KTM 250 Duke features an all-new design for the Indian market, bringing the earlier debated quarter liter engine into the country. The motorcycle is a mix and match product that uses half of the equipment from Duke 390 while shares the other half with Duke 200. It has an exclusive front fascia for the Indian market. Here are the Pros and Cons for KTM 250 Duke:
KTM 250 Duke Pros & Cons
List of Pros
1) Most Powerful in its Class: The engine on the new 250 Duke is the most powerful engine in its class. The 248.8cc, single cylinder motor is good for 30 HP at 9000 rpm and 24 Nm at 7500 rpm. The engine further comes mated to a slipper clutch assisted 6-speed gearbox. This makes it the most powerful quarter liter motorcycle of India, leaving behind Benelli TNT 25 and Yamaha FZ 25 by a considerable margin.
2) Impressive Design: KTM 250 Duke is currently the most affordable motorcycle in the lineup that resembles the mighty KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The front headlight design is quite resembling but due to some cost cutting measures, they have used halogen light for the headlamp. The fuel tank is borrowed from the 390 Duke and the same tank extensions are offered on the 250 Duke. It even uses the same frame as the bigger Duke.
3) Slipper Clutch: The use of slipper clutch on the KTM 250 Duke makes it better than other bikes around its segment. This helps the rider achieve flawless shifts in even the most terrifying traffic around your city. When the rider is in the mood of sprinting with the new 250 Duke, slipper clutch helps in limiting the back torque while suddenly changing gears from higher to the lower side.
4) Side Mounted Exhaust: KTM 250 Duke comes with the same side mounted exhaust as the bigger KTM 390 Duke and RC 390. This not just adds to appeal but also enhances the exhaust note of the motorcycle. The sound becomes more mature and lesser pop can be heard through the new exhaust system. It unfortunately weighs 7 kg but the powerful engine can manage excellent performance with this added weight.
5) Large Fuel Tank: The fuel tank on the motorcycle is 13.5 liters, making it good for more kilometers per every refill. Not just that, the fuel tank is made from steel, helping riders carry their magnetic tank bags with much ease. The fuel tank on the older version was a plastic unit and measured slightly more than 10 liters. The same is even designed to provide the best knee placement on the street fighter.
KTM 250 Duke Cons
1) No ABS: KTM willingly skipped the dual channel ABS from 250 Duke as the same feature was available on the international spec model. They did that for cost cutting but still priced the same at INR 1.81 lakh. They could have either provided the same as optional as most fans were of the view that they would go for an ABS equipped version of Duke 250.
2) No Metzelers: The sticky Metzeler tyres on the international spec version have been replaced with MRF tyres on the Indian version. This is even a cost cutting feature but Indians are now more specific about motorcycling and need these equipment in order to live the dream riding life.
3) Old Instrument Console: KTM 250 Duke comes with the same old instrument console that has been available on all KTM bikes since their entry. The new 390 Duke uses an instrument console that is colored TFT unit and comes with Bluetooth smartphone integration. The old unit is also quite reliable but they could have used the new one for more practicality.