Duke 200 vs Benelli TNT 25 Comparison Review
Benelli TNT 25 vs KTM 200 Duke Comparison Review:
A difference of 50 cc between the two contenders, still
they fall under same category – that is of street nakeds under quarter liter.
Let’s see their differences and similarities.
Pricing
& features:
The Duke 200 has been around in India for quite some time
now and is a familiar face for entry level performance bikers. The design is
quite sharp and chiseled. In fact it’s difficult to find a curve except on the
mudguards, which even have some rough edges. The TNT25 is sharp looking too.
The tank of the duke looks massive along with the tank scoops. The TNT25’s tank
also looks big (& volumetrically bigger than the KTM’s). Both bikes sport
an exposed trellis frame, but the TNT25 also has some strange plastic cladding
near its tank which starts from tank and ends near the underbelly. Both bikes
come fitted with UpSideDownforks; the Duke’s being somewhat thicker and stiffer
than the TNT25’s.
The KTM has a smaller and firm pillion seat whereas the
TNT’s pillion will enjoy a better ride, thanks to the broad and somewhat longer
pillion seat. The Duke has an underbelly exhaust whereas the TNT25 comes with a
side-exhaust CAN giving it a sportier look. Both bikes feature disc brakes
without ABS, the Duke having a slightly bigger in size at the front. Both the
bikes come with upright riding position, thanks to the raised handlebar. The
electrical switches on both bikes are ergonomically designed and are good to
use, however, the quality of the Italian is better than the KTM. The TNT25 also
sports hazard indicator switch! The speedometer of the Duke 200 is fully
digital and offers a whole lot of information, but is difficult to read in
broad daylight. The TNT25 has ana-digi speedo which is old school, but readable
at any point of time and also features gear indicator. The tail lamp on both
the bikes features LEDs, however, the TNT25’s tail lamp looks unique as it is.
Price,
On Road, Delhi:
KTM
Duke 200: 1.59 lakhs Rs.
Benelli
TNT25: 1.75 lakhs Rs.
Overall, the Benelli looks sportier with some fresh
sticker jobs on it whereas the Duke sticks to its orange theme but with the
minimalist design takes the edge of being less in weight and delivering a
ground breaking power to weight ratio.
Performance
and Tractability:
In-spite of having a smaller engine and lesser power, the
acceleration on the Duke is better than the Benelli, giving it a 0-60 in under
4 secs and 0-100 under 9 secs! The TNT25 struggles to live to these figures but
keeps up the pace till 135kmph after which it overtakes the Duke and attains a
top speed of 148 kmph. The TNT has more torque at 21.61 Nm at 8000 rpm than the
Duke’s 19.2 Nm at the same revs. The Duke just shoots from the word Go. The
engine is frantic and you might be able to pop wheelies at times! The 136 kg
kerb weight helps the Duke sprint ahead easily and the engine is quite
high-revving one. On the other hand, the Benelli is somewhat reserved in its
power delivery but is smoother in terms of engine noise and overall refinement
levels are better than the KTM. The acceleration won’t seem ground breaking,
but is quite determined and in fact delivers a better top speed, thanks to the
lower teeth rear sprocket.
Power
to Weight Ratio (PS/ton): KTM Duke 200 - 181, Benelli TNT25 – 177
(difference 2%)
Torque
to Weight Ratio (Nm/ton): KTM Duke 200 - 141, Benelli TNT25 – 136
(difference 4%)
Power
(PS@rpm): Duke 200 – 24.6@10000, TNT25 – 28.16@9800
Torque
(Nm@rpm): Duke 200 – 19.2@8000, TNT25 – 21.61@8000
Kerb
Weight (kg): Duke 200 - 136, TNT25 – 159
Displacement
(cc): Duke 200 – 199.5, TNT25 – 249
Reliability
& After Sales Service:
KTM has more than 250 touch point for the customers to
reach out and get their bikes up-to date, KTM parts are available easily thanks
to Bajaj’s vendor development team who has done a great job of localization. On
reliability side the KTM engines are tested to the extremes for hours and hours
without stopping at wide open throttles. On the other hand the Benelli is comparatively
new in India and has a very few number of dealers across India, Dealers are mostly
located in metro and tier 2 cities only. This will lead lot of problem to the
enthusiast buyers staying in towns and outside major cities. Benelli manufactures
all the parts in China, hence we still need to learn about the reliability part
of the bike.
ARAI
Mileage: Duke 200 – 41 kmpl, TNT25 – 35 kmpl
Test
Fuel Efficiency: Duke 200 – 38 kmpl, TNT25 – 30 kmpl
Fuel
Cost (for usage of 40,000 km):
Duke
200
– 74,000 Rs.
TNT25 – 94,000 Rs.
Resale
Price (after 3 – 4 years & 40,000 km):
The Duke 200 is bound to hold slightly better residual
value than the TNT25 due to it radical behavior and youth loving performance.
Duke
200
– 65,000 Rs.
TNT25 – 60,000 Rs
Total
Cost of Ownership (Price + Fuel Cost - Resale Price):
Overall, the Duke 200 works out to be slightly cheaper
than the TNT25 in terms of Total Cost of Ownership.
Duke
200
– 1.68 Lakhs Rs.
TNT25
–
2.09 Lakhs Rs.
Handling
& Ride Quality:
The Duke easily wins the race here as it’s more agile,
tractable and a fast enthusiast’s delight. The raised wide handlebar and
upright position gives the rider the ability to easily maneuver in the city and
also in the corners on a track, or even in the hilly areas. The disc brakes are
sharp, progressive and the only thing missing is the ABS(which is present in its
elder sibling – the Duke 390). However, the hard seat and stiff suspension,
both at front and rear, don’t allow the rider to go on a long ride.
The TNT is not too far behind in handling with excellent
suspension settings and a plusher ride as compared to the Duke. The bike is
flickable, inspite of being 23kgs heavier than the Duke 200. However, the
handlebar is lowered at the ends giving it more user- friendly stance. The
front disc on the TNT is smaller in diameter (280mm petal) than the Dukes
(300mm), but the rear is 10mm more than the Dukes 230mm. Even the Dukes brakes
are quite sharp and provide adequate feel and bite. The Benellis could shed some kilos from its
bodywork and some unwanted panels. Both the bikes come with MRF Zappers, though
Michellins would have upped the ante’. The25’s handlebar is somewhat lowered
and eases the rider to take sharp turns. The TNT has bigger seat and the
pillion sits comfortably along with the rider, there is ample space for the
pillion.Both bikes, as of now, don’t come with ABS as standard and not even as
option.
Tyre
Size:
Front: Duke
200 – 110/70-17, TNT25 - 110/70-17
Rear:
Duke 200 –150/60-17, TNT25 - 150/60-17
Wheelbase
(mm): Duke 200 – 1367, TNT25 – 1400
Comfort
& Ergonomics:
Seat
Height (mm): Duke 200 – 810, TNT25 - 780
Verdict:
The Benelli TNT 25 is a fresh looking bike from the
discussion above. The Duke though has been first to the party, is now looking
somewhat dated. KTM might launch the new Duke 200 with ABS in 2017. The seat of
25 is more comfortable than the Duke 200 and aids in long distance travelling.
The engine also radiates less heat than the Duke 200. If you want pure
performance, then there is no mad machine other than the KTM. However, if you
are trying to look unique and have the Italian taste, and want to reach in
comfort, then the Benelli suits your bill for around 40,000 INR more over span
of 4 years of usage!