KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The 250 Duke got a serious upgrade in 2023
- Continues with the same 249cc liquid-cooled powertrain
- Frame and braking setup shared with the 390 Duke
- Rear suspension adjustable for pre-load
- 8kg weight loss makes it faster and more nimble
The KTM 250 Duke has been known as one of the more versatile, balanced Dukes out there. Having received a serious upgrade in 2023, interestingly it continues to be available from Rs 2.40 lakh (ex-showroom), which is not that far off from the last-gen motorcycle.
However, is this one of the more sensible 250cc motorcycles to buy today? Let's find the answer by taking a quick look at the pros and cons of the KTM 250 Duke. However, before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community for the latest updates and news on anything automotive!
2024 KTM 250 Duke Pros
Powertrain
The 249cc liquid-cooled powertrain from the previous 250 carries on, but with a few changes of course. The engine now produces 30.5bhp at 9250rpm and 25Nm at 7250rpm of torque, which is about 1bhp and 1Nm more than the previous bike. This is likely due to the larger airbox on offer.
Make no mistake, this is still a proper hooligan, but the beauty of this motorcycle remains the fact that it continues to offer a more balanced experience. It's not as frantic as its big brother, and yet it allows you to cut through traffic with ease, not making you work the gearbox as much as you'd have to on a 390. At higher speeds, it continues to remain vibe-free as well and just keeps going, thus making it an effective highway tool.
Also read: Jawa 42 FJ Key Features Explained: New Engine, Digital Cluster and More
Suspension Setup
The 250 Duke gets non-adjustable WP forks up front and an offset monoshock at the rear, which is a 10-step preload adjustable unit. This setup is on the softer side, which makes daily commuting easier, especially if you ride through an area with bad roads.
The 250 Duke's suspension filters out bumps easily, and with the help of the adjustable rear monoshock, you have the liberty of choosing how it reacts exactly according to your conditions. Also, with the 8kg weight loss, the 250 Duke is more nimble and agile than before, making it an even better handler.
Braking Setup
The braking setup of the 250 Duke is identical to what we've seen on the 390 Duke; a 320mm disc with a radially-mounted calliper and a 240mm disc with a floating calliper. It also gets Supermoto ABS, which allows you to disengage ABS completely, resulting in some fun slides to be had.
These brakes offer great bite and they bring the bike to a halt effectively without scaring you at all. Also, if you really know what you're doing, the 250 Duke will happily teach you how to lift the rear wheel.
Equipment
With the latest upgrade, KTM also finally gave the 250 Duke an updated LCD screen, with smartphone connectivity and music streaming. You also get dual-channel ABS, Supermoto mode, a quickshifter, slipper clutch, and a taller seat. In place of the Metzelers, you now get the newer MRF Steel Brace tyres, which offer better grip and cornering stability as well.
Cons
No on-board navigation
For a motorcycle that offers so much at this price point, it shouldn't have been too hard for KTM to provide turn-by-turn navigation on the cluster itself. This would help in end-to-end commuting, especially in areas that the rider is not familiar with.
Softly-sprung front suspension
We may have listed this point as one of the pros, but a coin always has two sides to it. No doubt, the softly-sprung setup does contribute in an easier ride experience in daily circumstances. However, when it's time to attack the corners, the soft setup may prove to be a small hindrance.
Higher-placed footpegs
KTM lowered the seat height of the 250 Duke to 800mm, which makes it accessible and easier for shorter riders. While the riding position itself is suitable for most kinds of riders, taller riders may find it cramped due to the positioning of the footpegs, which is on the slightly higher side.
Verdict
The 250 Duke is actually one of the more 'laidback' Dukes out there, if you can call a Duke that. You can live with the engine on a daily basis, it offers a great learning curve for riders who are yet to experience the 390, and there's also a decent amount of kit available too. There might be a few chinks in its armour, but if there is a KTM you want to live with on a daily basis, you simply can't look elsewhere.
