KTM 200 Duke BS6 vs Honda CB150R ExMotion: Image Comparison

Two entry-level streetfighters with similar equipment but different hearts. Where would you place your bets?

The KTM 200 Duke may compete in the 200cc motorcycle space against the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. But in reality, it doesn’t have any direct rival, especially when you consider its equipment list and the accompanying price tag. But, this could all change if Honda were to launch the CB150R ExMotion in India. It looks equally good and packs some serious equipment and features. Here’s a closer look at how the two would stack up if put against each other. In detailed pictures of-course. 

Both the bikes look like watered-down versions of their elder siblings, the 390 Duke and the CB300R. The CB150R inherits Honda’s 'Neo Sports Cafe' design language which looks sleek and modern. The 200 Duke, on the other hand, looks sharp and aggressive.

The headlight setup on the Honda is an LED unit while the Duke employs a conventional halogen bulb.

Both bikes come with an LED tail light and LED turn indicators. 

The two bikes come with an underbelly exhaust.

The CB150R features a full-digital instrument console with features similar to the 200 Duke, however, it looks more premium and up to date.  It includes readouts such as the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, average fuel efficiency and average speed.

But this is where the Duke 200 slingshots its way past the CB150R. It uses a BS6-compliant 200cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor which makes the same power and torque figure as before - 25PS and 19.3Nm. In comparison, Honda’s 149cc liquid-cooled unit produces 17PS and 13.7Nm. 

Also Read: 2020 KTM 200 Duke BS6: First Ride Review

Given, that’s a huge power deficit, but the CB150R only weighs in at 125kg kerb while the 200 Duke tips the scale at 150.3kg (dry). Both bikes use a 6-speed transmission.

It’s pretty obvious that the CB150R is down on power, but it packs premium hardware just like the 200 Duke. To draw a comparison, the CB150R comes with a 41mm upside-fork and a monoshock from Showa, petal disc brakes and dual-channel ABS as an option. The Duke sources the same suspension setup from WP, gets discs at both ends with dual-channel ABS as standard.

In terms of ergonomics, both bikes feature an upright riding posture with rear-set footpegs and a straight handlebar. 

But it all boils down to the pricing. The KTM 200 Duke is currently priced at Rs 1.76 lakh. As for the CB150R ExMotion, it retails at 99,800 baht (approx. Rs 2,36,907) in Thailand. But, IF honda were to localise the product in India, we believe it could price the CB150R at around Rs 1.5 lakh, which will help it undercut the 200 Duke by a huge margin, thereby offering a potent product in the entry-level performance segment.