2024 KTM 250 Duke Road Test Review: A Dual-personality Streetfighter

In the ever-evolving world of motorcycles, the KTM 250 Duke has long been known for its dual personality, embodying the spirit of a KTM while maintaining a mild-mannered charm. With the 2024 iteration, KTM has unleashed a more aggressive and louder version, blurring the lines between its contrasting sides. Let's delve into the nitty-gritty to uncover the full spectrum of this two-wheeled personality.

Design:

The 2024 KTM 250 Duke boasts a captivating design, borrowing styling elements from its sibling, the 390 Duke. The body-coloured headlight shroud and fuel tank extensions set it apart, making it a head-turner. However, the loud design may polarize opinions over time, with the risk of becoming too loud for some riders.

Fit & Finish Levels:

Premium components adorn the 250 Duke, showcasing a level of sophistication unparalleled in its segment. The switchgear, borrowed from the new 390 Duke, exudes premium quality. However, a closer look reveals sizable panel gaps that, while not affecting performance, may detract from the bike's overall charm.

Engine & Performance:

A brand-new engine powers the 250 Duke, injecting more power and torque into the riding experience. The revamped performance aligns seamlessly with the KTM DNA, offering a thrilling ride. However, the peaky nature of the engine may not be as exhilarating in the lower rev range, making city speeds a bit less exciting.

Specifications:

Engine: 249.07cc liquid-cooled single

Power: 31PS @ 9250rpm

Torque: 25Nm @ 7250rpm

The 250 Duke effortlessly rides through city streets, offering a laid-back yet vibrant performance. The true enjoyment unfolds when you hit the open highway or take on winding roads. Here, the bike truly comes alive, allowing you to effortlessly maintain speeds of 100-110 kmph. Not only does it thrive in high-speed scenarios, but its tractability is pretty decent too, providing a smooth enough and dependable experience for your daily city commutes.

Gearbox & Quickshifter:

Setting itself apart, the 250 Duke features a quickshifter, making gear shifts smooth and efficient. The gearbox, in general, offers crisp shifts, though clutchless shifts can be a bit notchy at lower revs.

Handling:

Inspired by the 390 Duke, the new trellis frame and aluminum subframe enhance the bike's handling, making it a joy in corners. Lighter and agile, it instills confidence, but the rear tyre's lack of grip and slightly softer suspension tuning at the rear may pose challenges at high speeds.

Yet, the suspension tuning remains pretty practical for everyday use. It's worth noting that the suspension isn't excessively soft, so caution is advised when encountering significant bumps. However, when it comes to navigating small undulations and scattered patches, you can breeze through without a second thought.

Braking:

The braking performance of the 250 Duke is adequate, but something you need to spend some time with to get a hang of completely. The inclusion of a Supermoto ABS mode adds versatility, allowing riders to switch off the rear ABS for controlled slides.

Comfort:

The bike's dual personality extends to comfort. While the upper body riding posture is comfortable for all-day rides, taller riders may find the lower body position cramped, leading to discomfort on longer journeys.

Features:

Equipped with a simple LCD console, the 250 Duke offers essential information at a glance. Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and music control add a modern touch. With the switch gear on the left side of the handlebar, you can control the music and the volume of the songs playing on your headset as well, making riding an enjoyable experience.

Verdict:

The 2024 KTM 250 Duke presents a tale of two sides. It has evolved into a more exciting and refined machine, appealing to those seeking KTM's essence without the intimidation of the 390 Duke. Despite the updates, the price hike has not been significant; however, the Rs 2.4 lakh price tag places it in a competitive market with more powerful alternatives like the Triumph Speed 400.

Price (ex-showroom Delhi):

Rs 2,39,000

In conclusion, the 250 Duke beckons a specific group of riders – those desiring an exhilarating streetfighter without the overwhelming power. The decision to embrace this dual personality comes down to individual preferences and the willingness to make a substantial investment in a 250cc bike.