No amount of internet reviews or magazine comparos can substitute for real world motorcycle riding. My first hand report of riding the highways on KTM Duke 200. A 400 kilometer weekend trip.
I am a strong believer of running-in a new engine using the 'old-school' method. The KTM manual too, clearly states that for the first thousand kilometers the engine's revs need to be kept below the 7,500 rpm mark. Taking a new motorcycle on the open highways during its running-in period is an activity that requires a lot of restraint on the rider's behalf. However, on the road, even during the run-in phase, the bike is a exciting to ride and I can barely wait to get my running-in done and over with.
Once on the highway I realize that the engine has a nice "power" feel to it! The exhaust note is throaty and (amongst stock setups) the best I have heard from Indian bikes upto 200 cc. Power delivery is instant and the immediate acceleration can actually get quite addictive. The short stroke engine begs to be flogged and the revs rise nice and quickly.
One thing I notice on the highway (while cruising in 5th and 6th gear) is there is not much of a need to use the brakes. Just release the throttle and the engine braking from the revs falling acts as a suitable speed reducer. It does so in such a linear manner that it almost becomes second nature to the way I ride the bike. Of course the villager's straying herd of cows, or a tractor taking the illegal turn—all very common on the Indian highways—makes sure that the brakes are used when needed.
The Duke's ride is on the firm side—not too much fun when going over broken tarmac—but very inspiring for attacking the twisties or during an urgent braking maneuver. The riding stance is upright and fairly comfortable, even for several hours at a stretch. The seat is a bit hard and may take a bit getting of used to—especially for someone like me, who has been used a Royal Enfield Bullet over the past several years.
Carting a fair amount of luggage is no problem thanks to the Dirt Sack Speedbag that I managed to pick-up just before the trip. These soft panniers are well-made and offer more than sufficient space for the weekend ride. Maybe a detailed post on those sometime soon.
Is it advisable taking this street bike 'off the streets' and on to the highways? Definitely yes! While the hard seat may require more frequent pit stops, the power-rush more than makes up for that. Add into the equation the razor sharp handling and solid brakes, and I realize that this is definitely the machine that will be my ride for conquering the Indian highways for a long time to come.
I am a strong believer of running-in a new engine using the 'old-school' method. The KTM manual too, clearly states that for the first thousand kilometers the engine's revs need to be kept below the 7,500 rpm mark. Taking a new motorcycle on the open highways during its running-in period is an activity that requires a lot of restraint on the rider's behalf. However, on the road, even during the run-in phase, the bike is a exciting to ride and I can barely wait to get my running-in done and over with.
Once on the highway I realize that the engine has a nice "power" feel to it! The exhaust note is throaty and (amongst stock setups) the best I have heard from Indian bikes upto 200 cc. Power delivery is instant and the immediate acceleration can actually get quite addictive. The short stroke engine begs to be flogged and the revs rise nice and quickly.
One thing I notice on the highway (while cruising in 5th and 6th gear) is there is not much of a need to use the brakes. Just release the throttle and the engine braking from the revs falling acts as a suitable speed reducer. It does so in such a linear manner that it almost becomes second nature to the way I ride the bike. Of course the villager's straying herd of cows, or a tractor taking the illegal turn—all very common on the Indian highways—makes sure that the brakes are used when needed.
The Duke's ride is on the firm side—not too much fun when going over broken tarmac—but very inspiring for attacking the twisties or during an urgent braking maneuver. The riding stance is upright and fairly comfortable, even for several hours at a stretch. The seat is a bit hard and may take a bit getting of used to—especially for someone like me, who has been used a Royal Enfield Bullet over the past several years.
Carting a fair amount of luggage is no problem thanks to the Dirt Sack Speedbag that I managed to pick-up just before the trip. These soft panniers are well-made and offer more than sufficient space for the weekend ride. Maybe a detailed post on those sometime soon.
 |
| Taking a break on Lonavala Ghats |
Is it advisable taking this street bike 'off the streets' and on to the highways? Definitely yes! While the hard seat may require more frequent pit stops, the power-rush more than makes up for that. Add into the equation the razor sharp handling and solid brakes, and I realize that this is definitely the machine that will be my ride for conquering the Indian highways for a long time to come.
Nice review... I've read in most reviews that Duke is a pure streetbike. Its nice to know that it can do touring as well. Is it smooth while cruising on the highways at 90kph?
ReplyDeleteThanks Visakh. If one does not mind the wind blast (this is a totally unfaired motorcycle) the bike can easily keep 90kmh all day without vibrations. Couple of things to remember: Preferably no pillion - razor sharp handling gets extremely compromised. And a bit more padding on the seat would always be welcome.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete