[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/33180644422/[/flickr]
New exhaust ensures that the Duke no longer sounds like a chainsaw!
Verdict – When it was launched in 2012, the Duke 200 took the market by storm. Back then, there was nothing like it on our roads and more importantly, it was affordable which the 2017 KTM Duke 250 sadly isn’t. At this price point, lack of ABS is an absolute bummer. The flagship Duke 390 is Rs. 50,000/- away and every single penny of the premium is totally worth it. Not only is it superior in both acceleration and top speed, the Duke 390 comes with a host of improvements such as ABS, better tyres, LED headlight and a brilliant TFT cluster which is much ahead of its time. Thus, the 2017 Duke 250 feels slightly overpriced for what it offers over the Duke 200 at a premium of Rs. 30,000/-. If you observe carefully, the Duke 250 sits in no man’s land. It is not drastically fast, it is not loaded enough and it is not cheap either! If you want a performer, the quarter-litre FZ packs enough punch. For snob value, there’s a more affordable KTM at your disposal. However, if you want a strong dose of both, the real orange hooligan awaits you!
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/33295086616/[/flickr]
Sleek headlight unit houses a conventional halogen reflector setup
Whats Cool
* Striking design and top-notch quality all around
* Improved engine refinement and exhaust note
* Brilliant handling and on-road behaviour
* Seats are bigger and better
* Instrument cluster is loaded to the brim with information
Whats Not So Cool
* Lack of ABS
* Onset of vibrations at the top of the rev band
* Average stopping power
* Not an outright performer when compared to its siblings
* Costly for what is not a major improvement over the Duke 200
Alternatives: Honda CBR250R, Yamaha FZ25, Benelli TNT 25
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/33180645832/[/flickr]
The licence plate mount sticks out, literally, on an otherwise impressive design!
KTM Duke 250 Specifications
* Engine: 248.8cc, Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single-Cylinder
* Power: 30 HP @ 9000 RPM
* Torque: 24 Nm @ 7500 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed with slipper clutch
* 0-100 km/hr: 8.71 seconds
* Top Speed: 138 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 27-32 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Split Trellis
* Suspension: 43 mm WP Open-Cartridge USD Forks (Front), WP Monoshock (Rear)
* Tyres: 110/70/17 (Front), 150/60/17 (Rear), MRF Revz
* Brakes: 300 mm Disc (Front), 230 mm Disc (Rear)
KTM Duke 250 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2026 mm x 836 mm x 1267 mm
* Wheelbase: 1357 mm
* Ground Clearance: 185 mm
* Seat Height: 830 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.4-litres
* Kerb Weight: 161 kgs
[wp-review id=”190279″]
