KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- KTM 160 Duke: bold, aggressive streetfighter design.
- Yamaha MT-15: sleek, futuristic with LED DRLs.
- KTM's 164.2cc engine delivers 19 bhp.
- MT-15's 155cc VVA engine ensures agility.
- MT-15 offers TFT display, traction control.
KTM 160 Duke Vs Yamaha MT-15: KTM has ignited the 150-160cc naked bike segment in India with the launch of its new 160 Duke. The new KTM 160 Duke has entered into a ring dominated by established players like the Yamaha MT-15. Both the KTM 160 Duke and MT-15 targets youngsters with its aggressive styling and dynamic performance, the 160 Duke challenges the MT-15's refined legacy.
The KTM brings Austrian engineering flair, while the Yamaha leverages Japanese precision. Here's a head-to-head breakdown to uncover which streetfighter delivers the ultimate riding thrill. Don't forget to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
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Design and Aesthetics
The KTM 160 Duke offers a bold, streetfighter vibe with its sharp edges, prominent tank extensions, and a compact tail section that emphasizes agility. Its trellis frame is exposed for a raw, mechanical appeal, paired with a distinctive headlamp cluster that gives it an intimidating front fascia. Available in a handful of vibrant colors, it projects confidence on city streets.
Conversely, the Yamaha MT-15 opts for a sleek, futuristic profile highlighted by its signature split LED daytime running lights and a central projector headlight, creating a predatory gaze. The sculpted bodywork flows seamlessly into a slim rear, enhancing its athletic stance. With more colour options across variants, it offers greater personalization, making it feel modern and approachable.
Engine and Performance
Powering the KTM 160 Duke is a 164.2cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, delivering 19 bhp at around 9,500 rpm and 15.5 Nm of torque peaking at 7,500 rpm. Mated to a six-speed transmission with an assist and slipper clutch, it promises punchy acceleration and a rev-hungry nature, ideal for quick overtakes. However, its power-to-weight ratio stands at 129.2 hp/tonne, reflecting a balance between output and mass.
The Yamaha MT-15 counters with a 155cc liquid-cooled unit incorporating Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) for optimized performance across revs, producing 18.4 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 14.1 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Also linked to a six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch, it edges out with a superior 130.4 hp/tonne ratio, ensuring snappier responses despite marginally lower peaks. Both lack quickshifters, focusing on manual engagement for purists.
KTM 160 Duke Vs Yamaha MT-15: Dimensions and Ergonomics
| Specification | KTM 160 Duke | Yamaha MT-15 |
|---|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 147 kg | 141 kg |
| Seat Height | 815 mm | 810 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 174 mm | 170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,357 mm | 1,325 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.1 litres | 10 litres |
| Handling Character | Planted on highways | Effortless in traffic |
| Best For | Stability and highway use | Nimble, light city rides |
Chassis, Suspension, and Braking
Built on a steel trellis frame, the KTM 160 Duke features 43mm upside-down forks upfront and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, tuned for responsive feedback. Braking duties are handled by a large 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear, with dual-channel ABS including a switchable rear mode for off-road antics. Tyres are grippy radials: 110/70-17 front and 140/60-17 rear.
The Yamaha MT-15 utilizes a lightweight Deltabox frame with aluminum swingarm, matched to USD forks and a linked monoshock for balanced composure. It employs a 282 mm front disc and 220 mm rear with standard dual-channel ABS. Tyre setup includes a 100/80-17 front and 140/70-17 rear, offering reliable traction in varied conditions.
KTM 160 Duke Vs Yamaha MT-15: Features and Technology
KTM equips the 160 Duke with a 5-inch LCD display supporting Bluetooth via the KTM Connect app for navigation, calls, and media. Full LED lighting, side-stand cut-off, and the unique Supermoto ABS mode add versatility, though it skips advanced aids like traction control.
Yamaha's MT-15 ius available in two variants: the standard with LCD console, and DLX boasting a 4.2-inch TFT screen with app integration for navigation and music. It includes traction control, full LED projector lights and engine cut-off, elevating its tech quotient for connected riders.
KTM 160 Duke Vs Yamaha MT-15: Pricing and Variants
The KTM 160 Duke retails at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom) in a single variant with three colour choices, positioning it as a premium pick without tiered options.
Yamaha offers the MT-15 from Rs 1.70 lakh to Rs 1.81 lakh (ex-showroom), split into STD (LCD dash) and DLX (TFT dash) variants with broader colour palettes, providing flexibility based on budget and desired features.
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Verdict
In this showdown, the Yamaha MT-15 emerges as the smarter choice for most riders, blending superior power-to-weight efficiency, advanced features like traction control and TFT display, and a lower price tag for unbeatable value. While the KTM 160 Duke's raw power and aggressive brakes appeal to adrenaline junkies, its extra weight and cost tip the scales against it - opt for the MT-15 if versatility and refinement top your list.
