2017 KTM Duke 250 Review

The Duke 250 is an all new bike from KTM. The company was manufacturing this bike in India bit it was only for exports. Earlier, it looked like the Duke 250 in India will not be launched here. This 250cc engine has got BS-IV certification recently and hence KTM has taken the decision to launch this bike here. The 2017 Duke 250 has been updated. This is the global spec bike that is now available in India. There is a new design, features, mechanicals and other aspects. We ride the KTM Duke 250 on the track at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant and bring you the first ride review.

2017 KTM Duke 250 Video

KTM Duke 250 Price in India

The KTM Duke 250 costs INR 1.95 lakhs. This is a good alternative for those who want to upgrade from the Duke 200 but do not want to go go for the Duke 390. It will also provide good completion to the Bajaj Dominar 400, Mahindra Mojo and the recently launched Yamaha FZ250.

Also Read: Bajaj Dominar 400 Price and Specifications

KTM Duke 250 Specifications

KTM Duke 250 Design

The Duke 250 has an aggressive front. It doesn’t get split headlamp design but it is different from the Duke 200 and also the 390. There is a LED surround and a halogen headlamp. The seat design has been revised and even a new redesigned tail end too.

The new Duke 250 does not get the TFT screen like the Duke 390. However it gets an advanced instrument cluster as compared to the Duke 200. This is the same unit that is found on the RC390. It gives out more information and has more lines too.

Also Read: Mahindra Mojo Price and Review

KTM Duke 250 Engine

The Duke 250 produces 249cc, four-stroke single cylinder engine. This is water cooled engine and is made available with the current engine. With 29bhp being produced at 9000rpm and 24Nm at 7500rpm, KTM derives maximum performance from this unit. The six-speed box is identical to its other siblings.

This bike gets the same Trellis frame, 13.5-litre fuel tank, like the Duke 390. This fuel tank is a metal one. The KTM Duke 250 also misses out on some features found on the 390, like ABS, TFT screen, split headlamps and high performance tyres. It does get a slipper clutch though. Then there is also the side slung exhaust as well. The KTM Duke 250 also gets open cartridge USD forks. These forks are now ready for an upgrade to adjustments on the go.

The Duke 250 has a very noticeable improvement is acceleration as compared to the Duke 200. It gets a bigger sprocket and hence the initial pull is much better. The midrange is better too, However, there is not much difference in the top end performance. We managed 135 km/h on the Duke 250.

Also Read: 2017 KTM RC200 Price and Specifications

KTM Duke 250 Chassis

Just like the other KTM siblings, the new KTM Duke 250 has the same light tubular trellis frame with bolt-on sub-frame. In terms of suspension, the front gets telescopic fork and a monoshock for the rear. The bike weighs about 161 kilograms.  There are 17-inch wheels on 110mm and 150mm width for front and rear tyres.

KTM Duke 250 Ride and Handling

The KTM Duke 250 marks a paradigm shift in ride and handling from that of the Duke 200. The new suspension makes all the difference here. The bike is also vibration free. We actually enjoyed riding this one on the track. Though it has its limitations considering the tyres and non ABS brakes, it does well to differentiate itself from the entry level KTM. The clutch is pretty light too, the slipper clutch makes that difference evident. The suspension is softer and the ride much more composed. Cornering feels more confidence inspiring.

Also Read: Suzuki Gixxer 250 Coming to India

KTM Duke 250 Mileage

The KTM Duke 250 is expected to return around 30km/l in city riding conditions. On the highway it is expected to return around 35km/l. This will depend upon riding style and conditions.

Verdict

So should you buy the KTM Duke 250? Well, if you want to upgrade from the Duke 200 or want higher performance and a premium bike, but the Duke 390 is out of your budget, then the KTM Duke 250 will suit you well. It is around 35000 more than the Duke 200, but it offers better styling, features, performance, comfort, ride and handling. The price walk over the Duke 200 is very well justified in our opinion. The KTM Duke 250 definitely carves a place of its own.