When KTM dropped the Duke 160 in August 2025, I knew I had to swing a leg over it. After all, Yamaha’s MT-15 has been the go-to streetfighter in this segment for years. So, I lined up test rides for both, hoping to settle the question many riders are asking right now: Duke 160 or MT-15—which bike gives you more for your money?
The Duke 160 is unmistakably KTM—sharp LED headlamp, trellis frame on display, and a stance that screams “move aside.” On Reddit, someone called it “a mini 390,” and I couldn’t agree more. Sitting on it felt upright and commanding, almost daring me to ride hard. The 2025 MT-15, by contrast, looks sleeker. Its projector headlight and twin DRLs give it that “predator” stare without being overly loud.
A Veteran Rider summed it up well: “The MT-15’s design feels more balanced—less shouty but still sporty.” When you throw a leg over, the Yamaha feels tighter, lighter, and instantly more city-friendly.
What does the Engine Feel Like
Twist the Duke 160’s throttle and it wastes no time. The 164.2cc motor churns out 19 bhp and 15.5 Nm, and yes, it will happily lift the front wheel if you’re careless in first gear. Autocar India called it “instant pick-up from 3,000 rpm,” and I felt that surge too. The flip side? Past 8,500 rpm, vibrations creep in.
The MT-15 is different—smooth at low revs, predictable in traffic, and then the magic happens around 7,000 rpm when Yamaha’s VVA tech wakes up. That’s when it feels alive and playful.
One long-term owner put it best: “Below 6k it’s docile; above 7k it transforms—rev-happy and fun.”
On the highway, the Duke 160 feels planted. Its longer wheelbase and WP suspension keep it steady when you’re pushing triple digits. The 320 mm front disc gives braking confidence that the MT-15’s smaller rotor just can’t match. KTM even throws in Supermoto ABS mode for riders who want to play.
But in bumper-to-bumper traffic? The Yamaha wins. At just 141 kg, it slips through gaps with ease. Its Deltabox frame and predictable steering make it one of the most nimble commuters out there. Comfort-wise, both bikes run firm setups, but the KTM’s longer-travel suspension soaks bumps a tad better. Sadly, pillion space on either isn’t winning any awards.
Maintenance, Fuel & Reliability
Let’s be real—if mileage is your top concern, the MT-15 smashes it. Owners report 45–50 kmpl in the city and up to 58 kmpl on highways. With fuel prices climbing, that’s no small advantage.
The Duke 160? I saw around 32–35 kmpl during my test. Some riders claim 38 kmpl with a light wrist, but KTM engines are built for thrill, not thrift.
On servicing, Yamaha is cheaper and easier. Expect ₹1,500–2,000 per paid service, with the first three free. KTM, on the other hand, might nudge ₹2,500 per visit, but they do give a 10-year warranty.
Yamaha’s record isn’t spotless. Recent MT-15 owners have reported issues with the radiator fan and heating, particularly in heavy traffic. Some mention chain slack problems and plastics rattling over time. Still, the majority agree the engine itself is bulletproof if you stick to maintenance.
The Duke 160 is too new for long-term verdicts. KTM fans love the performance, but often admit that Japanese bikes, like Yamaha, win on reliability. The extended warranty is KTM’s way of calming that doubt.
Price and Value
Here’s where the decision tightens. The Duke 160 retails at ₹1.85 lakh, while the MT-15 ranges from ₹1.70 lakh to ₹ 1.81 lakh, depending on the variant. Riders see the Duke as “worth it” if you crave hardware like WP forks and stronger brakes. But for many, the MT-15’s refinement, frugality, and reliability make it the safer financial bet.
After riding both, my conclusion mirrors what I’ve heard from many riders:
- Buy the MT-15 if you want a dependable commuter that’s light on your wallet and fun to ride.
- Go for the Duke 160 if you crave performance, don’t mind paying a little more, and want your bike to feel like a mini Duke 200.
Or as one Team-BHP rider put it: “In traffic, MT-15 wins hands down. On the highway, nothing matches the Duke’s punch.”
At the end of the day, your head buys the MT-15, but your heart leans toward the Duke 160.
