Thumb the starter on the KTM Duke 160 and the first impression is of familiarity – those tense lines, sculpted tank and sit-in stance that signal ‘Duke’ before the wheels even turn – yet there’s also a welcome lightness to how it picks up and changes direction at parking speeds and in the first hundred metres. That easy agility is backed by a chassis brief that reads serious on paper – trellis frame with bolt-on subframe, lighter five-spoke wheels, hollow axles and geometry that’s a shade sharper than the bigger siblings – so the bike feels eager without getting nervous when the pace rises.

Within a few blocks, two things set the tone for daily life: a clutch that’s genuinely light and progressive and a gearbox that slips through ratios cleanly, letting short, tidy shifts replace the usual 160cc thrash – helped by a slipper clutch that takes the drama out of hurried downshifts when traffic opens and closes without warning.

What stands out

The Duke 160 looks and feels like a proper Duke – tense lines, sculpted tank, sit-in stance – and backs it up with a genuinely light and eager front end thanks to the trellis frame, lighter five-spoke wheels and sharper geometry. The motor’s real-world strength is tractability and in-gear urge rather than fireworks off the line; timed roll-ons of 30–70 kmph in 6.8s (4th) and 9.1s (5th) make short overtakes easy without constant downshifts, echoing the sentiment that it feels brisk between gaps more than it feels explosive from a standstill.

Braking hardware is a headline win: a 320mm front disc with braided lines and dual-channel ABS (rear channel switchable) gives bite and progression few 160s can match and it shows when hustling or panic-stopping in town.

The everyday reality

At 815mm, the seat is on the taller side for an average-height rider; those around 5ft 8in may tip-toe at awkward cambers, though the wide bar and neutral pegs help low-speed balance and leverage in traffic. The clutch and gearbox pairing is excellent – light, smooth and confidence-inspiring – so creeping traffic and quick, clean shifts become second nature within minutes of riding. Lever placement is not perfect from the crate; both the gear and brake pedals could use a quick adjustment during PDI to better match different boot sizes and ankle angles, which takes the edge off initial niggles.

Ride and features

Suspension tuning leans towards control with acceptable compliance: the Duke stays planted and keen to turn, yet retains enough travel to keep sharp edges from jarring too much in the city, though rougher patches still remind that it’s set up to feel taut rather than plush. Thermal management is a positive: a larger radiator surface area helps in slow-moving traffic and while the fan cycles in dense conditions, heat never tips into discomfort during typical urban use in this test window. The monochrome LCD with a dot-matrix pane is clear in bright light, offers all the basics at a glance and the microswitch cubes feel a cut above the class; Bluetooth navigation remains an accessory, which keeps base weight and price in check.

Verdict

Against the Yamaha MT-15 V2, the Duke 160 trades efficiency for feel: the Yamaha is lighter and significantly more frugal (users often report 50+ km/l), while the KTM bites harder on the brakes, feels more planted at the front and pulls stronger in mid-gear bursts on paper and in practice. The KTM’s 19PS and 15.5Nm edge the Yamaha’s 18.4PS and 14.1Nm and its 320mm rotor dwarfs the MT’s 282mm, but the MT-15 counters with lower kerb weight and everyday economy advantages that matter to commuters. If weekly highway runs and traffic sprints define the brief, the Duke’s chassis feedback, brake feel and roll-on pace make a compelling case; if fuel economy and a lower seat are top priorities, the MT-15 remains the pragmatic pick and price positioning in on-road terms still favours the Yamaha in many cities.

In short, the Duke 160 is not the outright quickest feeling 160 off the mark, nor the most frugal, but it is the most ‘KTM’ in the way that matters: front-end feel, braking confidence and mid-gear urge that make real-world riding more engaging and assured than the spec sheet alone suggests. It could do with lower seat options from the factory and cleaner lever ergonomics out of the box; sort those and it becomes an easy recommendation for riders who value control and character over kilometre-per-litre bragging rights.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Simple Energy, the Bengaluru-based automotive startup, has announced the pricing and commencement of deliveries for the Simple Ultra at INR 234,999 (ex-showroom).

Positioned as the longest-range electric scooter in India, the Simple Ultra has a claimed Indian Drive Cycle (IDC) range of 400 km. The Simple Ultra marks the company’s fourth product launch within the 2026 calendar year.

The EV is powered by a 6.5 kWh battery pack and features a high-performance architecture. Technical specifications include a claimed top speed of 115 kmph and an acceleration of zero to 40 kmph in 2.77 seconds, making it the second fastest scooter in the brand's portfolio. To manage this performance, the vehicle is equipped with a four-level traction control system and a seven-inch digital rider’s console.

The launch follows the introduction of the second-generation Simple One and Simple OneS models earlier this year. Simple Energy is currently expanding its retail presence, which now includes approximately 70 touchpoints across major cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi and Chennai. Further expansion into Nagpur, Ranchi and Bhubaneshwar is planned for the coming months.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder and CEO, Simple Energy, said, “At Simple Energy, we engineer with intent. The Simple Ultra is built for riders who demand extreme range and performance without compromise. With a 400 km IDC range and high-performance architecture, it sets a new benchmark for electric two-wheelers in India. With prices now revealed and deliveries underway, we are delivering truly anxiety-free electric mobility at scale, backed by our expanding pan-India network.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, concluded the Mumbai edition of its motorcycling festival, Suzuki Matsuri, in Mulund. The event was attended by approximately 4,000 participants and resulted in four records recognised by the India Book of Records (IBR) and Asia Book of Records (ABR).

The company achieved the record for the Largest Gathering of a Single Scooter Model at One Location, with 390 Suzuki Burgman owners assembling at the venue.

The automaker also recorded the Maximum Single Model Scooter Delivered in a Single Day, with 175 new Suzuki Burgman scooters handed over to customers during the event.

The festival served as the venue for the customer-led launch of the new Suzuki Burgman Street. In addition to domestic models, the manufacturer showcased the Suzuki Burgman 400, a model from its international maxi-scooter range. Engagement zones provided attendees with access to the Access ABS, e-Access and V-Strom SX for curated riding experiences.

The event included professional stunt performances, a Suzuki parade and interactive sessions. Other features of the festival included merchandise booths and high-energy music performances. The Mumbai edition is part of the company's broader strategy to engage with the riding community and build a culture around its product line.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales, Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “Suzuki Matsuri is a celebration of the riding community and their passion for two-wheelers. Setting two prestigious records at this year’s Mumbai edition is a proud moment for all of us and reflects the strong connect we share with our customers. The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm reaffirm our commitment to delivering value-packed products and meaningful experiences. We will continue to engage closely with riders to build an inclusive riding culture in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Zelio E-Mobility, an electric two- and three-wheeler company, has appointed Divyanshu Agarwal as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 15 April 2026.

The appointment was approved by the Board of Directors following a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Agarwal, a Chartered Accountant, joins the company from Navi, where he previously served as the Head of UPI Business and Growth.

In his new role, Agarwal will oversee the development and scaling of the company’s manufacturing infrastructure, including upcoming plants in Odisha and Coimbatore. His mandate includes strengthening operational execution, expanding market presence and scaling the distribution network.

During his tenure at Navi, Agarwal was involved in private equity fundraising and the firm’s Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) process, as well as managing cross-functional projects across finance and product development.

The leadership change follows Zelio E-Mobility’s recent listing on the public markets, where the company raised INR 783 million through an initial public offering. The IPO consisted of a fresh issue of INR 588 million and an offer for sale worth INR 155 million, achieving an overall subscription of 1.5 times.

The company currently maintains a network of over 350 dealers across 20 states and union territories, serving more than 200,000 riders under the ‘Zelio’ electric two-wheeler and ‘Tanga’ electric three-wheeler brands.

Divyanshu Agarwal, said, "Zelio is at a stage where growth needs to be backed by consistent execution and clarity in direction. The focus will be on strengthening the core, expanding reach in a measured way and building products that customers can rely on every day. The opportunity is significant, and the effort will be to build it with discipline."

Kunal Arya, MD, Zelio E-Mobility, added, "Divyanshu brings a strong understanding of both finance and business operations. He has seen how to build and scale in fast-moving environments. As we expand, the need is for sharper execution and long-term thinking, and he is well equipped to take that forward."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. has unveiled a major design overhaul for the Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid, repositioning the scooter to better align with contemporary lifestyles and youth fashion preferences. The updated model introduces a more compact and modern silhouette, moving away from its previous look to resonate strongly with younger riders.

The most striking change appears at the rear, where a completely reworked tail section, new taillights, flashers and the signature V-shaped light design create a balanced and upscale appearance. These design upgrades, including fresh decals, were developed entirely by Yamaha’s Indian R&D team based on direct customer input. This customer‑driven approach underlines Yamaha’s dedication to blending aesthetics with functionality, all while keeping the Fascino’s trusted performance and fuel efficiency intact.

Since its 2015 launch as a fashion‑forward 110 cc unisex commuter, the Fascino has undergone several key transformations. It became a BS6‑compliant 125 cc fuel‑injected model in 2019, then evolved into Yamaha’s first hybrid scooter in 2021 with Smart Motor Generator technology and Power Assist. The 2025 update added Enhanced Power Assist, a colour TFT display and the Answer Back feature. This month, Yamaha celebrates producing 1.5 million units of the Fascino, a milestone that highlights sustained customer trust and timely upgrades.

Powering the Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid is Yamaha’s Blue Core Hybrid 125 cc air‑cooled, fuel‑injected SOHC two‑valve engine, which refines performance and efficiency. Key features include telescopic suspension, a side stand engine cut‑off, 21 litres of under‑seat storage and E20 fuel compatibility. The hybrid system, featuring Silent Start, Stop & Start System and Enhanced Power Assist, improves acceleration on inclines or under load while saving fuel. The premium Fascino S variant adds a colour TFT cluster with turn‑by‑turn navigation and the Answer Back function, all within a compact 1780 mm length.

The colour options and starting prices are as follows:

Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “The journey of Yamaha’s Fascino reflects our unwavering dedication to evolving with our customers. While our 1.5 million production milestone stands as a powerful testament to the trust placed in our products, we remain committed to pushing boundaries. As the preferences of today’s youth shift towards more diverse and sophisticated expressions of style, the new Fascino has been thoughtfully transformed into a trendsetting, unisex mobility solution. This evolution, led by our India-based R&D team, ensures that the refined design and trusted hybrid performance resonate with every rider seeking a perfect blend of innovation and practicality. We believe this new chapter for the Fascino will redefine the standard for urban commuting in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!