Reviews of KTM 250 Duke

We bought my Duke 250 2024 from the Kharadi Showroom. The sales guy named Pratik over there was the sole reason we bought the bike over Apache. He gave the smoothest and well-maintained delivery experience throughout. Absolutely stunning delivery experience and a well-spoken humble guy.
The riding experience is good. The bike feels willing to push all the way up to the red line. Once at 8,000 RPM, the bike gets a surge of performance and feels incredibly fast for a 250cc bike. Performance delivery is very linear in the beginning gears, and violent once at the red line. There are observable vibrations in lower gears and speeds. Might fatigue a few people. The riding poster though straight, the bent knees start to cramp your leg up on longer commutes. Pillion seat though more comfortable than before, still leaves the passenger fatigued on longer rides. Not recommended for road trips with a pillion. The quick shifter on my unit seems a bit clunky but snaps into gear lunging the bike forward, hence don’t use it much. But when it works, it works superbly. Braking never felt better. It has stopping power for days. Can go from 80 to 0 quickly at a very stable rate. 4 days in, already did like 220 KM on it. It isn’t even run-in yet, but I already touched 120+ speeds for fun. A lot of harsh bumper-to-bumper traffic riding too. The bike in its run-in period for the first 30 KM gave only 20-21 KM/Lit. Fast forward as the engine is now opening up, it is giving 28. By 300 or so, I expect the mileage to go up to 30-32 in the city easily. Highways in my area are always busy, hence didn’t get proper highway mileage in yet. The bike is a sports bike, hence, comfort and ease of ride are out of the question, but it still performs way better than a lot of its competitors in the daily commuting category.
The bike is a stand-out. Always looks menacing and sharp. Got a man asking the bike's price just seconds after I took it outside after delivery. Yes, people do call you chapri when they get to know it's KTM, but if they don’t know the bike is from KTM, they look at it with aww. 10 minutes into the ride, my friend who said I made a mistake by buying this bike, changed his opinion and now rides it more than I do. Performance as previously is very good for a 250cc BS6 compliant single cylinder motor.
Didn’t yet have a service, but from what I am told it will cost me no labor charges, but they will charge me for oil, oil filter and coolant change separately. Basically, they will change these items for free for the first service, but will charge me for the products they will change. This I found ridiculous, as the bike already costs ₹2,85,000 where I live. I expected them to make this first service fully free for that.
The bike is a very good offering from KTM for beginners in 250cc category, though the price is very steep. It will last you well enough for short commutes and slightly longer runs. Burst of performance is addictive. Overall, the ride comfort isn’t great, but for a sports bike, very doable. I will recommend this bike only to people who want sheer performance at the cost of a little bit of mileage and comfort. Bring a Bajaj partnership product, the service and maintenance shouldn’t be a hassle either. Great bike for a selective group of enthusiasts only.

About the Reviewer

Very nice experience. There are so many bikes in the segment but I purchased the KTM 250 Duke because When I was in 12th standard I rode a old KTM Duke 250 BS4. And I was shocked by the power. And KTM is always good in looks. Some people call KTM a Chapri bike. And if you also think the same. Then okay I will be a Chapri. If you never ride a KTM you never know what it is. At least I say that I am very satisfied with the bike.

About the Reviewer

My Duke 250 Journey
I bought my Duke 250 in late September this year through OLX from an owner who had purchased it in February. It had just around 3,000 kilometers on the odometer, so it was barely used. The previous owner’s reason for selling it remains a mystery (maybe the fuel efficiency?), but after a thorough check to confirm it hadn’t been in any accidents, I was able to get it for a solid price of 2 lakhs.
First Impressions and Performance
I upgraded from the Yamaha R15 V3, which held its ground well, so initially, I didn’t feel a huge surge in power at low RPMs (around 2k-4k) where both Duke siblings tend to be softer. But once I had the chance to rev past 5k RPM, the Duke 250 revealed its real character. It almost transforms, and suddenly, the speedometer’s climbing faster than I’d expect! This reminds me of the R15’s VVA effect around 7k RPM, where it starts to feel like a bigger-engine bike.
Design and Road Presence
As Shami from MotorInc mentioned, KTM’s design is divisive; some love it, and others don’t. I personally like the White color, but if I’d had the option, I’d have gone for the Blue. The Duke’s design definitely grabs attention on the streets, but in a more subtle way these days. The Blue and Black versions are stylish, shedding that chaprhi image to exude a refined sporty vibe.
Ergonomics, Ride Comfort, and Handling
As another Duke rider on Reddit said, KTM may be known for speed, but handling is where it truly excels. Coming from the R15, I had high expectations, and the Duke hasn’t just met them—it’s exceeded them! The bike feels nimble and maneuverable, making it perfect for weaving through traffic. Despite its muscular build, the Duke feels surprisingly light, like an extension of yourself on the road.
Comfort-wise, the seat could definitely be better. After an hour of riding, it starts to feel like a workout for my backside. A reupholstered aftermarket seat might be a good option for those longer rides. The ride is stiff, which enhances control, but that also means it isn’t the cushiest experience.
As for the tires, they’re adequate but didn’t quite inspire the same confidence as the R15’s, especially around tight corners or during sudden braking.
Engine, Braking, and Mileage
The engine feels almost Japanese in its smooth, linear power delivery, despite being European. Coming from Yamaha, I felt right at home with its refinement. It’s impressive how vibration-free the Duke remains, even with a larger 250cc engine compared to the R15.
One thing to note: the Duke 250 doesn’t like to be kept at low RPMs, almost like an impatient partner when you’re preoccupied. It’s happiest over 5k RPM, where it really comes alive. I recently took it on a 100-kilometer ride along open roads, and that’s when it felt like the king of the highway!
For mileage, it hovers around 28-30 km/l. It’s better than previous Duke generations, but you’ll still find yourself at the pump more often. However, I’ve accepted that fueling up often is part of the experience if I want to enjoy this sporty machine to its fullest!
Final Thoughts
After just a month of ownership, one big takeaway is the cost of ownership beyond the showroom price. Between fuel, maintenance, and some cosmetic upgrades (about 10k worth), the expenses add up. I’m glad I went for it, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind for anyone eyeing a Duke 250 or similar.
Above all, the Duke 250 deserves respect on the road. With the right gear and a responsible mindset, this machine rewards you with an incredible riding experience. Let’s ride it as the refined piece of engineering it is and give it the respect it commands!
If you’ve read this far, thank you for sharing in my journey with the Duke 250.

About the Reviewer

This bike is really amazing. It gives me a nice experience. It makes me happy, it is a very nice bike.
The riding experience is really awesome, it is very nice. This is a good bike, it makes me proud.
It works really awesome, superbike. It gives me confidence and energy and also happy for me
So this is the best bike.

About the Reviewer

Buying Experience: Smooth purchase process with knowledgeable dealership staff. Riding Experience: Exhilarating ride, responsive handling for city and highway. Details about Looks, Performance, etc: Striking design, powerful engine, solid build quality. Powerful Engine. Stylish Design. Responsive Handling. Comfortable Ergonomics. Higher Price. Limited Pillion Comfort. Minimal Wind Protection. Overall, Duke 250 offers a fantastic package, blending performance, style, and comfort.

About the Reviewer

Best buying experience. Comfort riding experience. Everything is best in this bike. The maintenance is very affordable. Our future bike-level. Engine best refine engine. But TFT console notes are colorful. A very good bike for long rides and comfortable pillion seating. My dream KTM Duke 250 bike 2024.

About the Reviewer

The KTM Duke 250 is a dynamic and exhilarating ride that packs a punch in both performance and style. From its aggressive design to its impressive handling, this motorcycle is sure to turn heads on the road.
One of the standout features of the Duke 250 is its powerful 248.8cc engine, delivering ample torque and horsepower for an Adrenaline-fueled experience. Whether cruising on the highway or navigating through city streets, the Duke 250 offers responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery, making every ride an adventure.
The lightweight chassis and agile handling of the Duke 250 make it a joy to maneuver, allowing riders to confidently tackle corners and curves with ease. The suspension setup strikes a balance between comfort and performance, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road while maintaining stability at higher speeds.
In terms of aesthetics, the Duke 250 sports a modern and aggressive design that exudes confidence. From its sharp lines to its bold color options, this motorcycle stands out from the crowd and commands attention wherever it goes.
While the Duke 250 excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some riders may find the seat a bit firm for long rides, and the fuel tank capacity could be larger for extended trips. Additionally, the absence of advanced rider aids such as traction control or rider modes may be a downside for those seeking the latest technology.
Overall, the KTM Duke 250 offers an exhilarating riding experience that is hard to beat in its class. With its powerful engine, agile handling, and striking design, it's a motorcycle that appeals to both seasoned riders and newcomers alike. If you're looking for a thrilling ride that doesn't compromise on performance or style, the Duke 250 is definitely worth considering.

About the Reviewer

I bought this bike in April now It is 7 months old with 15k km my experience is performance the pick is top-notch and the brakes are perfect actually they saved my life 3 times overall go for it other than any bike this price segment and cc without doubt I loved it.
The brake pad needs to change around 3 - 5k km as in Bangalore traffic for 15km I have changed 3 times front and 2 times back brake pads and regular chain lub is mandatory for every 700 to 1200 middle

About the Reviewer

Its a lovely bike and recommend everyone. I even learnt how to ride a bike on this only and it's super comfortable but in long runs sometimes I feel like seats can be a bit uncomfortable for over 6 ft guys and who are healthy like me my height is 6'3 and my weight is around 95kgs. The most helpful feature of this bike is the quickshifter and its works very smoothly i dont think i can ride others bikes that doesn't have a quickshifter as i learnt while using the clutchless gear chaning method as i get very comfortable while using this method. i even experienced the pillion seat and it gets very uncomfortable after 2 hours of ride i don't like either of the seats much but the power weight handling is superb overall apart from the seats its an amazing bike with fully loaded features. The Bluetooth connectivity and navigation works flawlessly though it needed some mods apps to download so that it can work. If i talk about the mileage its meh i dont know whether the 25-26 mileage for a 250 cc bike is good or bad in city never went to the highway though but its pretty much average and i have done only 1st service so far. It would be better if they added drl's and made headlights more strong . Yes seats and headlights can be only flaw in this bike and without after-market lights it can be a nightmare for the night riders the light throw is like its goes far but the brightness is really low even in high beam and if there is pothole or any obstacle you cant see it at all

About the Reviewer

We bought my Duke 250 2024 from the Kharadi Showroom. The sales guy named Pratik over there was the sole reason we bought the bike over Apache. He gave the smoothest and well-maintained delivery experience throughout. Absolutely stunning delivery experience and a well-spoken humble guy.
The riding experience is good. The bike feels willing to push all the way up to the red line. Once at 8,000 RPM, the bike gets a surge of performance and feels incredibly fast for a 250cc bike. Performance delivery is very linear in the beginning gears, and violent once at the red line. There are observable vibrations in lower gears and speeds. Might fatigue a few people. The riding poster though straight, the bent knees start to cramp your leg up on longer commutes. Pillion seat though more comfortable than before, still leaves the passenger fatigued on longer rides. Not recommended for road trips with a pillion. The quick shifter on my unit seems a bit clunky but snaps into gear lunging the bike forward, hence don’t use it much. But when it works, it works superbly. Braking never felt better. It has stopping power for days. Can go from 80 to 0 quickly at a very stable rate. 4 days in, already did like 220 KM on it. It isn’t even run-in yet, but I already touched 120+ speeds for fun. A lot of harsh bumper-to-bumper traffic riding too. The bike in its run-in period for the first 30 KM gave only 20-21 KM/Lit. Fast forward as the engine is now opening up, it is giving 28. By 300 or so, I expect the mileage to go up to 30-32 in the city easily. Highways in my area are always busy, hence didn’t get proper highway mileage in yet. The bike is a sports bike, hence, comfort and ease of ride are out of the question, but it still performs way better than a lot of its competitors in the daily commuting category.
The bike is a stand-out. Always looks menacing and sharp. Got a man asking the bike's price just seconds after I took it outside after delivery. Yes, people do call you chapri when they get to know it's KTM, but if they don’t know the bike is from KTM, they look at it with aww. 10 minutes into the ride, my friend who said I made a mistake by buying this bike, changed his opinion and now rides it more than I do. Performance as previously is very good for a 250cc BS6 compliant single cylinder motor.
Didn’t yet have a service, but from what I am told it will cost me no labor charges, but they will charge me for oil, oil filter and coolant change separately. Basically, they will change these items for free for the first service, but will charge me for the products they will change. This I found ridiculous, as the bike already costs ₹2,85,000 where I live. I expected them to make this first service fully free for that.
The bike is a very good offering from KTM for beginners in 250cc category, though the price is very steep. It will last you well enough for short commutes and slightly longer runs. Burst of performance is addictive. Overall, the ride comfort isn’t great, but for a sports bike, very doable. I will recommend this bike only to people who want sheer performance at the cost of a little bit of mileage and comfort. Bring a Bajaj partnership product, the service and maintenance shouldn’t be a hassle either. Great bike for a selective group of enthusiasts only.

About the Reviewer

Very nice experience. There are so many bikes in the segment but I purchased the KTM 250 Duke because When I was in 12th standard I rode a old KTM Duke 250 BS4. And I was shocked by the power. And KTM is always good in looks. Some people call KTM a Chapri bike. And if you also think the same. Then okay I will be a Chapri. If you never ride a KTM you never know what it is. At least I say that I am very satisfied with the bike.

About the Reviewer

My Duke 250 Journey
I bought my Duke 250 in late September this year through OLX from an owner who had purchased it in February. It had just around 3,000 kilometers on the odometer, so it was barely used. The previous owner’s reason for selling it remains a mystery (maybe the fuel efficiency?), but after a thorough check to confirm it hadn’t been in any accidents, I was able to get it for a solid price of 2 lakhs.
First Impressions and Performance
I upgraded from the Yamaha R15 V3, which held its ground well, so initially, I didn’t feel a huge surge in power at low RPMs (around 2k-4k) where both Duke siblings tend to be softer. But once I had the chance to rev past 5k RPM, the Duke 250 revealed its real character. It almost transforms, and suddenly, the speedometer’s climbing faster than I’d expect! This reminds me of the R15’s VVA effect around 7k RPM, where it starts to feel like a bigger-engine bike.
Design and Road Presence
As Shami from MotorInc mentioned, KTM’s design is divisive; some love it, and others don’t. I personally like the White color, but if I’d had the option, I’d have gone for the Blue. The Duke’s design definitely grabs attention on the streets, but in a more subtle way these days. The Blue and Black versions are stylish, shedding that chaprhi image to exude a refined sporty vibe.
Ergonomics, Ride Comfort, and Handling
As another Duke rider on Reddit said, KTM may be known for speed, but handling is where it truly excels. Coming from the R15, I had high expectations, and the Duke hasn’t just met them—it’s exceeded them! The bike feels nimble and maneuverable, making it perfect for weaving through traffic. Despite its muscular build, the Duke feels surprisingly light, like an extension of yourself on the road.
Comfort-wise, the seat could definitely be better. After an hour of riding, it starts to feel like a workout for my backside. A reupholstered aftermarket seat might be a good option for those longer rides. The ride is stiff, which enhances control, but that also means it isn’t the cushiest experience.
As for the tires, they’re adequate but didn’t quite inspire the same confidence as the R15’s, especially around tight corners or during sudden braking.
Engine, Braking, and Mileage
The engine feels almost Japanese in its smooth, linear power delivery, despite being European. Coming from Yamaha, I felt right at home with its refinement. It’s impressive how vibration-free the Duke remains, even with a larger 250cc engine compared to the R15.
One thing to note: the Duke 250 doesn’t like to be kept at low RPMs, almost like an impatient partner when you’re preoccupied. It’s happiest over 5k RPM, where it really comes alive. I recently took it on a 100-kilometer ride along open roads, and that’s when it felt like the king of the highway!
For mileage, it hovers around 28-30 km/l. It’s better than previous Duke generations, but you’ll still find yourself at the pump more often. However, I’ve accepted that fueling up often is part of the experience if I want to enjoy this sporty machine to its fullest!
Final Thoughts
After just a month of ownership, one big takeaway is the cost of ownership beyond the showroom price. Between fuel, maintenance, and some cosmetic upgrades (about 10k worth), the expenses add up. I’m glad I went for it, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind for anyone eyeing a Duke 250 or similar.
Above all, the Duke 250 deserves respect on the road. With the right gear and a responsible mindset, this machine rewards you with an incredible riding experience. Let’s ride it as the refined piece of engineering it is and give it the respect it commands!
If you’ve read this far, thank you for sharing in my journey with the Duke 250.

About the Reviewer

This bike is really amazing. It gives me a nice experience. It makes me happy, it is a very nice bike.
The riding experience is really awesome, it is very nice. This is a good bike, it makes me proud.
It works really awesome, superbike. It gives me confidence and energy and also happy for me
So this is the best bike.

About the Reviewer

Buying Experience: Smooth purchase process with knowledgeable dealership staff. Riding Experience: Exhilarating ride, responsive handling for city and highway. Details about Looks, Performance, etc: Striking design, powerful engine, solid build quality. Powerful Engine. Stylish Design. Responsive Handling. Comfortable Ergonomics. Higher Price. Limited Pillion Comfort. Minimal Wind Protection. Overall, Duke 250 offers a fantastic package, blending performance, style, and comfort.

About the Reviewer

Best buying experience. Comfort riding experience. Everything is best in this bike. The maintenance is very affordable. Our future bike-level. Engine best refine engine. But TFT console notes are colorful. A very good bike for long rides and comfortable pillion seating. My dream KTM Duke 250 bike 2024.

About the Reviewer

The KTM Duke 250 is a dynamic and exhilarating ride that packs a punch in both performance and style. From its aggressive design to its impressive handling, this motorcycle is sure to turn heads on the road.
One of the standout features of the Duke 250 is its powerful 248.8cc engine, delivering ample torque and horsepower for an Adrenaline-fueled experience. Whether cruising on the highway or navigating through city streets, the Duke 250 offers responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery, making every ride an adventure.
The lightweight chassis and agile handling of the Duke 250 make it a joy to maneuver, allowing riders to confidently tackle corners and curves with ease. The suspension setup strikes a balance between comfort and performance, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road while maintaining stability at higher speeds.
In terms of aesthetics, the Duke 250 sports a modern and aggressive design that exudes confidence. From its sharp lines to its bold color options, this motorcycle stands out from the crowd and commands attention wherever it goes.
While the Duke 250 excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some riders may find the seat a bit firm for long rides, and the fuel tank capacity could be larger for extended trips. Additionally, the absence of advanced rider aids such as traction control or rider modes may be a downside for those seeking the latest technology.
Overall, the KTM Duke 250 offers an exhilarating riding experience that is hard to beat in its class. With its powerful engine, agile handling, and striking design, it's a motorcycle that appeals to both seasoned riders and newcomers alike. If you're looking for a thrilling ride that doesn't compromise on performance or style, the Duke 250 is definitely worth considering.

About the Reviewer

I bought this bike in April now It is 7 months old with 15k km my experience is performance the pick is top-notch and the brakes are perfect actually they saved my life 3 times overall go for it other than any bike this price segment and cc without doubt I loved it.
The brake pad needs to change around 3 - 5k km as in Bangalore traffic for 15km I have changed 3 times front and 2 times back brake pads and regular chain lub is mandatory for every 700 to 1200 middle

About the Reviewer

Its a lovely bike and recommend everyone. I even learnt how to ride a bike on this only and it's super comfortable but in long runs sometimes I feel like seats can be a bit uncomfortable for over 6 ft guys and who are healthy like me my height is 6'3 and my weight is around 95kgs. The most helpful feature of this bike is the quickshifter and its works very smoothly i dont think i can ride others bikes that doesn't have a quickshifter as i learnt while using the clutchless gear chaning method as i get very comfortable while using this method. i even experienced the pillion seat and it gets very uncomfortable after 2 hours of ride i don't like either of the seats much but the power weight handling is superb overall apart from the seats its an amazing bike with fully loaded features. The Bluetooth connectivity and navigation works flawlessly though it needed some mods apps to download so that it can work. If i talk about the mileage its meh i dont know whether the 25-26 mileage for a 250 cc bike is good or bad in city never went to the highway though but its pretty much average and i have done only 1st service so far. It would be better if they added drl's and made headlights more strong . Yes seats and headlights can be only flaw in this bike and without after-market lights it can be a nightmare for the night riders the light throw is like its goes far but the brightness is really low even in high beam and if there is pothole or any obstacle you cant see it at all

About the Reviewer