KTM 250 Duke

OVERVIEW & PRICE

PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE

At the heart of the KTM 250 Duke lies a potent 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. This updated version of the LC4c engine is a testament to KTM’s commitment to continuous improvement. The powerplant delivers an impressive 31 PS at 9,250 rpm and a peak torque of 25 Nm at 7,250 rpm. These figures translate to exhilarating acceleration and a responsive ride that KTM enthusiasts have come to expect. The engine updates for the 2024 model include a revised head, a larger airbox, and an updated gearbox, all contributing to a smoother power delivery and improved overall performance.

The latest model builds upon these enhancements with further refinements to the gearbox and an optimized cylinder head, promising an even more refined riding experience. One of the standout features of the latest model is the inclusion of a bidirectional quick shifter. This technology allows seamless gear changes without using the clutch, enhancing the performance and the riding experience. The addition of ride-by-wire technology, courtesy of the Bosch EMS, ensures precise throttle control and further elevates the bike’s performance credentials.

MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY

The fuel efficiency of the KTM 250 Duke is a crucial factor for many Indian riders, given the country’s focus on economical transportation. Based on user reports and real-world experiences, the mileage of the KTM 250 Duke varies depending on riding conditions and style:

1. City Riding: In urban environments with typical traffic conditions, riders can expect a 25 to 30 km/l mileage. This figure aligns with the stop-and-go nature of city riding, where frequent acceleration and deceleration impact fuel efficiency.
2. Highway Riding: On open roads, where the bike can maintain steady speeds, the Duke 250 demonstrates improved efficiency. Riders have achieved up to 35 km/l when maintaining higher gears and lower RPMs. This makes the bike viable for those who enjoy weekend getaways or longer rides.
3. Aggressive Riding: For enthusiasts who prefer a more spirited riding style, leveraging the bike’s performance capabilities, the mileage naturally decreases. This is expected given the Duke’s performance-oriented nature.
4. Overall Average: The official KTM India website reports a user-reported average mileage of 32 kmpl. This figure is a good baseline for potential buyers, representing a balance between city and highway riding conditions.

It’s important to note that real-world mileage can vary significantly. Some users have reported figures ranging from 22 kmpl to 40 kmpl, depending on individual riding habits and conditions. Factors such as maintenance, road conditions, and even weather can influence the actual fuel efficiency experienced by riders.

FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY

The KTM 250 Duke has features that set it apart in the premium motorcycle segment. Here’s a rundown of some of the most notable inclusions:

1. Advanced Braking System: The bike is equipped with Bosch 10 MB Two Channel ABS, which is disengageable, providing enhanced safety and control during braking.
2. Sophisticated Suspension: The WP APEX suspension system, featuring 43mm USD forks at the front and a monoshock with 10-step preload adjustability at the rear, ensures a balanced and comfortable ride across various road conditions.
3. Full LED Lighting: The 250 Duke boasts full LED lighting, including a split LED headlamp and LED tail lamp, which enhances visibility and adds to the bike’s modern aesthetic.
4. TFT Display with Connectivity: The bike’s instrument cluster is a 5-inch TFT display that provides essential information and supports connectivity functions such as music playback, incoming calls, and turn-by-turn navigation.
5. Bluetooth Connectivity: This feature allows riders to connect their smartphones to the bike, enabling access to various functions directly from the display.
6. PASC™ Slipper Clutch: The mechanically operated antihopping clutch ensures smoother downshifts and prevents rear wheel lock-up during aggressive braking.

These features collectively contribute to a riding experience that is not only thrilling but also safe and connected, aligning perfectly with the preferences of the bike’s target audience of young, tech-savvy urban riders.

HANDLING

The KTM 250 Duke boasts a lightweight trellis frame, contributing significantly to its nimble handling characteristics. This frame design ensures stability and agility, especially during sharp cornering. Equipped with WP Apex upside-down forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, the 250 Duke offers exceptional ride quality and handling. This setup allows the bike to maintain stability even on uneven surfaces, providing riders with confidence in various road conditions. The dual-channel ABS system enhances safety by preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking.

This feature is crucial for maintaining emergency control and improving the motorcycle’s overall handling prowess. Using grippy Metzeler tyres ensures excellent traction, enhancing the bike’s handling capabilities. These tyres are known for performing in wet and dry conditions, contributing to the 250 Duke’s sure-footed nature. A standout feature is the bidirectional quick-shifter, allowing for seamless gear transitions without using the clutch. This technology enhances the bike’s sporty feel and helps maintain momentum and control during aggressive riding.

COMFORT

The bike features a long wheelbase and low seat height, contributing to excellent cornering behaviour and stability. The frame geometry is designed to offer a comfortable yet sporty riding position, striking a balance between performance and comfort. The split-seat setup with thick seat foam comforts the rider and pillion. An innovative feature is the adjustable seat height, with a standard height of 800 mm that can be increased to 820 mm using an optional seat from KTM PowerParts. This adaptability caters to riders of different heights, enhancing overall comfort.

Lightweight forged aluminium footpeg hangers and grippy footpegs ensure that riders have a secure footing, enhancing comfort during long rides and providing better control in various riding conditions. The engine is engineered to minimize vibrations, with a sweet spot between 90-110 kph, where the ride is exceptionally smooth. This attention to vibration reduction is crucial for reducing rider fatigue on longer journeys. Effective heat management in the engine design ensures that the bike remains comfortable even in stop-and-go traffic conditions, a significant consideration for urban riders in India.

BUILD QUALITY

The build quality of the KTM 250 Duke reflects the brand’s commitment to producing high-performance motorcycles. The frame is constructed from an all-new steel-trellis design, complemented by a pressure die-cast aluminium subframe and a cast aluminium swingarm. These materials are selected for their strength-to-weight ratio, providing a sturdy yet lightweight structure that enhances the bike’s agility and handling.KTM employs advanced manufacturing techniques to produce the 250 Duke, ensuring precision and consistency in every unit. The use of pressure die-casting for the aluminium components is a testament to the sophisticated manufacturing processes that help achieve the desired structural integrity and finish.

However, some concerns have been raised about the build quality of KTM bikes in India, with some users noting issues with the quality of materials used, potentially to keep costs down. Despite these occasional reports of minor problems with finishing and material quality, the overall performance and appeal of the motorcycle remain strong. The latest model features a new metal fuel tank and colour-injected plastics, enhancing the bike’s durability and premium feel. These updates demonstrate KTM’s commitment to continuously improving the build quality and addressing previous concerns.

STYLING

The third-generation 250 Duke boasts a more aggressive and mean-looking appearance, sharing similar styling cues with its larger sibling, the KTM 390 Duke. This design evolution makes it a head-turner on Indian roads. The bike features full LED lighting, including a split LED headlamp and LED tail lamp. This not only enhances visibility but also adds to the modern and premium aesthetic of the motorcycle.

Described as “muscled-up” with street-ripping and turn-gripping aggression, the 250 Duke’s styling is complemented by its excellent suspension package and riding tech. The sleek and aerodynamic design contributes to its visual appeal and performance efficiency. A 5-inch LCD instrument cluster adds a touch of modernity to the cockpit. While not as advanced as the one on the 390 Duke, it offers a range of functionalities, including music playback control, call answering, and turn-by-turn navigation, enhancing the overall tech-savvy appeal of the bike.

COLOR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS

KTM has always been known for its bold and striking colour schemes, and the 250 Duke continues this tradition. The bike is available in four distinct colour options, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal:

1. Ebony Black
2. Electric Orange
3. Atlantic Blue

These colour options allow riders to choose a Duke 250 that best matches their style, whether they prefer the classic KTM look or something more unique. The KTM 250 Duke is offered in a single, well-equipped variant. This strategy ensures all buyers can access the full range of features and performance capabilities that define the Duke 250.

VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICING

The KTM 250 Duke is priced at ₹ 2,27,707(ex-showroom), positioning it in the premium segment of the quarter-litre motorcycle market. The Bajaj Dominar 250 is cheaper than the KTM 250 Duke, and the Suzuki Gixxer 250 is significantly less expensive. The KTM 250 Duke offers superior engine performance compared to its competitors. It produces 31 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 25 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. The Bajaj Dominar 250 delivers 27 bhp and 23.5 Nm of torque, while the Suzuki Gixxer 250 produces 26.13 bhp and 22.2 Nm of torque.

The 250 Duke offers advanced features like a 5-inch LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity, ride-by-wire technology, Quickshifter+, and SuperMoto ABS that are unavailable in its competitors. The KTM brand is premium in the Indian market. It is known for its high-performance motorcycles and racing heritage. While the KTM 250 Duke is more expensive than its direct competitors, it offers superior performance, advanced features, and a substantial brand value, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts who prioritize these aspects over cost savings.