KTM 250 Duke ABS vs Bajaj Dominar 400 vs Honda CBR250R – Competition Check

KTM has updated its quarter-litre street bike, the 250 Duke, with dual-channel ABS. The motorcycle has received a price hike of Rs 14,000 and now, the KTM 250 Duke ABS costs Rs 1.94 lakhs (ex-showroom). It faces stiff competition from the Bajaj Dominar 400 and the Honda CBR250R in the Indian market. In that case, we take a look at how they stack up against each other on paper.

Design and Features:

The KTM 250 Duke borrows its design cues from the 390 Duke and boasts sharp contours. It gets fully-digital instrument cluster like the 200 Duke, LED headlamps, tail lamps and DRLs. Similarly, the Bajaj Dominar 400 also gets these features but the inclusion of slipper clutch lends it an extra point. The design of the Dominar is not as aggressive as the Duke since it is more inclined towards touring and possesses relaxed ergonomics.

The Honda CBR250R is a fully-faired motorcycle and the 2018 update brought along LED headlamp and refreshed graphics. Although it features a sportsbike design, the ergonomics are comfortable which make it suitable for long-distance riding. All the information on the CBR250R is displayed on a dated-looking, semi-digital instrument cluster.

Engine:

Among the three, the Bajaj Dominar 400 gets the largest engine which is borrowed from the KTM 390 Duke. Its 373.3cc, liquid-cooled motor churns out 34.5bhp and 35Nm which is the highest of this lot. Moreover, these power figures are set to receive a hike with the 2019 model year. Following the Dominar 400 is the 250 Duke in terms of power figures. It is propelled by a 248.7cc mill that is good for 29.6bhp and 24Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Honda CBR250R churns out 25.7bhp and 22.9Nm from its 249.6cc, liquid-cooled powerplant. All the bikes get a six-speed gearbox.

Cycle Parts:

Starting with the KTM 250 Duke, it is underpinned by a steel trellis frame and the suspension duties are handled by WP upside down (USD) front forks and rear monoshock. Braking is taken care of by a 300mm front disc and 230mm rear disc. Now, the Bajaj Dominar 400 is based on a perimeter frame which is suspended by the basic telescopic front forks and rear monoshock. However, the 2019 model will feature USD forks on the front. For anchoring, it utilises a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc.

The Honda CBR250R is based on the twin-spar frame and the suspension hardware remains the same as the Dominar – telescopic front forks and rear monoshock. Braking is taken care of by a 296mm front and 220mm rear disc. All the three bikes get dual-channel ABS as standard. 

Pricing:

Priced at Rs 1.63 lakhs, the Bajaj Dominar 400 is the most affordable motorcycle in this group. Looking at what it offers, it appears to be a value-for-money product for those who desire a modern touring bike. On the other hand, the KTM 250 Duke ABS and the Honda CBR250R are priced closely similar at Rs 1.94 lakhs and Rs 1.95 lakhs, respectively. While the former is a modern, agile and powerful streetbike, the latter feels a bit dated in terms of styling and features but makes for a comfy touring machine. 

(all prices are ex-showroom)