2024 KTM 250 Duke ownership review: Addicted to the Hooligan & no going back!

2024 KTM 250 Duke ownership review – we recently connected with a young owner of the latest KTM 250 Duke to get his views on the motorcycle. Aarush Lohani, a student based out of Pune shares his experience after the first service – first thousand kilometres.

 2024 KTM 250 Duke ownership review – My options at the time of purchase.

When I first planned to upgrade from my ns200, I had to decide a strict budget. After some back and forth with parents we landed on the budget of 2.9 lakhs. Bikes in that price range are quite limited.

Apache RTR 310

Well not much to say about this bike. Never really considered it much of an option. In my budget, I was getting the base model of the rtr 310 without a quickshifter. A big issue with tvs is the poor service experience and the lack of test ride bikes. According to the showroom, there is only one rtr310 test bike which circulates in Pune. A quick test ride on that bike quickly revealed how tvs can’t even maintain their test ride bikes. The test ride bike had issues like uncalibrated throttle, squeaky brakes, and a filthy condition overall

Hero Mavrick 440

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 4^th gear. I came of speed breakers in 3^rd 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.

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Purchase Location: KTM Husqvarna Bundgarden

The Upshifters