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.

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Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) has introduced the all-new second generation Burgman Street, a comprehensive evolution of its popular luxury scooter. Building on the strong market presence of the original model that launched in 2018, this updated version brings significant improvements in design, performance and features. The result is a fresher, more premium offering aimed at customers seeking a distinctive ride in the luxury scooter segment.

Since its debut seven years ago, the Burgman Street has consistently grown into one of the fastest-moving models within the 125-cc scooter category. The new model is built around a concept called ‘ONE & ONLY’, which blends premium maxi-style design, superior comfort and everyday practicality. This unique combination sets it apart from any other scooter in its class. Customers can choose between two variants: the Ride Connect Edition and the Ride Connect TFT Edition.

Urban comfort and handling have been prioritised through a lightweight yet rigid frame that improves manoeuvrability. A tuned suspension setup, long wheelbase and Combined Brake System ensure stable and well-balanced braking. The scooter also retains its spacious, well-padded long seat, flexible floorboard and dedicated front footboards, reinforcing its reputation as a practical yet premium daily rider.

The new Burgman Street showcases a ‘Sleek Modern’ design language that fuses sharpness with elegance. Curvaceous bodywork, split-lens LED headlights with integrated position lights, compact LED turn signals and an updated rear combination light create a distinctive road presence. Metallic emblems, a dark smoked windscreen and an upswept muffler add further premium appeal. Underneath, the proven 124-cc Suzuki Eco Performance engine delivers 6.2 kW power and 10.2 Nm torque with strong low to mid-range response.

Practical enhancements include a 5.5-litre fuel tank with a tail-mounted lid, redesigned grab bar, aluminium pillion footpegs and a larger 24.6-litre underseat storage compartment with front pockets, dual utility hooks and a USB outlet. Features like the Suzuki Easy Start System, side stand interlock and waterproof switches ensure daily reliability. The Ride Connect TFT Edition goes further with a 4.2-inch colour TFT screen, a keyless system and an answer-back function for added convenience and security.

The all-new Burgman Street will be available across all Suzuki Motorcycle India dealerships from 8 April 2026 onwards. The price and colour options are given below:

Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd., said, “When we launched the Burgman Street in India, it created a distinct space for itself in the luxury scooter segment. Over the years, it has received an encouraging response, with sales doubling over the past three years. We have seen that Burgman Street owners take pride in owning something different. Building on this insight, our engineers have developed the second generation with a focus on refined design, enhanced comfort and a more premium riding experience. This new model truly represents ‘ONE & ONLY’ – delivering a unique combination of design, comfort, balance and real-world usability that sets it apart in the segment. We are confident that the new Burgman Street will continue to strengthen this pride among our customers.”

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Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has concluded FY2026 with total sales of 1.43 million units, which marks a 15 percent growth over 1.25 million units sold in FY2025.

This marks the highest annual sales for the company to date in the country.

In FY2026, domestic sales reached 1.17 million units, up 12 percent YoY, while exports grew by 26 percent, totalling 264,541 units. Additionally, spare parts sales generated revenue of INR 10,434 million, an 18 percent increase over the previous period.

In March 2026, Suzuki Motorcycle India recorded total sales of 128,227 units, compared to 126,164 units in March 2025. Monthly domestic sales stood at 105,397 units, while exports contributed 22,830 units. Domestic retail sales for the month rose to 108,661 units, reflecting an 11 percent growth.

During the year, the company surpassed cumulative production total of 10 million units in India. Commenced construction of a new manufacturing facility in Kharkhoda, Haryana. Launched the Suzuki e-Access, the company's first electric scooter. Introduced the Suzuki Access with ABS and the Ride Connect TFT Edition. And expanded its national reach to 1,240 outlets across all Indian states.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “FY 2025-26 has been a landmark year for Suzuki Motorcycle India, with our highest-ever sales performance reflecting sustained momentum across both domestic and export markets. This achievement is driven by the strong trust our customers place in the brand and the consistent efforts of our dealer partners and teams across the country. The encouraging performance in exports further reinforces our growing global relevance. As we move ahead, we will continue to focus on delivering products and experiences that resonate with evolving customer aspirations.”

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for FY2026 with total dispatches of 6.5 million units, which marks a 10 percent growth. This includes 6.06 million units sold in the domestic market and 402,786 units exported.

In March 2026, the company dispatched 598,198 units, compared to 549,604 units in the same month of the previous year. Retail performance for the month reached 542,436 VAHAN registrations, indicating an increase of approximately 24 percent.

Growth in March was led by the 100-125cc motorcycle segment and double-digit growth in scooters. The internal combustion engine (ICE) scooter segment grew by 24 percent, supported by the expansion of the Glamour and Xtreme motorcycle ranges. Demand in rural markets improved, aided by early festive trends.

For FY2026, motorcycle sales grew from 5.47 million units to 5.84 million units, scooters from 422,692 units to 626,285 units.

Vida, the company's electric vehicle (EV) brand, recorded its highest monthly VAHAN registrations to date at 21,434 units, a MoM increase of approximately 70 percent. For the full financial year, VIDA dispatches grew by 154 percent. The brand also introduced the VX2 Plus - KKR Limited Edition as part of its partnership with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

In international markets, the global business division recorded its highest-ever dispatches. March 2026 exports rose by 16 percent to 45,693 units, contributing to a total fiscal year dispatch growth of approximately 40 percent.

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Chennai-based mid-sized motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield has achieved its highest annual sales to date, surpassing 1.2 million units in the financial year ending 31 March 2026. This marks the second consecutive year the company has exceeded the million-unit threshold.

The company concluded FY2026 with total sales of 1.23 million units, representing a 23 percent increase from FY2025. Domestic sales came at 1.10 million units, up 23 percent YoY, while exports came at 131,316 units, up 23 percent YoY.

Royal Enfield sold 112,334 units last month, an 11 percent rise over the same month last year.

The performance was supported by demand in domestic and international markets and a diverse motorcycle portfolio.

Going forward, Royal Enfield is expanding its manufacturing facility at Cheyyar to support future growth and maintain production efficiency. The company's international strategy includes deepening its presence in markets such as Brazil.

The upcoming financial year will involve the introduction of new platforms and product launches, including the Flying Flea C6. These initiatives coincide with the brand's 125th anniversary.

B Govindarajan, Managing Director, Eicher Motors and CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “Every year at Royal Enfield, we try to raise the bar a little higher than before, and this time was no different. We delivered our second consecutive year of over one million motorcycle sales, crossing 1.2 million units, our highest-ever annual performance. Achieving this milestone as we celebrate 125 years of Pure Motorcycling makes it even more meaningful. But in this landmark moment, we are not pausing to look back, instead we are focused on how we can continue to build motorcycles for the current and next generation of riders while remaining grounded in our ethos. This year we also achieved our best-ever festive season sales and highest-ever volumes across both domestic and international markets. Our international business continues to be a focus area and we are deepening our presence in high-potential markets such as Brazil. Equally important is the strength of our riding community, which continues to grow with our rider engagements and festivals expanding significantly across regions. We are also investing in staying ahead of the curve by expanding our manufacturing facility at Cheyyar, which will support future growth while maintaining our focus on quality and efficiency. As we move into the new financial year and continue our 125th year journey, we remain focused on the future with new product launches, new platforms and the launch of the Flying Flea C6. Our endeavour is simple: to keep growing in a way that stays true to who we are as we build a global motorcycling brand from India.”

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