Amit Saraswat 
Ever since the Duke 250 came out in 2017, it has been overshadowed by the larger Duke 390. However, KTM has changed that with the 2024 KTM Duke 250. While it shares multiple components with the Duke 390, it also carries an all-new engine that doesn’t share anything with the outgoing model.
KTM Duke 250 — design, quality and ergonomics
With the 2024 Duke range, KTM has doubled down on its famed orange scalpel identity. Its devilishly long tank extensions give it an aggressive stance and complement its chiselled design. The similarities with the Duke 390 don’t end there; it also boasts a sweptback LED headlight and an offset rear mono shock. However, its headlight lacks LED DRLs and while it does get upside-down forks, it lacks rebound and compression adjustability compared to its larger sibling.
The finishing on the new Duke 250 was satisfactory but we found the side panel to be loose on our relatively new test bike, opening some scope for improvement. Once you swing your leg over the Duke 250, it feels accommodating but tall riders would find themselves complaining about the cramped leg position. If you measure over 6 feet in height, the optional taller seat could alleviate the pain but you should take a test ride before narrowing down your options. Another shortcoming with respect to tall riders is the placement of the instrument cluster which sits a bit low and doesn’t fall naturally in the field of view.
2024 KTM Duke 250 — engine, transmission and quick-shifter
At the outset, the Duke 250 doesn’t wow you with its spec sheet, offering 31PS of power and 25Nm of torque. But the story takes a turn when you open up the throttle and jump into the mid-range of this new LC4C mill. It offers relentless pull from 5000rpm and stays with you till the redline, which is just a shade below 10000rpm. While we could not manage to put it through a fuel efficiency test, it offered nearly 30kmpl fuel efficiency, which is impressive given the engine was pushed whenever an opportunity opened up. It follows the tradition of raw power that we associate with KTM motorcycles, without feeling unrefined.
On that front, the Duke 250 feels quite refined and the vibrations only creep on the handlebar once you go beyond 8000rpm. I should mention that the vibrations are not disturbing and you might not even feel them when riding with a good pair of riding gloves on. The Duke 250 also offers a bi-directional quick shifter, which is unheard of in the quarter-litre segment. It works flawlessly when used above 4000rpm, below which it tends to hiccup a couple of times, especially while downshifting.
2024 KTM Duke 250 — handling, ride quality and braking
Throw in through a set of corners and the Duke 250 ensures that you laugh like a 12-year-old under your helmet. The chassis calibration, stiffly sprung suspension and sticky MRF Steel Brace tyres come into force and urge you to push it hard. The front end of the motorcycle offers an incredible amount of grip and doesn’t feel unsettling when you go over undulations or bumps mid-corner. Thanks to the lighter alloy wheels, it feels fairly agile and the transitions feel smooth.
Speaking about its ride quality, the Duke 250 strikes a very likeable balance between being absorbent and agile. It doesn’t offer a cushy ride so to speak and the rear suspension is set on the stiffer side. However, its ride is absorbent and you will hardly find yourself cribbing about better comfort over rough roads. Its braking duties are handled by a 4-piston radially mounted brake calliper with a 320mm disc at the front and a single-piston calliper with a 230mm disc at the back. The feedback from the lever is consistent and the dual-channel ABS is well calibrated too, and if you wish, the Duke 250 also lets you disable the rear ABS.
2024 KTM Duke 250 — should you put your money down on one?
The improvements with the 2024 Duke 250 are quite apparent. It no longer dwells under the shadow of the larger 390 and carves out its own niche. At INR 2.39 lakh ex-showroom, it also makes a strong case for itself against the Honda CB300R and BMW G310R while also managing to undercut both motorcycles. While the Duke 390 has always been a rather unforgiving motorcycle, the Duke 250 dials down the aggression, which would be ideal for new riders.
