Big Duke Energy: The KTM 200 DUKE

Using a bike to its fullest potential is the most satisfying feeling you can get on a motorcycle. It doesn’t matter if you’re running errands, meeting up with a group of biker buds, or simply looking for some throttle therapy- but it’s hard to use the maximum potential of anything above 600cc without breaking every speeding law on the road.

Using a bike to its fullest potential is the most satisfying feeling you can get on a motorcycle.

When you only have 200cc's of "raw", untamed power to use and 26 ponies pulling you along, it’s easy to always have the throttle pinned. KTM doesn’t fool around with their single cylinder engines, and the smallest kid in the group is no exception. Packing a solid punch in performance, the 200 DUKE has more flick and snap than any small bike I’ve ever played with. Coming in swinging, the 200 has some impressive features to show: inverted forks, ABS, an ultralight tubular trellis frame, stock Michelin Road 5 tires, adjustable rear suspension, and a pretty darn good LCD display to provide all the info you need without overloading you. This bike is fully stocked for an entry-level, naked sport model.

Riding the 200 DUKE is a blast. The 32" seat height fits my 6’1" frame pretty well. With the controls being slightly rear set and angled for a more upright position, you have an attack-ready stance that isn’t too aggressive.

The power that this little beast has is quite impressive. First gear isn't much of a gear, but from 2nd through 6th it has a lot of surprising pull. You can get off the line in a hurry if you time it right and going through the gears is smooth and effortless. The throttle is buttery smooth, and the clutch is lighter than anything else I’ve seen. To that point, it is easy to stall, as there isn’t a lot of pull going on when releasing the clutch.

Flicking through the city, the Michelin Road 5 tires grip nicely to the asphalt and give you a solid sense of confidence whether you’re a new rider or not. Topping out the revs is easily achieved in some cases, especially since the indicator light for switching gears comes on a bit early for my liking. It tops out somewhere around 10,000 RPM and the bike seems to enjoy using every ounce of what it has.

I haven’t hit the brakes hard enough to activate ABS, but I have squeezed on them harshly a couple times due to an unobservant driver or two. Braking feels solid, with no hiccups or mushiness in either of the levers.

Overall, I think this bike is a very welcome addition to the KTM family of DUKES. The 390 was king of the entry level DUKE line-up, but for an even more affordable route, look no further than the 200. For $4,600, you’re getting quite the package! For me, riding this bike through the city brought nothing but smiles, and I hope that’s the same feeling you get too.

Author: Enrique Flores-Smith
Photo Credits: Enrique Flores-Smith and Schedl R.

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