KTM Duke 250: High revs, sharp lines, raw performance – that is what KTM stood for in India.
As far as the company’s lineup goes, the KTM Duke 250 finds the sweet spot between the punchy 390 and the more modest 200.
Lightweight frame, with great 250cc performance and sporty handling, the Duke 250 is a surefire bet for enthusiasts and practical users alike.
Billed as the premium replacement to the quarter-litre and counting range, the Duke 250 has seen a few subtle iterations over the years but the roots remain the same—nimbleness, power output, and street-naked looks.
Design and Build: Streetfighter With an Eager Urban Attitude
Styling A lot of the Duke 250’s styling has been taken from the Duke 390, particularly after it received a BS6 update. It gets the same muscular tank, sharp bodywork and a split trellis frame.
It doesn’t boast of the full LED headlamp like its 390 cousin but makes do with a halogen unit with LED DRLs and makes enough of a statement nevertheless.
Designed with aggression and modernity, the sculpted tank, exposed sub-frame and sharp tail section are the concept of the bike.
The paint finish and attention to detail is top-notch as is synonymous with KTM in India.
The feel of the motorcycle is small and light, which inspires confidence, especially to riders who are upgrading from the 150cc class of motorcycles.
Engine and Performance
The Duke 250 gets a 248.8cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which churns out 30 PS at 9,000 rpm and has a peak torque output of 24 Nm at 7,500 rpm.
It’s paired with a 6-speed box and features a slipper clutch that affords a smoother downshifting and takes away the rear-wheel chatter.
Performance is where the Duke 250 really excels. Mid-range of the engine is solid and above 5,000 rpm, it really pulls hard.
And it’s an engine that wants to be revved, with the gear ratios conducive to more spirited than sedate riding.
It’s not quite as frantic as the Duke 390, yet has a more usable power delivery profile for both city riding and weekend trips away.
For a single-cylinder engine, vibrations are kept to a minimum, and the throttle response is snappy, if you like a responsive ride.
Ride and Handling
Based on the lightweight steel trellis frame, the Duke 250 is nimble and holds a sharp response. The USD WP Apex forks and preload adjustable monoshock has a nice balance between stiffness for handling and comfort.
It’s in the corners where this bike starts to shine—feeling planted and nimble and confidence-inspiring.
Braking is via 300mm front disc and 230mm rear with dual-channel ABS with a Supermoto mode that disengages the ABS at the rear for more experienced riders.
The MRF Revz radial tyres supply acceptable grip, something the enthusiasts may insist on a slightly gripper compound.
Features and Instrumentation
A highlight of the Duke 250 is the fully digital LCD console which provides real time fuel consumption, gear position info and trip info.
It doesn’t receive the TFT unit from the Duke 390, but these LCDs are functional and legible.
Other features include:
Slipper clutch
Dual-channel ABS and Supermoto mode ads blood to the mix.
Side-stand engine cut-off
Backlit switchgear
All of which endow this motorcycle with a much improved, moderate temperament for daily use without limiting its original sportiness.
Pros
Good powerful performance with smooth power delivery
Edgy, minimalist “streetfighter” design creates a dynamic contrast between edgy, mechanical elements and a unique front face.
Wonderful handling and a balanced chassis
Compact and Maneuverable
Add the comfort of a slipper clutch to the mix
Feature-rich for the segment
Cons
No LED headlamp and TFT display
Ride quality is a tad stiff for battered city streets
Long highway rides can be tiring with that single-cylinder engine optional electronic suspension can be fussy at lower speed.
Pillion comfort is limited
Price wise it is very close to the bigger Duke 390
KTM Duke 250: Conclusion
For those in search of serious performance without the commitment—or budget—requisite for the 390, there’s the KTM Duke 250.
It’s perfect for city commuters who dart around on weekdays but get aggressive on twisties on the weekends, or for those new riders looking to graduate from their 300s, 500s, or 600s.
When combined with brisk handling, good mid-range performance and typical KTM styling, the Duke 250 is sure to be one of the best all-round naked bikes in the 250cc category.