Ride 'Naked' next week

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: The Nepali two-wheeler segment is all set for a new entry in the form of the KTM Duke 200, the latest offer from reputed Austrian brand KTM. Hansraj Hulaschand and Co Pvt Ltd (HHCPL), authorised dealer of KTM, will be unveiling the racing bike on May 15 at its exclusive, state-of-the-art showroom situated in Naxal.

“The KTM Duke 200 is mainly

designed for the youth, and it will be a perfect sporty two-wheeler for young bike enthusiasts. It has its own brand image and occupies the number two position among the world’s racing bikes,” says Manoj Lamsal, brand officer at HHCPL.

According to him, though it is

a racing bike, it is suitable for Nepali roads, possesses an attractive and funky look, offers comfortable and smooth ride and packs a powerful performance. The company is

expecting to sell around 1,000 units of the model within the first year of its launch. Motorcycle enthusiasts wishing to own the Duke 200

will need to shell out tentatively around Rs 400,000.

A high-performance and versatile ‘naked bike,’ KTM Duke 200 is

powered by a single cylinder liquid-cooled 4 stroke 200cc engine.

Aggressive, yet perfectly composed, Duke 200 deploys a rigid, steel trellis frame and chunky 43 mm-diameter front upside-down forks with 140mm of travel, developed by

suspension specialist WP. There is

a cast-alloy swingarm supporting the 150mm-travel and linkage-

free rear monoshock with its

smart looking white spring.

KTM Duke 200 stands as a real head-turner, with aggressive looks and street fighter cool feel. The bike has an electric start and a fuel tank capacity of 10.5 litres. The KTM Duke 200 delivers a maximum

power of 25bhp at 10,000 rmp and makes 1.94 kgm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. This European mean machine uses single-disc brake systems, a radial-mounted, four-piston caliper biting the front, and both controlled by steel-braided hydraulic lines that contributes to the sharp, solid feel. The racing bike acquires a transmission with 6-speed gearbox 1-down,

5-up and offers a ground clearance of 165mm. This bike ensures

stability at all speeds, with

superb cornering manners and brakes, which always offer a powerful and reassuring bite.