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    KTM 160 Duke vs Rivals Compared – MT-15, Xtreme, Pulsar, Apache

    KTM 160 Duke vs Rivals ComparedThe just launched KTM 160 Duke has landed hot into the highly competitive premium 160cc motorcycle segment. This is where we can see Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0, Hero Xtreme 160R 4V, Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. To keep this comparison uncluttered, we have only taken motorcycles with 4V head, leaving out Xtreme 160R 2V, Pulsar N160 and Apache RTR 160 2V.
    Also, we did not involve Honda SP160 into this as it leans more towards the commuter side. The recently launched CB125 Hornet is better-equipped than SP160. In this comparison, we will go through engine performance, dimensions, equipment and features of these premium 160cc motorcycles and see where the new KTM 160 Duke falls.
    KTM 160 Duke vs Rivals
    If we do an apples to apples comparison, only the Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 is a closest rival to KTM 160 Duke. Only these two have liquid-cooled engines, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and come with fat 140-section rear tyres. However, we have included Xtreme 160R 4V, Pulsar NS160 and Apache RTR 160 4V to make things interesting.
    Where performance metrics are concerned, KTM 160 Duke outshines the rivals on paper with its 18.7 bhp peak power, while Xtreme is the lowest at 16.7 bhp. MT-15 is only 0.5 bhp behind than 160 Duke, but takes the lead in power to weight ratio as it is the lightest at 141 kg and packs 129.1 bhp / tonnes, highest on this list. Torque is the highest on 160 Duke at 15.5 Nm. Only the MT-15 gets a DOHC 4V/cyl head in this list, while others including 160 Duke get SOHC setup.
    KTM 160 Duke vs Rivals Comparison
    Pulsar NS160 is the heaviest of this bunch at 152 kg and also packs the longest wheelbase at 1,372 mm. MT-15 has the shortest wheelbase at 1,325 mm, making it lively to tip it into corners. Ground clearance is the highest on Apache at 180 mm, whereas seat height is the lowest with Xtreme, making it the friendliest for short riders. 160 Duke has the highest seat height here.
    Best overall package?
    Only the 160 Duke and MT-15 gets a smaller 10L fuel tank, while others pack 12L tank. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is the only one on this list to offer skinnier tyres, rear drum brakes and RSU telescopic front forks with lower variants. With others, all premium goodies are standard. While headlights and tail lights are LEDs as standard in this list, Yamaha only offers LED indicators in higher variants whereas Apache completely misses out on it.
    KTM 160 Duke offers the largest brakes on this list, promising the sharpest response. All bikes in this comparison offer a fully digital instrument cluster. Only the Xtreme misses out on features like turn-by-turn navigation. Despite the higher price tag, KTM offers an LCD screen with 160 Duke, while Yamaha is the only one to offer a colour TFT screen with higher variants, while undercutting 160 Duke in prices.
    Where pricing is concerned, KTM 160 Duke is the priciest at Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh), but it aims to offer the sportiest performance and experience. On paper, Yamaha MT-15 Version 2.0 appears to be a better product as it undercuts 160 Duke, while offering a DOHC engine head, TFT screen, Traction Control, lightest weight and others. In real world, however, things might change dramatically as we bring in personal preferences, real world performance, rider ergonomics, brand affiliation and other attributes. More

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    KTM RC 160 Announced Based On 160 Duke – Launch In Coming Weeks

    KTM RC 200 Black – Image for reference onlyFor the very first time, KTM India has introduced a new 160cc motorcycle in its Indian portfolio. We’re talking about the just launched KTM 160 Duke for a price tag of Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh). Now, the company has announced a fully faired version of 160 Duke as well, which will be called RC 160. Let’s take a look at further details.
    KTM RC 160 Announced
    If we take a look at KTM’s operations in India, the company has strived to carve out as many body styles as possible of a platform. In that regard, we had ‘Duke’ street fighter genre, ‘RC’ supersport genre, ‘Adventure’ adventure tourer genre and in 2025, we got ‘Enduro’ enduro genre of motorcycles and there might be the launch of ‘SMC’ supermoto genre bikes too.
    The just launched KTM 160 Duke is the spiritual successor of 125 Duke, which has been discontinued. However, KTM’s 125 Duke had a supersport counterpart as well, which has also been discontinued. We’re talking about KTM RC 125 and the company has announced RC 160 to fill the shoes of RC 125.
    KTM Duke 160 Specs
    Where powertrain is concerned, just launched 160cc engine is a significant upgrade. This new engine is capable of generating 18.7 bhp of peak power at 9500 RPM and 15.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 RPM, mated to a ride-by-wire throttle. It is also a single-cylinder liquid-cooled SOHC engine. In comparison, older 125cc engine packed only 14.5 bhp and 12 Nm.
    What to expect?
    When compared to 160 Duke, the soon to launch KTM RC 160 will get a full body fairing owing to its supersport genre. This fairing is likely to be the same one as seen on RC 200 and RC 390. We can expect it to have clip-on handlebars as opposed to the wide street style handlebars seen on 160 Duke.
    Equipment is likely to be mostly identical between just launched 160 Duke and soon to launch RC 160. These include the 320 mm front disc, 230 mm rear disc brakes with Bybre callipers, 110-section front and 140-section rear tyres, 17-inch alloy wheels, non adjustable WP APEX non-adjustable USD telescopic front forks, rear mono-shock and more.
    KTM Duke 160
    ‘In terms of features KTM RC 160 announced, will get LED headlights, LED tail lights, LED turn indicators, a fully digital 5-inch LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, KTM Connect, music control, turn-by-turn navigation and more. More

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    KTM Duke 160 Launch Price Rs 1.85 L – Specs, Features, Details

    KTM Duke 160 LaunchTeam Orange is on the verge of expanding its portfolio in the lower-end of the price bracket. In that regard, KTM just launched the youngest sibling in Duke family in the form of 160 Duke. This has been one of India’s highly anticipated launches ever since rumours began and 125 Duke was discontinued.
    Wait is finally over and KTM India has just launched 160 Duke, which is a spiritual successor of 125 Duke in terms of product positioning. Price for KTM 160 Duke is Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh), which puts it directly in the crosshairs of the premium and performant 150cc to 160cc street fighters like Yamaha MT-15 V2.0.
    KTM Duke 160 Launch
    KTM Duke 160 Launch
    The highly anticipated KTM 160 Duke launch has finally happened. Where pricing is concerned, KTM is offering 160 Duke for Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh) and is offering attractive financing schemes to streamline purchasing experience to buyers as well. Also part of the package, is a 10 year extended warranty.
    Colour options include Electronic Orange, Atlantic Blue and Silver Metallic Matte. Bookings for KTM 160 Duke have commenced via official website and across all authorised dealerships. Deliveries of KTM 160 Duke will start soon.
    Most interesting part of this launch is the new engine powering KTM 160 Duke. This is a new single-cylinder liquid-cooled powerplant with an SOHC head, as opposed to DOHC head in 125 Duke. This engine is capable of delivering 18.7 bhp of peak power at 9500 RPM and 15.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 RPM, mated to a ride-by-wire throttle.
    KTM Duke 160 Launch
    Bringing some more metrics on to the paper, 160 Duke has a 1,357 mm long wheelbase, 138 mm and 161 mm suspension travel at the front and rear, respectively. Seat height is 815 mm, ground clearance is 174 mm and it weighs 147 kg. It packs 320 mm front and 230 mm rear disc brake setup with Brembo radial callipers, a Bosch EMS and more. As 160 Duke shares most of its styling and components with other Dukes, rider ergonomics should be somewhat similar.
    KTM Duke 160 Launch
    Specs & Features
    Like other Duke models in the company’s portfolio, KTM 160 Duke packs quite a lot of common equipment. Notable among these include LED headlights, LED tail lights, LED turn indicators, alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, WP Apex USD front forks and mono-shock rear suspension, dual channel ABS and dual channel Bluetooth, crawling feature, off-road ABS, KTM Connect, a steel trellis frame and more.
    With 160 Duke, KTM is offering 5-inch LCD instrument cluster that is capable of Bluetooth connectivity along with other smartphone-related connected features like call pick, music play and turn-by-turn navigation. It packs a 10.1 L fuel tank along with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 110-section front and 140-section rear tyres. Within the company’s portfolio, KTM 160 Duke is positioned below 200 Duke, 250 Duke and 390 Duke.
    KTM Duke 160 Launch
    Manik Nangia, President – Probiking: “Inside every one of us is a racer. We all have that instinct to compete and push limits. For over a decade, KTM has given that instinct expression — defining India’s premium sport motorcycle category with an uncompromising ‘Ready to Race’ mindset and thrilling generations of young riders. With the new KTM 160 Duke, we’ve distilled KTM’s legendary DNA into performance motorcycles that are more accessible than ever — without sacrificing the performance, precision, and attitude that define every KTM.” More

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    Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Gets New Graphite Grey Colour – Priced at Rs 1.76 Lakh

    Royal Enfield Hunter 350 New Colour LaunchRoyal Enfield has expanded the colour palette of its popular Hunter 350 roadster with the launch of a new Graphite Grey variant, priced at Rs 1,76,750 (ex-showroom). This addition takes the total number of colour options for the Hunter 350 to seven, with the mid variant now available in three shades – Graphite Grey, Rio White, and Dapper Grey. Bookings for the new variant are now open at Royal Enfield dealerships, on the RE App, and via the company’s website.
    Matte Finish with Street-Inspired Details
    The new Graphite Grey is finished in an exclusive matte coat, designed to appeal to riders who prefer understated style with an edge. Neon yellow accents add a bold touch, inspired by urban street graffiti. The variant continues to be powered by the brand’s 349cc J-series engine paired with retro-modern styling that suits both city commutes and weekend rides.
    Royal Enfield Hunter 350 New Colour Launch
    Part of the Updated 2025 Line-Up
    This new colourway follows earlier 2025 updates that introduced Rio White, Tokyo Black, and London Red to the Hunter 350 line-up, alongside mechanical and ergonomic improvements. These include increased ground clearance, a more comfortable seat, revised suspension, and a refined ergonomic triangle for better rider fit. The Hunter 350 also became the first 350cc Royal Enfield to feature a slip-assist clutch. Other updates include an LED headlamp, tripper navigation pod, and Type-C USB fast charging.
    The Hunter 350 registered sales of 16,261 units last month, reaffirming its strong position in Royal Enfield’s line-up. With the festive season approaching, the introduction of the new Graphite Grey variant is expected to further boost sales by attracting buyers looking for fresh style and exclusivity.
    Royal Enfield Hunter 350 New Colour Launch
    Globally, the Hunter 350 has built a strong following of over half a million riders since launch, making it one of Royal Enfield’s fastest-growing models. The new Graphite Grey variant aims to strengthen that appeal, targeting riders seeking a personalised, stylish option without compromising comfort or the bike’s retro charm.
    Customers can see the 2025 Hunter 350 Graphite Grey at their nearest Royal Enfield store or book online. The addition reinforces the Hunter’s position as a stylish, accessible roadster in Royal Enfield’s line-up, which spans from 350cc singles to 650cc twins, adventure tourers, and modern classics. More

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    Hero To Launch India’s Most Futuristic 125cc – Glamour With Cruise Control?

    Hero Teased India’s Most Futuristic 125cc 2W Vehicle
    The largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, Hero MotoCorp, seems to be upping its game commuter in India. The maker of Splendor commuter bike, has just teased a new vehicle that is promised to be India’s most futuristic 125cc 2W. All fingers are pointing towards the probable launch of 2025 Glamour 125 with Cruise Control feature. Let’s take a closer look.
    Hero To Launch India’s Most Futuristic 125cc
    The 125cc segment in India holds stark importance among 2W manufacturers. Especially where motorcycles are concerned, which holds immense sales potential. This is the segment where Bajaj, Honda, Hero and TVS compete to the highest level. Hero MotoCorp aims to up the game in this segment with a new offering which it promises will be India’s most futuristic 125cc two-wheeler.
    Hero Teased India’s Most Futuristic 125cc 2W Vehicle
    Cross-referencing to upcoming 125cc Hero MotoCorp vehicles, one product stands out, which is the next-gen Glamour 125 spied with cruise control. Hero has sent Block Your Date invites to media and the launch timeline is likely to be around this month, which is August 2025 and it seems to have all the makings of a segment disruptor.
    This spied 2026 Hero Glamour 125 has been one of the most sensational news in the automotive fraternity as it was quite unusual. We say unusual because it possessed Cruise Control, operated by a toggle on its right switchgear. Cruise Control on a budget commuter is a hard pill to swallow owing to the cost constraints.
    2026 Hero Glamour 125 Spied
    However, Hero MotoCorp offers Cruise Control on its affordable Vida V2 lineup of scooters and it might be a similar system designed to be affordable for the masses. Other notable element seen on the 2026 Glamour 125 was a fully digital colour LCD instrument cluster which might be shared with the unit seen on Xtreme 250R and now discontinued Karizma XMR 210 Base variant.
    What to expect?
    Prices are likely to jump a bit, considering the equipment on offer. Hero MotoCorp is known to come up with unique attributes on their products to make them stand out in the market. Splendor is a stark example of this as it is the country’s only 100cc commuter with a disc brake, LED headlights, fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and more.
    2026 Hero Glamour 125 Spied
    Same strategy could be implemented with Glamour 125 where it might emerge as the country’s most futuristic 125cc 2W vehicle. With 2026 Glamour 125, Hero may carry forward the same 124.7cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine with 10.39 bhp of peak power and 10.4 Nm of peak torque.
    2026 Hero Glamour 125 Spied
    Also read – New 440cc Hero Bike launch soon More

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    Electric 2W Sales July 2025 – TVS, Bajaj, Ola, Ather, Hero Vida, Ampere, Pure EV

    New TVS iQubeThe Indian electric two-wheeler market in July 2025 recorded retail sales of 1,02,973 units, showing a 4.35% decline compared to July 2024 and a 2.26% dip from June 2025 – reveals FADA. While the overall numbers were slightly lower, individual brand performances varied significantly, with some players posting strong growth and others seeing notable drops.
    Electric 2W Sales July 2025
    On a year-on-year basis, TVS iQube retained its top spot, selling 22,256 units — up 13.23% from 19,655 units in July last year. Bajaj Chetak held second place with 19,683 units, marking a 10.80% improvement over its 2024 performance. Ola S1, which previously dominated sales charts, saw a sharp 57.29% decline to 17,852 units from 41,802 units a year ago, indicating a major slowdown in demand or possible supply constraints.
    Year-on-Year Growth Leaders
    Ather Energy emerged as one of the fastest-growing brands, registering 16,251 units in July 2025, up 59.04% from 10,218 units last year. Hero Vida delivered the highest percentage growth among the established players, more than doubling its sales to 10,501 units, up 107.20% YoY.
    Electric 2W Sales July 2025 – YoY Comparison
    Ampere recorded steady growth at 32.92%, reaching 4,199 units, while PURE EV posted a significant 332.82% surge to 1,688 units. River EV showed remarkable expansion as well, up 583.78% to 1,518 units, indicating rapid market acceptance. Kinetic Green also saw solid growth of 77.79% to 1,225 units. However, Bgauss slipped by 11.04% to 1,595 units, and the “Others” category, which includes smaller brands, fell 9.99% to 6,205 units.
    Month-on-Month Trends
    Month-on-month comparisons tell a slightly different story. The top three brands — TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, and Ola S1 — all saw double-digit declines in July compared to June 2025, likely due to the ongoing shortage of rare earth magnets. TVS iQube dropped 12.03% from 25,300 units, Bajaj Chetak fell 14.54% from 23,032 units, and Ola S1 declined 11.58% from 20,190 units.
    Electric 2W Sales July 2025 – MoM Comparison
    Ather bucked the downward trend with an 11.88% MoM increase, climbing from 14,526 units in June. Hero Vida made a strong leap of 36.95% from 7,668 units, continuing its upward trajectory. Ampere’s sales remained unchanged at 4,199 units, while PURE EV grew 18.12% from 1,429 units. River EV saw a 21.83% rise from 1,246 units, and Kinetic surged 60.34% from 764 units, marking one of the highest MoM gains.
    Bgauss, however, dropped 18.29% from 1,952 units, while the “Others” segment rose 22.90% from 5,049 units. Overall, the July 2025 sales data suggests a market in transition. Established leaders like TVS, Bajaj, and Ola faced short-term slowdowns, while newer or smaller players such as Hero Vida, River EV, and Kinetic showed strong growth momentum. The mix of YoY gains for many brands but MoM drops for the top sellers indicates that the segment’s competition is intensifying, with emerging players increasingly claiming a bigger share of the market.
    Top 5 Highlights – July 2025 E2W Sales
    1. Hero Vida – 107% YoY growth, 36.95% MoM growth2. Ola S1 – Biggest YoY drop at -57.29%3. River EV – 583% YoY surge4. TVS iQube – No.1 in sales with 22,256 units5. Kinetic – 60% MoM growth, strong comeback More

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    2025 Honda NS125 LA Retro Scooter Design Patented In India

    2025 Honda NS125 LA Design Patented In IndiaDominating the country’s scooter industry is Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI), which has single-handedly held this 2W segment for a very long time. All credits go to Honda Activa series of family-format scooters that made this happen. Honda also has the sporty Dio, but not a retro-style scooter.
    2025 Honda NS125 LA Design Patented In India
    This is where Yamaha Fascino and Vespa scooters among ICE scooters and Bajaj Chetak and Kinetic DX among EVs come into action with their retro-modern design and styling. Now, Honda has patented design of a retro scooter in India, suggesting the company could fill a void in its portfolio or just routinely protect its IPs in India. Let’s take a closer look.
    2025 NS125 LA
    2025 Honda NS125 LA
    The scooter we are talking about is the new 2025 version of Honda NS125 LA, which is a gorgeous retro-modern scooter. Everything about Honda NS125’s design is a blast from the past and it even bears retro pastel colours to further up the charm. Circular LED headlights, round ORVMs with a doze of chrome and modern LED turn indicators look snazzy.
    2025 NS125 LA
    Further accentuating the retro-modern feel, we have dual-tone Black and Chrome alloy wheels, chrome exhaust heat shield, a ribbed dual-tone seat cover, painted apron, lockable glovebox, LED rear tail lights and more. Honda will even offer retro accessories like windshield, chrome front luggage carrier, chrome rear luggage carrier and chrome bumpers.
    2025 NS125 LA
    Modern elements include a disc brake setup at the front with option to choose ABS, a fully digital colour TFT instrument cluster with 4G connection unlocking a plethora of connected telematics features via the app and Honda will even sell you an integrated dashcam which will sync with this app.
    2025 Honda NS125 LA
    Other notable features include side-stand engine cut off, spacious under-seat storage for a half-face helmet, 20W USB Type-A and Type-C ports in the glovebox area, 5.7L fuel tank, 760 mm seat height, 90 km/h top speed, 108 to 115 kg kerb weight, ACG silent start, engine stop/start system and more.
    2025 NS125 LA
    Powertrain & Pricing
    The model patented in India is the newest 2025 version of Honda NS125 LA, which gets refined aesthetics. It is powered by a 124cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that generates 9.38 bhp of peak power and 10 Nm of peak torque, mated to a CVT. It rides on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels.
    2025 Honda NS125 LA
    Where pricing is concerned, 2025 Honda NS125 LA starts from CNY 10,480 and goes till CNY 12,980, which roughly translates to around Rs 1.27 lakh to Rs 1.57 lakh with currency exchange rates. HMSI has not confirmed whether it will launch NS125 LA in India. These design patents might either be launch intentions or just IP (Intellectual Property) protection exercise.

    Also read – 2025 Honda CB125 Hornet Launched More

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    Triumph Thruxton 400 vs RE Continental GT 650 – Specs, Features

    Thruxton 400 vs RE Continental GT 650The new Triumph Thruxton 400, built in collaboration with Bajaj Auto, marks a bold entry into the premium 400cc segment
    Triumph Motorcycles has launched the new Thruxton 400cc café racer in Indian markets. It boasts of an attractive design with racer accents while also demonstrating outstanding performance. The new Thruxton is priced at Rs 2,74,137 (ex-showroom) and while it has no real direct rival in Indian markets, it does offer some competition to the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650.
    While these two motorcycles share similarities in genre and riding style, they are set apart by a host of differences, mainly in the engine department. Here we assess these specifications to aid buyers make the right choice between these two café racers.
    Thruxton 400 vs RE Continental GT – Price, Dimensions, Features
    To start off, the Triumph Thruxton has been launched at an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.75 lakh. This makes it around Rs 50k cheaper than the RE Continental GT 650 that carries a price tag which starts from Rs 3.25 lakh (ex-showroom). We also compare these two models in terms of features, performance, mileage and displacement.
    In comparison to the Triumph Thruxton 400, the RE Continental GT 650 is a relatively larger bike. While the Thruxton rides on a 1,376 mm wheelbase, that of the GT is at 1,398 mm. Ground clearance of the RE which is at 174 mm is also relatively much more than the Thruxton at 158 mm. Also, Conti GT has a higher seat at 804 mm over 795 mm seen on Thruxton.
    Thruxton 400 vs RE Continental GT 650
    While fuel tank capacity is at 12.5 liters on the RE, it goes up by 0.5 liters to 13 liters on the Thruxton. Where the RE Continental GT650 is set apart significantly is in terms of its kerb weight which stands at a hefty 214 kgs over 183 kgs of the Thruxton which makes it a substantial 31kg lighter.
    The Thruxton is presented in colour options of Lava Red Gloss and Aluminum Silver, Pearl Metallic White and Storm Grey, Metallic Racing Yellow with Aluminum Silver, and Phantom Black with Aluminum Silver. RE, on the other hand, gets 6 colours of British Racing Green, Rocker Red, Dux Deluxe, Mr Clean, Apex Grey, Slipstream Blue.
    True to its retro café racer style, 2025 Thruxton gets a simple design. It receives a contemporary instrument cluster with an analogue speedometer, small LCD screen and all LED lighting along with a USB charging port, ride-by-wire and traction control besides slip-and-assist clutch. The GT 650 gets a double cradle frame, split-pod analogue console, a single seat setup, clip on handle bars and USB charging port.
    Engine and Performance
    Differing extensively in engine specs, the Triumph Thruxton 400 draws its power via a 398cc, single cylinder liquid cooled unit that offers 41.5 bhp of peak power at 9,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm torque at 7,500 rpm. It commands a higher power-to-weight ratio of 229.5 bhp/tonne.
    The Continental GT 650 is powered by a significantly larger 648cc, twin-cylinder, air and oil-cooled engine that makes 47 hp power at 7,250 rpm and 52.3 Nm torque at 5,650 rpm. It commands a power-to-weight ratio at 219.6hp/tonne. Both bikes get mated to a 6 speed gearbox. This makes the GT650 offer higher power output over the Thruxton even as the higher weight of the former relates to a lower power-to-weight ratio.
    Triumph Thruxton also differs from the GT 650 as it receives a USD fork / monoshock as against the telescopic fork / twin shock absorbers seen on the GT. In terms of braking, the Thruxton gets 300mm disc / 230mm disc at the front and rear as compared to 320mm disc / 240mm disc seen on the GT. The Thruxton also gets wider tyres at 110/70-R17 / 150/60-R17 over the GT 650 that rides on 100/90-18 / 130/70-R18.
    Buyers will have to choose between the Thruxton 400 and Continental GT 650 taking into consideration these differences where one is more highly priced that the other. However, the Thruxton scores over the GT 650 in terms of being relatively lighter while it also offers better rider conveniences and the latest in technology. Even simple things like tubeless tyres are standard on Thruxton, which is not with the Conti. More