Best Tyres for KTM Duke, KTM RC Tyre Price & Duke Tyre Size

The Austrian motorcycle brand KTM (brought to India by Bajaj, which also co-owns it) is largely responsible for helping many enthusiasts live the dream of owning a powerful motorcycle. The KTM products (spread across the Duke, RC, and the new Adventure lines) aren’t just powerful, they are also affordable. But it doesn’t just end there, the explosive power delivery is backed by a very capable chassis. Which explains why people with big-capacity bikes won’t mind swinging over a leg and riding a KTM every once in a while. And it’s not just that, because even if you exclude the idea of upgrading (using the KTM Duke/RC as a stepping stone), the motorcycle does a lot of things well: from everyday commutes to an occasional trip to the racetrack or a Sunday ride to the ghats. An integral part of the KTM charm has been its road-holding capability, and we’re going to discuss what enables the motorcycle to exhibit such performance — its tyres. To keep it simple we’re only talking about the Duke and the RC series of motorcycles with the following categories: 125, 200, 250, and 390.

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Factory Size Tyres for KTM Duke and KTM RC

The company-specified tyre size for KTM DUKE motorcycles is 110/70-17 upfront and 150/60-17 at the rear. For those looking to understand what the tyre size depicts, let’s briefly decode the size. The ‘110’ is the width of the tyre in mm, 70 denotes the height of the sidewall with respect to the width (70 per cent of 110), and 17 is the tyre diameter in inches. When you’re upgrading one can change the tyre size to a larger, wider one (upsizing) but that’s not an inconsequential exercise. It’s not recommended unless you’re making changes elsewhere to ensure that the handling and overall balance isn’t off. Another reason why you don’t need to upsize on a stock KTM is that the standard tyre size has it all covered, and the sweet handling balance of the motorcycle is spot on. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with different tyres and tread patterns. For the aforementioned tyre sizes, there are a couple of solid options available for the KTM Duke and KTM RC motorcycles.

While the Duke and RC series both have a wide variety of engine choices, it’s safe to consider that these are going to be used in everyday conditions. Which means it’s essential to look at tyres which offer good all-round grip. Having said that, it’s also true that these might not work as well on the track and will prove to be fairly useless off the road, too. But that’s not the point here, as these are bound to handle everyday tasks and prove economical in the long run.

Why do the KTMs deserve specially developed tyres?

You can get a lot of 110/70-17 tyres but it’s best to not consider the budget offerings. That’s because while the size might match, both the KTM Duke and RC are very powerful motorcycles. So not just for straight-line stability but also if you were to power out of corners, the tyre has to offer enough grip to handle that. And let’s not forget that in emergency scenarios (very common on the Indian roads), the ability to stop/steer around an obstacle needs to be complemented by the grip. And budget tyres are likely to falter there.

Economical tyre options for KTM

MRF’s Revz series is one choice when it comes to KTM tyres. It’s available at a fraction of what the factory Metzelers cost, and are suited to everyday riding as well. Since KTM offers these as standard fitment on some of the models, it’s safe to say your motorcycle’s handling and balance won’t be ruined with these. Other popular choices, as can be found in our KTM Tyre section, are Metro Conti Go, CEAT, and budget offerings from Pirelli (Angel City) and Metzeler (Sportec Street).

High-performance tyre for KTM

On the other hand, Michelin also offers its highly successful line, Pilot Street in these sizes, and there are the equally popular Metzelers, too. The on-road grip of these tyres is exemplary, but owing to the softer compound, they’re bound to not last very long. If you’re looking at something that’s sat between the everyday tyre (like the MRF above) and a racetrack-orientated one (like those below), this is worth a shot. Alternatively, the Apollo Alpha H1 is one of the more expensive options you can get for the KTM.

Ready to race — or take it off the road?

Further down the line, the specialist choices include the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II (for a mix of road and track), and the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa 2 for the track. But if you’re modifying your KTM to handle the rough stuff, there’s Pirelli Scorpion STR. It’s a knobbly tyre made to perform where traction levels are low and the surface is far from ideal. It’s still an on-/off-road tyre, but don’t expect your motorcycle to exhibit the kind of road grip that a road-focused tyre will offer.

Which one suits you?

There are a few things that must be kept in mind while looking at upgrading your motorcycle’s tyres. The most important one of which is identifying the right tyre for the kind of conditions you’d subject your motorcycle to. If it’s going to be everyday commuting, then a Supercorsa won’t be of any use to you. But at the same time, if you’re looking at frequent track days, a budget tyre might not just make any sense for that. The technological advancements made in tyres have ensured that unless you opt for dry-spec slick racing ones, the grip in the wet isn’t going to be alarming. But if you’re bound to ride a lot in the wet, choose the tyres that offer a balance between the ability to dissipate water and overall grip (both dry and wet). An off-road/enduro tyre might look cool but it’s not exactly made for the road, and that needs to be kept in mind while choosing. On the whole, choosing the right tyre for your KTM is like choosing the right KTM model itself. Pick the one that suits you the most, and you’re more than likely to enjoy years of ownership without any worry.

Front KTM Duke & KTM RC Tyres

Tyre Name	Size	Load Index	Speed Rating	Speed	Vehicle Compatibility	Price
Metro Conti GO	110/70 R17	NA	NA	NA	125 Duke, 200 Duke, 250 Duke, 390 Duke 125 RC, 200 RC, 250 RC, 390 RC	2853
Diablo Super Corsa SC3	110/70 R17	54	S	180	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	17932
Metzeler ME Speed	110/70 R17	54	H	210	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	3942
CEAT SportRad	110/70 R17	54	H	210	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	5830
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR	110/70 R17	54	H	210	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	10420
Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa SC3	110/70 R17	54	W	270 kmph	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	17932
Metzeler M7	110/70 ZR17	54	W	270 kmph	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	12219
Apollo Alpha H1	110/70 ZR17	54	W	270 kmph	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	4599

Rear KTM Duke and KTM RC Tyres

Tyre Name	Size	Load Index	Speed Rating	Speed	Vehicle Compatibility	Price
CEAT SportRad	150/60 R17	66	H	210	125 Duke, 200 Duke, 250 Duke, 390 Duke 125 RC, 200 RC, 250 RC, 390 RC	7430
MRF Revz D	150/60 R17	66	H	180	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	4880
Michelin Road 5	150/60 R17	66	W	210	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	10999
Apollo Tramplr XR	150/60 R17	66	H	210	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	6599
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR	150/60 R17	66	H	210	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	16735
Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa2 V2(A) SC2	150/60 R17	66	W	270	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	20499
Metzeler M7	150/60 R17	66	W	270	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	15289
Apollo Alpha H1	150/60 ZR17	66	W	270 kmph	All Duke and RC models (except Duke 790)	5799

FAQs – Best Tyres for KTM Duke and KTM RC Motorcycles

Q1. What are the recommended tyre sizes for KTM Duke and KTM RC motorcycles?

Ans: The company-specified tyre size for KTM Duke motorcycles is 110/70-17 upfront and 150/60-17 at the rear. These sizes are applicable to the Duke and RC series of motorcycles with the following engine categories: 125, 200, 250, and 390.

Q2. Can I upsize the tyres on my KTM Duke or RC motorcycle?

Ans: While it is possible to upsize the tyres to a larger and wider one, it is not recommended unless you make appropriate changes elsewhere to maintain the handling and balance of the motorcycle. The standard tyre size provided by KTM covers most needs, and altering it requires careful consideration.

Q3. Why do KTM motorcycles need specially developed tyres?

Ans: KTM Duke and RC motorcycles are powerful machines, and they require tyres that can handle the explosive power delivery and provide sufficient grip for acceleration, braking, and cornering. Budget tyres may not offer the required performance and stability for these high-performance motorcycles.

Q4. What are some economical tyre options for KTM motorcycles?

Ans: For those looking for budget-friendly tyre options, MRF’s Revz series is a good choice for everyday riding. Metro Conti Go, CEAT, Pirelli (Angel City), and Metzeler (Sportec Street) are other popular choices that offer good all-round grip and are suitable for daily commuting.

Q5. What are some high-performance tyre options for KTM motorcycles?

Ans: For riders seeking higher performance, Michelin’s Pilot Street and Metzeler tyres are excellent choices. They provide exceptional on-road grip, but being made of a softer compound, they may wear out faster. Apollo Alpha H1 is another high-performance option for KTM motorcycles.

Q6. Can I use KTM motorcycles for off-road purposes?

Ans: While KTM motorcycles are known for their road-holding capability, there are options available for off-road enthusiasts. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR is a knobbly tyre designed to handle low-traction surfaces, but it sacrifices some road grip compared to road-focused tyres.

Q7. How should I choose the right tyre for my KTM motorcycle?

Ans: When choosing tyres for your KTM motorcycle, consider the type of riding you’ll be doing. For everyday commuting, a tyre with good all-round grip is suitable. For frequent track days, a higher performance tyre may be preferred. It’s essential to strike a balance between grip in wet and dry conditions based on your riding habits.

Q8. Where can I buy KTM motorcycle tyres online?

Ans: You can purchase KTM motorcycle tyres online from various tire retailers. Be sure to choose reputable and reliable sources to ensure the authenticity and quality of the tyres.

Q9. Are the listed tyre prices for both front and rear tyres?

Ans: Yes, the listed tyre prices are for both front and rear tyres. The prices may vary depending on the brand and model selected.

Q10. Can I mix different brands for front and rear tyres on my KTM motorcycle?

Ans: While it is generally recommended to use matching tyres for the front and rear, some riders might choose to mix different brands. However, it is essential to ensure that the chosen combination does not compromise the motorcycle’s handling and performance.