The KTM Duke 250 is a standout in the sub-300cc naked bike segment in India. Designed to combine sporty performance with everyday usability, it brings in premium features often seen in higher capacity motorcycles. With its liquid-cooled engine, advanced electronics, sharp styling and agile handling, the Duke 250 is targeted at riders who want a thrilling machine without stepping up to the 300-cc plus range.
Highlight Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 249.07 cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled, FI |
| Max Power | 31 PS @ 9,250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 25 Nm @ 7,250 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Front Suspension | WP – APEX 43 mm USD fork |
| Rear Suspension | WP APEX mono-shock, preload adjustable |
| Brakes | Front 320 mm disc, Rear 240 mm disc, dual-channel ABS with Supermoto |
| Weight (Kerb) | ~162.8 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 litres |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | Approx. ₹2.12 lakh (India) |
Full Article
Design & Styling
The Duke 250 inherits the aggressive styling DNA of the entire KTM Duke family. Sharp angles, exposed trellis frame, minimal body panels and a bold colour scheme give it a street-fighter appeal. The orange-black colour theme and minimalistic graphics work well for young riders looking for a machine that stands out. The upright riding posture, wide handlebar and sporty stance make it suitable for both city riding and occasional spirited outings.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Duke 250 is a 249.07 cc liquid-cooled single cylinder engine producing around 31 PS of power and 25 Nm of torque. That kind of power in this segment gives it a performance edge over many rivals. The 6-speed gearbox ensures versatility—smooth when cruising, and punchy when you twist the throttle.
Whether you’re accelerating away in city traffic or riding on a highway, the engine remains responsive and ready for action.
Suspension, Handling & Brakes
One of the key strengths of the Duke 250 is its hardware. Up front it gets WP APEX 43 mm USD forks, which lend confidence especially in corners and under braking. The rear mono-shock adds to the composed ride feel.
The braking hardware is also top-tier for its class: a 320 mm disc up front, 240 mm at the rear, and dual-channel ABS including a Supermoto mode make it both safe and capable for sporty riding. The frame and wheelbase deliver agile handling—something young riders particularly appreciate.
Electronics & Features
In a segment where feature lists are often modest, the Duke 250 punches above. It offers a full-colour TFT/LCD display, Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone pairing (navigation or turn-by-turn prompts), ride-by-wire throttle, quick-shifter (up-and-down), and switchable ABS modes. These features give it a near-premium feel and make it future-ready.
Comfort, Practicality & Usability
While it is a sporty bike, the Duke 250 is also usable for everyday rides. The 800mm seat height makes it accessible for many riders. The ergonomics strike a balance between sporty and comfortable. The 15-litre tank offers decent range for both city and longer rides. Though the suspension is firm (as is expected for a bike with sporty intent), it handles typical urban conditions well.
For longer trips or pillion riding, one may notice the sporty posture, but as a daily ride it offers good versatility.
Running Costs, Fuel Efficiency & Real-World Usage
Despite its performance orientation, the Duke 250 offers reasonable fuel efficiency. Users report figures in the ballpark of 30-35 km/l depending on riding style and conditions. Maintenance is expected to be higher than basic commuter bikes but is kept in check by KTM’s service network.
“Ride it like a performance machine and expect ~28 km/l; ride gently and you might push 35 km/l.” — user feedback.
Because it’s a higher-spec machine, tyres, brakes and servicing will cost more than entry-level models. But for riders willing to invest a bit more for performance, it delivers value.
Competition & Positioning
The Duke 250 competes with other premium 250-cc bikes like the Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Bajaj Dominar 250. Where it differentiates is in its sharper handling, advanced features, and performance-focused setup. Riders who prioritise agility, tech and fun factor will find the Duke 250 appealing. Those prioritising comfort, pillion riding or luxury features may still lean toward more touring-oriented machines.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Strong performance for segment
- Premium hardware (USD forks, big discs, quick-shifter)
- Feature rich (TFT display, smartphone connectivity)
- Agile and fun to ride
Cons:
- Ride posture leans sporty, may be less relaxed for city stop-and-go or tall riders
- Tyre and maintenance cost higher than basic bikes
- Fuel efficiency, though good, still not as high as commuter models
- Vibrations or throttle lag reported by some users in low-RPM city use
User Feedback & Real Experiences
Some users love the Duke 250 for its performance and handling, calling it “balanced yet fun”. Others note that in city traffic, the sporty setup means you feel every bump and there is less comfort than touring bikes. One user said:
“It felt almost vibe-free compared to the bigger bikes, but you have to ride it enthusiastically to really enjoy it.”
Another wrote:
“In traffic it felt clunky; the throttle lag and vibrations at low RPM bothered me.”
Such feedback highlights that the Duke 250 shines when ridden in a way that suits it—aggressive yet controlled—rather than purely commuting slowly.
Conclusion
The KTM Duke 250 is an exciting, feature-loaded and performance-oriented package in India’s 250-cc segment. It offers a taste of premium motorcycling without jumping too high in price or displacement. If you are a rider who values sporty behaviour, sharp handling, modern features and don’t mind a more engaged ride, this bike stands out. For those whose priority is relaxed cruising, ultra-high comfort or pillion-first usability, you might explore other options. But as a ‘fun bike’ that works for daily and weekend rides, the Duke 250 hits the sweet spot.
FAQs
Q1. What is the maximum power and torque of the Duke 250?
A1. It delivers approximately 31 PS of power and 25 Nm of torque.
Q2. What is the seat height and weight of the bike?
A2. The seat height is about 800mm and kerb weight around 162.8kg.
Q3. Does the Duke 250 get modern features like a quick-shifter and smartphone connectivity?
A3. Yes – it includes a 6-speed gearbox with quick-shifter up/down, ride-by-wire throttle, TFT / LCD display with smartphone connectivity and more.
Q4. What kind of riding is the Duke 250 best suited for?
A4. It excels in sporty street riding, spirited rides on twisty roads, and everyday commuting if you enjoy an engaging ride. It’s less about plush comfort and more about performance.
Q5. What is the approx price in India?
A5. Ex-showroom price starts around ₹2.12 lakh (subject to city, variant, and updates).
