The KTM 200 Duke is coming to Canada

By
CMG Staff
-

Here’s something we didn’t expect: The KTM 200 Duke is coming to Canada, with availability later this month.

The KTM 200 Duke has been available overseas for years, in markets where a 200 is considered a big bike, or at least big enough. It’s manufactured in India through KTM’s partnership with Bajaj, and also assembled in plants in the Phillippines, Colombia and Argentina. The original 200 Duke was unveiled in 2012, and although it’s been updated since then, it’s basically been the same idea: An aggressively-styled naked bike, with liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine (DOHC, four-valve head, 199cc, about 26 horsepower).

Of course, it also looks the part, with lean, mean Duke visual lines. The version coming to Canada has a steel trellis tube frame, with WP Apex 43mm USD forks and WP Apex shock. Surprised to see that much bling on a budget bike? KTM also says the bike gets Bosch two-channel ABS with supermoto mode, and a four-piston radially-mounted front brake caliper, from Brembo’s Indian subsidiary Bybre. All this, for an MSRP of $4,599.

That should make for some serious budget hooning capability. Supposedly, the machines will be available in August, 2020.

So why is it coming here, and why now? KTM’s press release doesn’t spell it all out, but it would be very unsurprising if this was all due to COVID-19. 

Here’s the thing: Affordable motorcycle are allegedly selling like hotcakes, whether new or used, since the pandemic started. People are looking for new ways to spend their money that make concessions for social distancing, and also “getting around” to things they’ve wanted to do forever. Motorcycling covers those bases, and savvy companies are looking to introduce affordable machines to capture that market.

See the official KTM press release below the photo gallery:

Press release

DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR THE ALL-NEW 2020 KTM 200 DUKE

CHAMBLY, QC. – KTM Canada is thrilled to announce details for the all-new 2020 KTM 200 DUKE, a light and nimble machine with grin-inducing power that makes for the perfect entry point into motorcycling and the DUKE family.

Thanks to an ultra-compact single-cylinder 4-stroke power plant with state-of-the-art injection electronics and close-ratio, 6-speed transmission, the new KTM 200 DUKE packs a mighty punch. The generously sized, ergonomic 3.5-gal. fuel tank feeds the highly efficient engine and provides exceptionally long range. A predatory design and lightweight tubular steel trellis frame proudly display its BEAST-inspired DNA and shout DUKE.

The KTM 200 DUKE delivers the perfect balance of performance and everyday rideability. Its superb ergonomics provide riders with maximum freedom of movement. The upright riding position supports relaxed rides and encourages committed cornering. Large contact surfaces ensure maximum control and optimal feedback, while retaining riding comfort. Confidence-inspiring handling is managed by WP APEX 43 mm USD forks and an APEX Linkless rear shock. Braking duties are easily covered by the 4-piston radially-mounted BYBRE front brake caliper featuring Bosch 2-Channel ABS, as well as Supermoto ABS functionality. Impressively low weight and a massively appealing low seat-height of just 31.6 in. eliminate the intimidation factor and make the KTM 200 DUKE as easy to handle as it is exhilarating to ride.

HIGHLIGHTS

BASE PRICE: $4,599 CAD*
DUKE STYLING
CHROMOLY STEEL TRELLIS FRAME
STEEL TRELLIS SUBFRAME
199.5 CC DOHC SINGLE
WP APEX 43 MM USD FORKS
WP APEX LINKLESS REAR SHOCK
4-PISTON RADIALLY-MOUNTED BYBRE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER
LCD DISPLAY
BOSCH 2-CHANNEL ABS
SUPERMOTO ABS
KTM’s lineup of street motorcycles is more adrenaline-inducing than ever before and now for 2020 it includes a hyper-affordable option for even the most fiscally responsible of new riders.

With initial availability in August 2020, this ultra-lightweight commuter arrives just in time for back-to-school. For those schooling from home, the KTM 200 DUKE will arrive just in time for riders to take a break and test their skills on the tarmac. For more information visit www.ktm.com

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8 COMMENTS

  2. Why would anyone choose the 200 over the 390, which is really a 373cc? The 390 one of the best “beginner bikes” you won’t grow out of too quickly or the perfect commuter/city/hoon displacement if you’re not obese. It’s a little ripper that’s still in the 400cc or less insurance bracket in BC. What a strange decision or less the days are numbered for the 390 and it’s getting a parallel twin but I don’t think it is. The 2021 RC390 will still have a single cylinder 373cc engine. Weird.

        • We’ve done a couple of articles on it in the past, but it changes all the time, so I’d hesitate to point you towards it. Four-year-old info is probably three years out of date now. But, every province has different rules as to what riders can start out on, and there’s a big divide between private and public insurers.

    • We North Americans are the weird ones. The rest of the world drives 125CC’s. As it says in the article this bike is considered big where it’s sold. I’d rather not spend an extra $2000 + increased insurance on a depreciating asset that does the same thing as the cheaper one.

      I have a Scarabeo 200 (183CC) and can ride 2up on the highway with power to spare so I’m sure this bike can handle the weight.

      I’m jealous of your long riding season in BC!

    • I would chose the 200 over the 390 for its lower $1400 msrp, the 390 price being out of my reach. Maybe some beginners would be less intimidated by the 200 power and as mentioned road tax ,insurances and driving licence class can play a role. In that regard the 125 version would fall in the lower tax bracket in my province but it does have 10 hp less.

  3. This is exciting! I’m still holding out for Honda CB125R But this is a step in the right direction. It’s so frustrating that quality budget highway capable bikes don’t sell in the North American market.

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