Next-Gen KTM Duke Spied Testing Yet Again

KTM India continues with its intensive testing of the 2023 Duke series. New images of a test mule have surfaced on the internet, cementing the fact that the updated model could debut next year in India. But would it be the 200 Duke or the 390 Duke?

The Austrian marque is likely to launch the 200cc naked in India, considering it is raking in more sales for the brand than its bigger sibling. To refresh your memory, it was a similar case with the new generation RC series too. The 2022 RC 200 made its debut in India much before the RC 390, and KTM could be looking to replicate the same with the Duke family.

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So if that’s the case, then the new spy shot could be of the new generation 200 Duke. And if it is indeed the 200cc naked, Team Orange has made some serious upgrades to the motorcycle. The new chassis with the cast aluminium subframe similar to the bigger Dukes, new aluminium swingarm with the offset monoshock, bionic wheels and lighter discs should contribute in improving the riding dynamics of the motorcycle.

Furthermore, the test mule sports the same aggressive 1290 Super Duke-inspired headlight which is shared with the new 390 Duke. In fact, we have also spotted the test mule packing an upgraded TFT instrument console which could likely feature more connectivity features including navigation.

Another reason why this could be the 200 Duke is the fact that the test mule spotted flaunted an underbelly exhaust, something that the 390 Duke moved away from since the debut of the 2017 model.  KTM could be using the underbelly unit purely for testing purpose, but the production model is likely to feature a side-slung unit.

Either way, the new generation Dukes seem to have quite a lot going for them. Of course, this would warrant for a sizable price hike. For reference, the 200 Duke costs Rs 1.91 lakh while the 390 Duke will set you back by Rs 2.96 lakh (both ex-showroom Delhi). With these updates, expect the price to shoot up by Rs 30,000 or more, making them quite an expensive proposition compared to their respective rivals. That said, with premium hardware and features, they would still have an advantage over their rivals.

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