Yamaha MT-15 vs KTM 160 Duke: 2 Excellent Bikes

The Yamaha MT-15 is an excellent bike and for long, it’s been our go-to recommendation in the sub 200cc sporty naked category because the KTM 125 Duke just wasn’t good enough to go against the MT-15. But now, with the arrival of the KTM 160 Duke, things have changed because this Duke is actually a lot better and genuinely fun to ride. 

So now that you have two excellent bikes in this segment, it is quite a question to see which of the two you should choose. Here we have put together a detailed comparison to help you with the buying decision: 

Price & Variants

• The Yamaha MT-15 is the clear winner here, for its top variant costs almost Rs 8,000 less than the KTM 160 Duke’s base variant. The difference widens to more than Rs 18,000 when you compare the 2 base variants. 

• That’s a solid difference and it’s very clear that it’s the Yamaha bike that’s the more value for money option of the two. Yes, the Duke has a bigger engine, but the difference in prices is significant and it definitely feels like it’s priced at a premium. 

• In short, the MT-15 wins this round quite comprehensively, for Yamaha has priced it a lot more aggressively than KTM. 

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Dimensions & Design 

• The bikes’ dimensions are what you’d expect from a bike in this segment. Their seat heights are fairly approachable and there’s not much of a difference between them. 

• Both bikes have ample ground clearance and you will get through most of our speedbreakers and potholes with ease. While the 160 Duke weighs a bit more, the difference isn’t enough to make the Duke feel heavy. 

• In terms of design, both look quite aggressive and futuristic. That said, the Duke looks like the more polarising of the two and it also has extremely bright colour options. The MT-15 has some beautiful colourways, especially the Cyan ones, and looks way more premium than just a 150cc bike. If we had to pick one of the two, it might be the MT-15’s design language. 

Features & Safety

• Both bikes get a TFT console on the higher variants. Both TFT consoles look premium and relatively easy to read even while riding the bike. 

• And while both have ample amounts of features, the MT-15 does boast a few more features over the Duke and hence gives you some bragging rights. Bits like call & SMS alerts and last parking location are very useful and have genuine real world usage as well. 

• The 160 Duke, on the other hand, keeps things simple with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation and switchable rear ABS, which is a typical KTM feature for pretty much all its bikes. 

Engines

• With its bigger engine, the Duke does make more power and torque than the MT-15. And both make a chunk of their power at pretty high revs, so even the power delivery is similar. 

• The way to really have fun on both bikes is by revving them out. After about 5000-6000 rpm, both bikes come into their own and are very happy to rev to their redlines. 

• If we had to nitpick, the MT-15’s variable valve actuation-driven engine might feel like the more exciting of the two at high revs. It also has a beautiful exhaust note, something you’d enjoy listening to when you ride it hard. 

• In terms of mileages, expect the MT-15 to deliver a bit more than the Duke. That 155cc engine is known to be quite frugal and it balances fun and efficiency beautifully well. While the Duke’s mileage won’t be bad, it’d be hard to match the MT-15’s. 

Verdict 

This has been a close one for sure. The Yamaha MT-15 and the KTM 160 Duke are two excellent sporty nakeds in the sub-200cc segment and we’ve enjoyed riding both bikes. But if we had to pick one of the two, it’d be the MT-15. The Yamaha bike comes at a much lower price, is lighter, offers more features, is better looking and is on par, if not better, in terms of the excitement it offers. In terms of value for your money, it’s definitely the bike to get. 

So should no one consider the KTM 160 Duke? No, it has its audience for sure. If you are a KTM fan, want the signature KTM aggressive look and don’t mind spending more money for it, the 160 Duke could be the one for you. 

Comparisons With Other Rivals: 

Yamaha MT-15 vs TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: Spec Comparison: The bigger engine of the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V makes it the more versatile bike at a lower price, so that’d be our recommendation of the two. 

Yamaha MT-15 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS200: Spec Comparison: The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 has the more powerful and exciting engine. While it’s an older bike, if you want outright excitement, get the Pulsar NS200.

Yamaha MT-15 vs Hero Xtreme 250R: Spec Comparison: The Hero Xtreme 250R has more power and is the quicker of the two, so get it if you want a higher spec bike.