KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15: KTM has finally brought its Yamaha MT-15-rivalling 160 Duke to the Indian market. At Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), the newly launched 160 Duke is nearly Rs 4,000 more expensive than the already-discontinued 125 Duke. Despite its pricing, the premium KTM 160 Duke makes a relatively accessible bike for youngsters wanting performance-oriented machines.
However, Yamaha’s MT-15 makes a strong case compared to the KTM 160 Duke, with its better power-to-weight ratio and superior features, such as a TFT display, at a more affordable price. Let’s find out how:
KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15: Engine
Both bikes use a single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, albeit with different displacement capacities. KTM’s 164.2cc engine helps the 160 Duke produce 18.74bhp at 9,500rpm and 15.5Nm at 7,500rpm — 0.6bhp and 1.4Nm more than Yamaha’s MT-15 engine. With a 155cc engine, the MT-15 makes 18.1bhp at 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm at 7,500rpm. That being said, the Yamaha MT-15 offers a power-to-weight ratio of 129bhp/tonne, whereas the 160 Duke’s power-to-weight ratio stands at 127bhp/tonne.
KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15: Hardware
Both models feature a USD fork/monoshock setup for suspension as well as discs for stopping power. However, the KTM 160 Duke has a larger front rotor, 320mm versus the MT-15’s 282mm. Both vehicles ride on 17-inch wheels, with the 160 Duke sporting a wider 110-section front tyre. The MT-15’s tyre is a 100-section front unit; a 140-section rear tyre is the same for both.
Also Read: KTM 160 Duke Launched At Rs 1.85 Lakh In India; Check Engine, Features And More
KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15: Features
Whereas the KTM 160 Duke makes do with an LCD dash with Bluetooth compatibility, the top-spec DLX variant of the Yamaha MT-15 gets a TFT display (DLX variant only) derived from the FZ-S Fi Hybrid. Both bikes come with all-LED illumination and dual-channel ABS (standard). The MT-15 also has a projector LED setup.
KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15: Weight, Wheelbase, Seat Height
At 147kg, the 160 Duke is 6kg heavier than the MT-15. The former has a larger wheelbase — 1,357mm, whereas Yamaha offers 1,325mm for the MT-15. The fuel tank capacity is almost the same, with a tad difference of 0.1 litres: the MT-15 can hold up to 10 litres of fuel, whereas the 160 Duke can store up to 10.1 litres of fuel. KTM offers a taller seat height of 815mm compared to the MT-15’s 810mm.