2018 KTM 200 Duke With Side-Mounted Exhaust Showcased At IIMS

The Austrian bikemaker says this will help improve torque delivery and reduce emissions

An updated 2018 KTM 200 Duke was showcased at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) with only one, but a very significant, change - a side-mounted exhaust. It is similar to the one seen on its elder siblings, the 390 Duke and the 250 Duke.

According to the brochure, the new model sports the side-mounted exhaust with a catalytic converter under its belly. As stated by the company, the new exhaust will produce a sweeter exhaust note and reduce emissions. Additionally, it will also help improve the torque delivery. The fitment is, however, not on offer as standard and can be had as an optional accessory. We expect the updated 200 Duke to be offered in India soon.

Apart from the exhaust, the design language and mechanicals of the model showcased at IIMS are same as the model that is currently on sale in India. However, the new version is 4kg lighter in weight than the model sold in India. At the core, it remains the same and continues to draw power from the 199.5cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that churns out a max power of 25.8PS and a peak torque of 19Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

The KTM 200 Duke features a lightweight steel trellis frame. The suspension duties are handled by 43mm WP upside-down front forks and a WP monoshock suspension at the rear. Stopping power comes from disc brakes at both ends (300mm front and 230mm rear).

Unlike the Indian variant, the Indonesia-spec model comes with ABS, which is certainly disheartening for Indian biking enthusiasts. The 200 Duke’s rivals, on the other hand, come with ABS as an option - the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 (single-channel ABS) and the TVS Apache RTR 200 (Dual-channel ABS). However, with new Government norms and safety regulations kicking in, to be in effect from April 2019, it is expected that KTM India would soon launch the 200 Duke with ABS.