New 160 Duke and 250 Duke introduced by KTM
When KTM first introduced the pocket-sized Duke 200 and 390 in the Philippines more than a decade ago, the models quickly earned a reputation as the unofficial “graduation bikes” for riders stepping up from underbones and scooters. The Duke 390, in particular, struck a chord, as it was among the most affordable expressway-legal motorcycles available at the time.
Fast-forward to today, and KTM is introducing models designed to be even more accessible to a wider audience of riders: the 160 Duke and 250 Duke.
250 Duke
160 Duke and 250 Duke
It’s no secret that both the 160 Duke and 250 Duke are products of KTM’s partnership with Bajaj, designed primarily for the Indian market, which is currently the world’s largest motorcycle market. What makes them particularly interesting from an engineering perspective is how they leverage a modular approach, as both bikes use KTM’s signature split-trellis frame architecture and key chassis elements that trace back to the larger Duke family, including the 390 Duke platform.
The 160 Duke is powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 164.2 cc engine that produces roughly 19 PS of power and 15.5 Nm of torque, and rides on KTM’s split trellis frame with quality WP Apex suspension and modern braking hardware; it also features an optional TFT cluster and full LED lighting.
The 250 Duke, on the other hand, steps up with a 249.07 cc liquid-cooled thumper putting out around 31 PS of power and 25 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and advanced ride electronics such as ride-by-wire and Bosch ABS with Supermoto mode that are conveniently displayed in its TFT panel (with track mode and smartphone connectivity).
Its chassis uses a two-piece steel trellis mainframe with an aluminum subframe, WP APEX USD forks and preload-adjustable rear shock which mirrors the structural philosophy of its bigger Duke siblings, but tuned for accessible handling and agility.
160 Duke
PH availability
It breaks our hearts here at MotoPinas.com that nearly four months have passed since KTM in Austria ended its distribution agreement with Lucky MAPI, which had served as the brand’s official distributor in the Philippines for barely a year. Since then, the local KTM scene has been left in a state of uncertainty. While rumors have circulated about Bajaj Philippines potentially taking over distribution duties, KTM has yet to issue any official announcement regarding its next local partner or its long-term plans for the Philippine market.
As a result, the brand’s future in the country remains firmly in limbo.
For now, all we can do is hope that when KTM eventually “restarts” its operations in the Philippines, it does so with a clearer direction, and perhaps with the introduction of the new 160 Duke and 250 Duke, which could serve as more attainable and affordable entry points into the brand’s Duke lineup.
