KTM 160 Duke TFT Display Variant Launched at Rs. 1.78lakh

KTM has rolled out a new variant of the 160 Duke in India, and the headline feature is a full-color 5-inch TFT display borrowed from the bigger 390 Duke. Priced at Rs. 1.78 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), this version costs about Rs. 8,000 more than the standard model, which sticks with a simpler LCD screen and sells for Rs. 1.70 lakh. If you've been eyeing the 160 Duke but wanted a bit more tech without jumping to the pricier 250 or 390 models, this could be worth a look.

What the TFT Screen Brings to the Table

The new display isn't just sharper to look at. It uses bonded glass, which means better visibility in bright sunlight and more durability if things get rough. KTM also redesigned the left switchgear with four-way menu controls, so you can scroll through options and adjust settings without fumbling around.

Where it gets practical is smartphone pairing. Connect your phone via Bluetooth through the KTM My Ride app, and you get turn-by-turn navigation right on the screen. No need for a handlebar phone mount that blocks your view or rattles loose on bad roads. Incoming calls pop up too, and you can accept or reject them with a button press. The system won't let you browse contacts or make outgoing calls while moving, which makes sense from a safety standpoint.

If you pair a Bluetooth helmet headset, you can control music playback through the same menu switch. Skip tracks, adjust volume, see what's playing—all without letting go of the bars. It's the kind of feature that sounds small but makes daily rides a lot smoother, especially in city traffic.

Supermoto ABS Mode and Customization

One feature that'll appeal to more experienced riders is the Supermoto ABS mode. Flip this on, and ABS intervention cuts out on the rear wheel while staying active up front. That lets you slide the back end around in controlled situations, like track days or parking lot practice, without the system fighting you. It's not something you'd use commuting to work, but it adds a layer of fun for those who know how to use it.

The TFT also lets you tweak shift and rev limit points, which changes the display's color scheme between dark and orange themes as you ride. You can rearrange menu layouts and shortcuts to suit how you like things. It's more customization than you'd expect on a small-displacement bike.

Everything Else Stays the Same

Mechanically, nothing's changed. The 160 Duke still runs a 164.2cc single-cylinder engine making 19 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 15.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. That's paired with a six-speed gearbox. The bike keeps its split trellis frame, WP Apex upside-down forks, lightweight wheels, and dual-channel ABS as standard. Braking comes from a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear.

This engine setup has proven itself reliable in Indian conditions, and the power delivery is punchy enough for city riding and highway merges without feeling overwhelmed. Fuel economy typically hovers around 35-40 km/l in mixed use, which is solid for a performance-oriented streetfighter.

Who Should Consider This?

The TFT variant makes sense if you spend a lot of time navigating unfamiliar routes or just prefer having connectivity features on your bike. The price bump is reasonable for what you're getting—similar upgrades on other brands often cost more. If you don't care about smartphone integration or custom displays, the base LCD model saves you money and does the job just fine.

The 160 Duke sits in an interesting spot. It's more spirited than typical 150-160cc commuters but cheaper and lighter than the 250 Duke. Adding a premium tech option gives buyers more flexibility without forcing everyone to pay for features they might not use.

We'll keep an eye on how this variant performs in the market.