Well, I did get a chance to see this bike in person before making my decision. It is a sweet, metal built, plush bike. I didn’t choose it due to the high engine displacement(lower mileage to be expected). Anyone planning on long, comfortable highway rides, mavrick would make a pretty good contender. Although, me looking for a city bike, skipped it.
2024 KTM 250 Duke review vs the modern Classics – Hness/CB 350/ Royal Enfield hunter/meteor/classic
To be honest, not really my type of bikes. I wanted a short stroke engine, especially when upgrading from the Bajaj Pulsar NS200. So, I looked at others from that family, related or not:
Triumph Speed 400 – This was the closest that came to becoming my bike. I really liked the low end torque with simultaneous high end power. Also was really impressed with the finish quality. Although, in the end, couldn’t choose it due to its small stature, lower mileage and the small seat.
Dominar 400 – Too heavy for city usage which I intended for it.
Ktm 250 Adv – Lack of features for that price, and the next update was still almost 1 year away.
Husqvarna 250 – Too small and too low for my height
2024 KTM 250 Duke ownership review – Why the duke 250?
Well the first time I saw the gen 3 2024 KTM Duke 250, it was an instant attachment. The list of features like:
Bi-directional quickshifter
Bluetooth connectivity
Switchable rear ABS
made the value quotient really appealing.
2024 KTM 250 Duke ownership review – First test ride.
The first test ride was an interesting experience. After hearing about the super friendly nature of the 250 duke, I wanted to see what the fuss was all about, and boy was I surprised. Below 6500 rpm, the engine feels like a mellow 150cc bike. But once you twist the throttle post that, it pulls how a ktm is supposed to pull.
Also the bassy exhaust note is a real treat to the ears. The quickshifter worked like a charm on the small spin I took it. The final confirmation in my decision came when I tested the tractability of the engine. It pulled flawlessly at 30kmph in 4th gear. I came of speed breakers in 3rd gear and the engine pulled away smoothly.
2024 KTM 250 Duke ownership review – Review after 1k kilometers
Well it’s been approximately one week owning the bike and 1,000 kms on the odo. A few observations I have had:
Seating position is much relaxed than the last model. Comfortable enough for a sport bike.
The front feels kinda stiff and would cause problems for someone who bought this as a first bike.
The side mounted rear monoshock functions like normal, and is really comfortable and plush on the softest preload setting.
The engine is returning SUPERB fuel economy. I’m getting 40-45 kmpl in City, and that’s before first servicing, although must be kept in mind that this was achieved keeping the revs under 5,000 rpm.
The tyres work telepathically with the chassis and suspension.
The lighter rims feel superb when switching directions super fast. Engine is super refined all through the rev range. Auto blipper and quickshifter is a MUST NEED for city traffic. I am addicted to it and there’s no going back now.
The bluetooth, although finicky, works as expected.
The ride by wire is calibrated super well, the fueling is also on point making it smooth in bumper to bumper traffic.
Special shoutout to the headlights. They’re phenomenal in comparison to the market, except the Harley Davidson 440X.
One thing to be pointed out is the heating of the engine. It takes a lot of time getting used to the heat of this motor, especially in pune heat. The radiator fan remains continuously on in traffic. But again, it’s a matter of getting used to.
Hope this review helps you in your buying decision.
Purchase Location: KTM Husqvarna Bundgarden
The Upshifters
Great Review. I also moved from an NS200 (2013) to a Dominar 400 (2017) to Duke 250 and echo your sentiments. This is the best of the lot in terms of refinement and handling, plus the premium feel. I do miss Dominar’s insane torque on inclines/hills, and the stellar headlights though (but that is all I miss)
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