[JayPrashanth]

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Many avid motorcyclists have been gushing about how mad hatted the KTM Duke 200 is. When it comes to the KTM Duke 200's performance, most of the discussion centers around the busy gearing of the motorcycle, the way in which the revs climb to the moon and the way in which the motorcycle gets you involved. For maximum progress, read total fun, on the Duke 200, a ham fist and a happy left foot is key. While the short gearing delivers explosive acceleration with the Duke 200 bouncing off the rev limiter in each gear, including the 6th, even on short bursts, the short gearing also means that the KTM Duke 200 isn't exactly a relaxed highway mile muncher.



While some would argue that the highway isn't really this horse's course, India's a country where a motorcycle has to wear many hats and we're still sometime away when we have specialist motorcycles for specialist purposes. In light of that, a taller sixth gear is something many KTM Duke 200 owners have wanted for their rides. Help could be at hand as a report on Overdrive mentions that a taller sixth gear is indeed under consideration for the KTM Duke 200. If that actually pans out, the Duke 200 could make a nice tourer, and if KTM does oblige and bring in a few more improvements such as a tank with a higher capacity and a larger fly screen up front, we'll be looking at a tight little touring package.

Talking of these improvements, KTM does have concrete plans of getting into the Touring/Adventure category(As confirmed by KTM CEO Stefan Pierer to CycleNews) with the small capacity Duke platform. The upcoming KTM Duke 390 will eventually metamorphose into a on/off roader, in line with the Adventure range of motorcycles that KTM builds. So, a similar approach with the KTM Duke 200 could be just what the doctor ordered, especially for riders who're a little hard strapped for the 2 lakh plus rupees at which a KTM Duke 390 based Adventure motorcycle is expected to be priced at.

[ku69rd]

Would not be quite convincing that if they go in for a taller sixth gear. It will take away the fun of riding this machine. Probably they can try to broaden the ratio in the final drive and offer a choice to the customer. That will make the customer more happy and open a different section called Customization.
If given a choice and me coming from a background of 2 strokers, I would prefer the current Duke in existing shape.

[Abhi_Automobile]

And just one suggestion if you are 'not satisfied' with 200. Buy 390. Period. Discussion over.

[a4anurag]

No!

It doesn't make sense. It is better to accept as it is stock that get an option of a taller ratios. The Duke 200 is liked for the short gearing and that crisp pick up.

Cheers,
Anurag.

[ebonho]

Seemingly small changes make a huge difference to the character of a bike. Case in point being the re-mapping they did for the first lot Dukes to cure the so-called stalling and jerkiness issues. I think all first lot Duke owners can testify to how that changed the character of the bike. It does not need to be necessarily something you can measure on a vbox or such. Bikers are all about feel, and the the Duke especially so.

So if you were to tell me to try sprocketing in a controlled manner (one tooth at a time - not a bunch of teeth) I would be ready, cause that is reversible.

Changing the primary drive gear ratios of the gearbox is not. And if the 6th gear were to become taller and become more of an overdrive cruising gear than the still wildly accelerating (all the way till redline) one it is now, I personally would say no thank you.

And if someone still wanted a lower revving bike hitting a higher top end but in a more sedate manner, I would point them to the CBR250. And if on a budget, but still wanting to see higher numbers on the speedo, I would point them to the NS200.

[sriramv.iyer]

Originally Posted by ebonho

And if someone still wanted a lower revving bike hitting a higher top end but in a more sedate manner, I would point them to the CBR250. And if on a budget, but still wanting to see higher numbers on the speedo, I would point them to the NS200.

Couldnt have put it better. Why change the hurried nature of the bike? Just might end up like the updated cruze. Reduced turbo lag - BUT the bite of the original Cruze missing.

All said, I trust KTM guys not to do some thing moronic to compromise on what the bike is built on. Duke != NS200

[ahmad.007]

I feel a taller sixth gear would be a good idea, gosh people, the other 5 gears would still be the same (if final drive ratio is not messed with) and the hurried nature of the bike would be retained. Most of the bikers actually like to cruise after that initial burst of acceleration, and would appreciate a lazzily running engine at a tall 6th gear, say at 3k rpm for 60 kmph speed.
No offence guys, but I really don't like it when the last gear is not tall enough, I mean when there is too much acceleration there, and the throttle seems very sensitive. I feel like telling the bike that I have a set of 4 or 5 other gears which are good at this thing (acceleration), so you (the final gear) should concentrate more on reducing rpm/vibes/fuel consumption, etc etc.
Sorry if I offended any, I just tried to put my thoughts out. And I understand people are different, and some perfectly normal people would like the Duke as it is. It depends on what a person wants.