2020 KTM 200 Duke first ride review

If you’ve already dismissed this motorcycle because of its displacement, the 2020 KTM 200 Duke probably isn’t the bike for you. KTM's decision to import the $3,999 200 Duke to the United States was an unexpected announcement a month ago. In my first look article, I thought up a list of potential riders who might want a baby Duke in the garage, including folks wanting an affordable second bike, mini-hoons who want more than Groms provide, beginner riders looking to start small, and those who simply desire a bike of this unusual class. As a reviewer, it’s refreshing to have something so outside the norm, even if it’s from an alternate reality where the 200 class isn’t just the TW and scooters. Now that I’ve got one in my hands, does it actually suit those potential riders, or maybe others I missed? Let’s find out. Dubbed the “light heavyweight” by its Austrian creators, the entry-level 2020 KTM 200 Duke should wear the great Muhammad Ali’s quote, “Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” on its sleeve, with its nimble handling and rev-happy 199.5cc single-cylinder engine. Meeting the Duke In person, I’d say the 200 Duke passes for a full-sized small motorcycle. That’s largely due to its aggressive bodywork, proper 17-inch wheels, and the 390 Duke-based trellis frame, tying the bike to its bigger brothers while looking awfully grown-up for a 200. It’s also more spacious than you might expect with its tall knee cutouts and the upright riding position. I measured 17 inches from the peg to the middle of the saddle. Seat height is not too intimidating at 31.9 inches, so flat-footing the Duke is no problem at all for me at six feet tall; most riders should find the seat plenty accessible, though stiff. What we call an entry-level motorcycle, the rest of the world mostly refers to as small displacement, or really, just a motorcycle. Small bikes and scooters are popular the world over, but now, in the face of declining sales year-over-year, the North American motorcycle market as a whole has embraced the importance of smaller, less expensive motorcycles. We now see machines ranging from 125cc to 400cc touted as beginner bikes or inexpensive ways to get into motorcycling. These machines make sense for so many including those who aren’t looking to make a huge commitment to riding, but rather want something easy and reliable in the garage to bounce around the city or ranch when they feel like it. A radially mounted ByBre 4-piston brake caliper clamps onto a 300mm rotor up front, with plenty of stopping power for the speeds you can achieve, and decent feel at the lever. In the rear, a single-piston floating caliper grabs upon a 230mm disc with a relaxed bite and good stopping power. ABS is standard, as is a Supermoto Mode that disables ABS in the rear only — KTM is never one to shy away from hooliganism. In 2020, the prospective rider has a wide variety of awesome bikes to choose from. Save for a few unrefined points, the KTM 200 Duke’s proposition is a strong one, with its spunky single-cylinder engine, great handling and ergonomics that are neophyte friendly The power delivery promotes good shift discipline, which is a kind way of saying the Duke isn’t very fast. It’s fast enough, sure, for anything short of an extended highway run where speeds exceed 75 miles per hour. Call it a five-exit highway bike. Three-digit county roads, on the other hand, are just the place to wind the Duke’s oversquare engine up to its eager limits. Down-low torque feels pretty thin, but that's a trade you have to make if you want any top end from a 200. Push it into some curves to feel the excellent pairing of chassis and suspension at play, confident and stable from initial braking to throttle roll.

Toss a leg over the Dukette and you’re met with backswept handlebars that prop the rider up in a neutral position, still allowing you to get your elbows out in the corners, and a low 31.6-inch seat height

The 200 Duke offers the riding position and experience of a full-sized motorcycle, in a light, affordable package. The 199.5cc single spools up quickly and offers performance perfect for new riders. We saw an indicated 86 mph – not too shabby.

Engine Type: Liquid-cooled single, DOHC, 4 valves per cyl. Bore x Stroke: 72.0 x 49.0mm Displacement: 199.5cc Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch Final Drive: O-ring chain Wheelbase: 53.4 ± 0.6 in. Rake/Trail: 25 degrees / 3.7 in. Seat Height: 31.6 in. Claimed Dry Weight: 308.6 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gals.

The flat handlebar, de rigueur for nakeds, gives plenty of leverage for the rider. Potential buyers shouldn’t have any trouble getting a good fit with an aftermarket replacement if the standard taper stocker doesn’t fit their needs. Handling is neutral with comically easy turn-in and reasonable stability at its upper speed limits. The ByBre brakes are firm without being sharp in a beginner-friendly way, and speaking of those beginners, ABS is standard for both wheels. That is a huge consideration for many aspiring riders and no small success on KTM’s part at this price point.