bike. Even the low beam would be always on like the current series of KTM motorcycles.
2) Ride by Wire Technology
The recent spyshots of a test mule in a parking lot has revealed the toggle buttons on the left section of the handlebar. They are exactly the same as the bigger 690 Duke and thus, the 390 Duke is even expected with Ride by Wire technology, enabling the bike to have riding modes and traction control. This will make it the first in its segment to have such a feature, most probably be present on the bigger 390 Duke for India. Not just that, the cost will be significantly up from the previous generation model.
3) Colored LCD Display
Unlike the current generations full digital instrument console, the upcoming models will feature a rectangular, colored display with more ease in terms of readability and content. The currently spied unit was quite blunt, expected to get a makeover with more LED indications around its empty space. It will enable the rider to use all of the available modes on the bike. Some reports also suggest smartphone connectivity to show information about the bike on your mobile phone.
4) Modified Chassis
The 2017 Duke carries a different frame than the currently sold Duke models in India. The first half of the frame remains the same as the earlier one but the rear section has been slightly changed and most importantly, exposed. Unlike current generation where half of the frame is visible, the new model is expected to show off more with thinner under seat plastics. This can lead to a decrease in overall weight, improving the overall performance of the bike. Even the rear half can be seen painted White in most of the spyshots.
5) Improved Seating
Being a pocket rocket, the KTM Duke series will receive better seating position on the updated model. It will now carry bigger seats, providing enough space for a comfort oriented pillion riding experience. Even the front seat seems inspired from dirt bikes, stretching more downwards for a better thigh grip. The rear end now seems to be much sharper and lighter than before.
6) Side Mounted Exhaust
The underbelly unit can this time come fitted with a side exhaust to comply with the upcoming BS4 norms in the Indian market. Even the European market has moved to Euro 4 norms, making it a compulsory step for the bike maker. Buyers will be proud to own a more emission friendly machine from KTM.
7) Stable Engine Power and Performance
The power values from the 373.2 cc and 199.5 cc engines are expected to stay the same. The increase in performance can be only expected with the new weights of the Duke Series. The smaller 200 Duke may get ABS added to its feature list. We can expect the prices to go up by a considerable margin on both the bikes.
2017 KTM Duke: Clearest Ever Spy Video!
Source: Burn N Run
