Yamaha FZ25 vs. KTM Duke 250 – Detailed Comparison & Verdict

Yamaha FZ25 vs KTM 250 Duke: FZ25 is priced at INR 1,19,000 while its closest competitor, 250cc Duke is available for INR 1,80,000. The price difference of INR 61,000 is large enough to fit a perfect Indian commuter in between them. Even after that, they carry the most relevant equipment and fall in the same class of naked street fighters that make them one of the rivals of all time. Here is a detailed comparison based on all the factors that a buyer considers before going for his/her perfect quarter liter machine.

Yamaha FZ25 vs KTM 250 Duke

# Engine

Yamaha FZ25 is powered by a 249 cc, air+oil cooled and fuel injected engine that is good for 20.69 BHP at 8000 rpm and 20 Nm at 6000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox and comes with relaxed riding yet very aggressive character. KTM 250 Duke carries a 248.8 cc, liquid cooled and fuel injected engine producing 29.58 BHP at 9000 rpm and 24 Nm at 7500 rpm. This engine uses a 6-speed manual gearbox with slipper clutch for more efficiency. Yamaha produces maximum power at a lower point while KTM claims higher revs for excellent performance.

# Performance

Yamaha FZ25 vs KTM 250 Duke

KTM 250 Duke presents 0-60 kmph in 3.44 seconds while its 0-100 kmph takes just 8.64 secs. The performance is decent for a quarter liter motorcycle but KTM fans were expecting even more from the highly tuned engine. Yamaha FZ25 surprisingly comes out to be faster at 0-60 kmph in just 3.37 seconds and takes the same gap to 0-100 kmph in 8.58 seconds. The top speed for the KTM 250 Duke was marginally better at 137.7 kmph while Yamaha FZ25 took the rider to 134 kmph of top speed. The values given here are V-Box tested by PowerDrift.

Yamaha FZ25 Performance Test Done by PowerDrift

KTM 250 Duke Performance Test Done by PowerDrift

# Kerb Weight

Yamaha FZ25 is one of the most efficient motorcycle in its class, carrying a wet weight of just 148 kg. In comparison, the Apache RTR 200 weighs the same as Yamaha FZ25 while the KTM 250 Duke is slotted higher at 161 kg. The fuel tank on offer on the KTM 250 Duke is 13.5 liters while the Yamaha FZ25 comes with slightly bigger 14 liter fuel tank. The low weight makes the motorcycle quite competitive as its performance values were lower when compared to other options in its segment.

# Headlight

KTM 250 Duke gets a sharp headlight that is basically Halogen equipped and carries LED bull horn style daytime running lights in the surrounding. The size of the headlamp is large and the aggressive design is partially inspired from 1290 Super Duke R. Yamaha FZ25 gets a MT style, small headlight unit that comes with LED high and low beam. The headlight is brighter than the halogen unit and uses lesser power than the same too. Both the bikes are offered with auto/all-time headlight on (AHO) feature.

# Instrument Console

Yamaha FZ25 comes with a rectangular instrument console that displays speedometer, odometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, two trip-meters, instantaneous and average fuel economy, fuel reserve trip-meter and digital clock. The KTM console is bit advanced with all these features and added goodies like gear indicator, engine temperature and visual warnings. Both the bikes are offered with LED indicators for other warning signals.

# Brakes & Suspension

Yamaha FZ25 vs KTM 250 Duke

KTM 250 Duke comes with USD forks that measure 43 mm in diameter. The WP sourced suspension is sport tuned and claims excellent handling capabilities on the motorcycle. The front and rear suspension allows 150 mm of wheel travel while the high 185 mm of ground clearance makes it better than Yamaha claimed 160 mm for the FZ25.

The rival uses everyday telescopic forks that are actually sourced from the younger FZ16. It is actually good for everyday use and lesser expensive than the 250 Duke’s suspension setup. Yamaha FZ25 comes with 282 mm (2-piston caliper) front and 220 mm (1-piston caliper) rear disc brake. On the other hand, KTM 250 Duke is offered with 300 mm (4-piston caliper) front and 230 mm (1-piston caliper) rear disc brake. Both the bikes are offered without ABS and there is not even an optional ABS variant on any out of them.

# Design

KTM 250 Duke is carrying a class leading design with an all new frame on offer. The sub-frame on the 250 Duke is painted Orange while the front frame is left in Black shade itself. The alloy wheels on offer on the KTM 250 Duke are also finished in Black. It comes with a typically sharp fuel tank extensions and high seat for commanding ride position. Yamaha FZ25 carries a MT series inspired design language with average body dimensions and focus on performance. The headlight is smaller but better in design than any other FZ series model on sale in India.

# Price & Value for Money

Yamaha FZ25 vs KTM 250 Duke

Yamaha FZ25 comes with a price tag of INR 1,19,000 while the KTM 250 Duke costs INR 1,80,000. Both the prices are ex-showroom Delhi and would attract other charges like insurance and registration. Yamaha FZ25 is more of a value for money product as it offers more practical features for a comfortable everyday riding experience. KTM 250 Duke should have provided the dual channel ABS from the bigger Duke and then would have came out as a better option than FZ25.

Key Specs of KTM 250 Duke

• Displacement – 248.8 cc
• Maximum Power – 29.58 BHP @ 9000 rpm
• Maximum Torque – 24 NM @ 7500 rpm
• No. of Cylinders – 1
• No. of Gears – 6
• Seat Height – 830 mm
• Ground Clearance – 185 mm
• Kerb/Wet Weight – 161 kg
• Fuel Tank Capacity – 13.5 litres
• 0-60 kmph – 3.44 secs
• 0-100 kmph – 8.64 secs
• Top Speed – 137.7 kmph

Key Specs of Yamaha FZ25

• Displacement – 249 cc
• Maximum Power – 20.69 Bhp @ 8000 rpm
• Maximum Torque – 20 Nm @ 6000 rpm
• No. of Cylinders – 1
• No. of Gears – 5
• Seat Height – 795 mm
• Ground Clearance – 160 mm
• Kerb/Wet Weight – 148 kg
• Fuel Tank Capacity – 14 litres
• 0-60 kmph – 3.37 secs
• 0-100 kmph – 8.58 secs
• Top Speed – 134 kmph