[TusharK]

According to a media report, KTM is working on a modified exhaust for its 125 Duke, 200 Duke and RC 200 bikes. This redesigned unit is said to improve ground clearance.



The KTM 125 Duke, 200 Duke and RC 200 come with an underbelly exhaust that is routed under the engine. To achieve better ground clearance, KTM engineers are looking to remove the silencer protector that sits just below the crankcase. This is likely to result in a 20 mm increase in ground clearance.

The report also states that KTM would also have to make some preload adjustments to the rear monoshock to avoid the bikes from bottoming out when riding with a pillion.

Source: Autocar India

Link to Team-BHP News

[Gautham_v6]

The underbelly exhaust setup , in my opinion is quite a problematic setup when you are going to rev up so hard during monsoons, when roads are inundated with water. Not sure how effective this exhaust redesign would be.

Frankly speaking, instead of distinguishing the exhaust setup, KTM could rather think wise and use a conventional exhaust , which does look nice on most models.

[OPMaurya]

Originally Posted by TusharK

According to a media report, KTM is working on a modified exhaust for its 125 Duke, 200 Duke and RC 200 bikes. This redesigned unit is said to improve ground clearance.

Thanks for sharing!
I have scraped numerous speedbreakers with a pillion on Duke 200.
If priced right, I would love to have this modification done on my Duke. But ofcourse, this modification should be backward compatible with the previous generations.

[IshaanIan]

Originally Posted by Gautham_v6

The underbelly exhaust setup , in my opinion is quite a problematic setup when you are going to rev up so hard during monsoons, when roads are inundated with water. Not sure how effective this exhaust redesign would be.

As long as air filter is above water it is all good I have gone through knee deep water in my BS3 RC390 several times without any issue

Originally Posted by Gautham_v6

Frankly speaking, instead of distinguishing the exhaust setup, KTM could rather think wise and use a conventional exhaust , which does look nice on most models.

Underbelly exhausts sound nice on narrow flyovers and other spots where the sound reflects off of the ground/dividers

Originally Posted by OPMaurya

Thanks for sharing!
I have scraped numerous speedbreakers with a pillion on Duke 200.

How much do you weigh and how much does your average pillion weigh? These bikes are not really meant to handle more than a total of 130 kilos (although everyone exceeds that at some point). Is your preload still set to the stock setting? I think that would be at 0 or 3 try riding with it at the 7th setting instead.

[OPMaurya]

Originally Posted by IshaanIan

How much do you weigh and how much does your average pillion weigh? These bikes are not really meant to handle more than a total of 130 kilos (although everyone exceeds that at some point). Is your preload still set to the stock setting? I think that would be at 0 or 3 try riding with it at the 7th setting instead.

I weigh 67Kg. Pillion is another matter
Combined weight usually exceeded 130 Kg. It's another matter that the speedbreakers are not standard and are made as high as possible
I haven't tweaked the preload setting, so it should be stock. Will try to change the setting and see if it makes any difference.

[Singh101]

Originally Posted by Gautham_v6

The underbelly exhaust setup , in my opinion is quite a problematic setup when you are going to rev up so hard during monsoons, when roads are inundated with water.

Been riding a Duke 390 since 2015 and it has a sweet, compact underbelly exhaust and I've never had an issue with water-logging. The air intake sits under my seat so as long as I'm not going over thigh-deep in water, it's going to keep on keeping on.

Another advantage is the compactness. I never have to account for another bit of the bike that may get clipped by fellow bikers in a hurry or a swerve-happy car. I see a gap- my handlebar fits- I fit- everything fits. Good to go!

Plus I personally love that raw thrum it makes above 5-6k RPMs which just isn't there in the newer BS6 models with the conventional side-mounted exhausts.

[skviknaraj]

Originally Posted by TusharK

..... KTM engineers are looking to remove the silencer protector that sits just below the crankcase. This is likely to result in a 20 mm increase in ground clearance.

The report also states that KTM would also have to make some preload adjustments to the rear monoshock to avoid the bikes from bottoming out when riding with a pillion.

By just removing the silencer protector, one can get some ground clearance. But the silencer will now be exposed to speed bumps and be prone to more damage. The image shown suggests that. This does not seem like wise move or requiring engineers. Another cost cutting move? only the final product will tell.

[Samarth 619]

Both changes are on spot.

KTM's rear shock does bottom out more when riding pillion over certain badly shaped speed breakers, the kinds you find in streets and all, more than highways or big roads. This will also help them create lighter exhaust as it doesn't need to be too rigid or strong walled as its not under the bike anymore.

With the exhaust, KTM needs to understand its a part that heavily influences vehicle weight, and this means 2 things:-
1. you can centralise the weight for good handling,
2. you should obviously try to reduce it for overall better performance and feel.. because it matters so much more after BS6.

I have the 2013 Duke 390, the very first of my city, even before we had a dealership. RTO got the prototype certificate of this bike from me only, (which I got from the dealership in other city). You know how raw it actually is.

Now, I know BS6 regulations are killing performance but KTM is known for performance only, so it needs to fight hard.
I wouldn't mind if Duke 200 becomes 225cc and Duke 250 becomes 280-300cc's or so, after reboring or something... as long as they perform.