Generally speaking, it’s best for beginning riders to start with small-capacity motorcycles. Not just because they’re easier to control, but because of lower repair and replacement costs. But it’s not like getting a moped or a scooter is your only option. There are several affordable sport bikes and adventure bikes, just to name 2 categories, on the market today. Austrian manufacturer KTM makes a few of both, as well as the Duke naked bike series. And now it’s adding an even cheaper model to its US lineup: the KTM 200 Duke.

What’s found on the 2020 KTM 200 Duke?

The KTM 200 Duke isn’t an ‘all-new’ motorcycle, Cycle World reports. The naked bike has been available overseas since 2012. But this is the first time US customers will be able to order it. However, for 2020 it does have new styling and an updated chassis.

The 2020 KTM 200 Duke is powered by a 199cc single-cylinder engine, rated at 26 hp and 14 lb-ft, RideApart reports. That doesn’t seem like much at first until you consider the naked bike’s weight. The 200 Duke weighs 309 pounds without fluids, Motorcyclist reports; with fluids, it’s closer to 350 pounds. And its 31.6”-tall seat makes it easy to hop on and off.

In addition to styling like the larger KTM 390 Duke, the 200 Duke has some of its mechanical features, Revzilla reports. Specifically, its upside-down Apex front fork and rear Apex shocks. The 200 Duke also comes with ByBre (Brembo’s subsidiary) disc brakes and ‘Supermoto’ ABS. The latter allows the rider to turn the rear ABS off, which makes sliding easier. However, the KTM 200 Duke doesn’t have the 390 Duke’s slipper clutch, though it does have a 6-speed transmission.

Finally, there’s the 2020 KTM 200 Duke’s LCD gauge. It comes with a speedometer, tachometer, gear indicator, fuel gauge, and a service reminder. Plus, there’s an ‘RPM alert’ to let you know the best time to upshift.

Pricing and availability

The 200 Duke isn’t technically the smallest bike in KTM’s international lineup. There’s also a 125cc model available elsewhere, though that likely won’t make it to the US. As such, the 200 Duke isn’t just the smallest and cheapest naked bike in KTM’s US lineup, it’s the most-affordable road-legal bike the company sells here.

The 200 Duke is expected to hit dealerships in August 2020, so your local shop may already have one in stock. Pricing starts at $3999, which is $1500 less than the base price of a 390 Duke. It’s even cheaper than the company’s non-street-legal 2-stroke 50cc motocross bike.

How does the KTM 200 Duke compare to its naked bike rivals?

Kawasaki and Honda both offer 125cc single-cylinder motorcycles. The latter even has several to choose from, such as the Monkey and the Super Cub.

But in terms of design, the Honda Grom and Kawasaki Z125 Pro are the KTM 200 Duke’s main competition. With a 242-lb curb weight, the Grom is noticeably lighter than the Duke. However, it only makes 9 hp and 8 lb-ft. It’s a similar story with the Z125: 225 lbs, 8 hp, and 7 lb-ft, Motorcycle.com reports. And both models only have 4-speed transmissions.

They’re both cheaper than the 200 Duke, but not significantly: the Grom starts at $3399 and the Z125 Pro at $3199. And if you want ABS on the Grom, it’s an extra $200. The Z125 Pro doesn’t offer it.

But there are other naked bikes with similarly affordable price tags but larger engines. The Honda CB300R, for example, has a 286cc single-cylinder engine, standard ABS, and a 317-lb curb weight, Cycle World reports. However, it also costs $4949 and makes slightly less power than the KTM 200 Duke, Motorcyclist reports.

There’s also the Kawasaki Z400, which is a Cycle World 10 Best Award winner. At $4999, it’s more expensive than both the 200 Duke and CB300R. But it comes with a 399cc two-cylinder engine rated at 44 hp and 28 lb-ft, Revzilla reports. ABS is standard, as is a slipper clutch and an LCD gauge with analog tachometer, Rider reports. At 364 pounds, it is slightly heavier, though.

Finally, there’s the $4599 Yamaha MT-03. With a 373-lb curb weight, it’s the heaviest KTM 200 Duke rival. But it comes with a 42-hp 321cc two-cylinder engine, ABS, and an inverted KYB fork.

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