2017 KTM 250 Duke is the newest addition to the effective performance bike lineup and YouTube user Ride with Rahul explains the feel of riding the same through heavy city traffic. Before getting the bike out on a ride, he explains the basic differences between this quarter liter Duke and others in the street fighter lineup. Rahul explains that 250 Duke is a cross between 200 Duke and 390 Duke, carrying the same body as the bigger variant while using the console from the smaller 200 Duke.
The price difference is even justified as KTM has placed the 250 Duke at a premium of INR 29,500 from the 200 Duke and INR 52,730 lower from the 390 Duke. Apart from making it exclusive with its front fascia, the 250 Duke gets MRF tyres, non ABS equipped brakes and Black alloy wheels for exclusivity. The front headlight looks more in sync with the 390 Duke while uses halogen headlight in the middle of LED bull horn daytime running lights. The motorcycle uses a typical superbike inspired rear end.
KTM 250 Duke Detailed Video Review by Rahul Mazumder
Video Source: Ride With Rahul
The first thing Rahul notices when driving on road is the placement of handlebar. It is lower than the older generation of Duke design, helping the rider attain better riding position and getting enhanced control over the motorcycle. When compared to current generation 200 Duke, the motorcycle grows 13 kg heavier and thus, performs nearly the same way as the baby Duke. It is said to return around 30 kmpl in city riding conditions while its 46 teeth rear sprocket makes it less effective on the top speed end (142 kmph).
Rahul says that KTM 250 Duke is for those who wish to stay away from the crazy acceleration that is provided by the 390 Duke. It comes with the same exhaust as the bigger Duke and produces better sound than the underbelly exhaust unit. The use of slipper clutch makes city riding joyful as no strain is felt on the left hand in even the adverse conditions. The problem of high engine braking still persists in the 250 Duke as it lacks the use of ride by wire throttle, offered in the bigger 390 series of motorcycles.
The raised fuel tank, sharp tank shrouds and lighter tail end provides the typical street fighter look to the motorcycle. It huge tank is good for around 400 kilometers at a single stretch while the use of smaller 300 mm disc brake, that too without ABS was not a good option from the premium motorcycle point of view. It has not even been offered as optional. The low end torque is not that effective as the motorcycle takes the same time as Yamaha FZ25 to attain speeds, despite of showing heavy figures on paper.
The overall driving feel is great as the easy to handle approach of the motorcycle makes it great for city riding. The heating is even under check when compared to the old generation of KTM Duke motorcycles. Rahul feels that the seat is wide enough to be tagged comfortable whereas the MRF tyres can be easily swapped for the performance spec Metzelers. Rahul feels confused if one should blindly go for the KTM 250 Duke as he believes the same can only be confirmed once he rides the new Yamaha FZ25.
Video Courtesy: Ride with Rahul
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