KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15: Price and specification comparison - Introduction

The KTM 160 Duke finds itself in the same segment as the Yamaha MT-15. Here’s how the newest Austrian streetfighter compares with its Japanese rival on paper.

KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15: Engine and output

Engine and output
	KTM 160 Duke	Yamaha MT-15
Engine	164.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled	155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Power	19hp at 9,500rpm	18.4hp at 10,000rpm
Torque	15.5Nm at 7,500rpm	14.1Nm at 7,500rpm
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed
Power-to-weight ratio	129.2hp/tonne	130.4hp/tonne

Despite higher peak output, the 160 Duke has a lower power-to-weight ratio

The KTM’s slightly larger-displacement engine produces 0.6hp and 1.4Nm more than the Yamaha, but the MT-15 still edges ahead thanks to its superior power-to-weight ratio. This is despite KTM’s claim that the 160 Duke has one of the best ratios in its class. In reality, the MT-15 fares better on this count. Powering it is the same 155cc engine found in the R15 – a motorcycle that has earned a cult following in our market – while the 160 Duke’s engine is derived from the 200 Duke.

KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15: Weight and dimensions

Weight and dimensions
	KTM 160 Duke	Yamaha MT-15
Kerb weight	147kg	141kg
Seat height	815mm	810mm
Ground clearance	174mm	170mm
Fuel tank capacity	10.1 litres	10 litres
Wheelbase	1357mm	1325mm

The MT-15 is 6kg lighter

The KTM 160 Duke is noticeably heavier than the MT-15, which offsets its power advantage and results in a lower power-to-weight ratio. Despite the weight difference, the fuel tank capacity is similar, at around 10 litres. While that figure isn’t particularly impressive, the MT-15’s lighter build means it maintains practicality without compromising on fuel range. Seat height on both bikes is accessible, with only a marginal difference between them.

KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15: Suspension, brakes and tyres

Suspension, brakes and tyres
	KTM 160 Duke	Yamaha MT-15
Suspension	USD fork / monoshock	USD fork / monoshock
Brakes	320mm disc / 230mm disc	282mm disc / 220mm disc
Tyres	110/70-17 / 140/60-R17	100/80-17 / 140/70R-17

Both motorcycles feature a USD fork and monoshock

Both motorcycles fall in the premium 150-160cc category, and it’s fitting given that they feature top-drawer hardware, including a USD fork and a monoshock. Both use a 140-section rear radial tyre, but the KTM gets a slightly wider 110-section front. Interestingly, the erstwhile 125 Duke featured a 150-section rear, whereas this new, more powerful KTM makes do with a 140-section rubber. The KTM 160 Duke also sports a much larger front rotor compared to the MT-15; that said, the MT-15’s disc offers adequate progression and bite.

KTM 160 Duke vs Yamaha MT-15: Features

The MT-15 features a 4.2-inch TFT dash

The MT-15 is available in a top-spec DLX variant that introduces a 4.2-inch TFT dash to the range. This unit, borrowed from the FZ-S Fi Hybrid, features app-based functionality. The 160 Duke is also offered in a higher-spec variant that borrows the TFT dash from the 390 Duke. Meanwhile, the base variant comes with an LCD dash with Bluetooth connectivity. Both bikes get all-LED lighting, though the MT-15 edges ahead with its projector LED setup. Dual-channel ABS is standard on both, and in typical KTM fashion, the rear unit can be switched off in Supermoto mode.