KTM 250 Duke ABS vs KTM RC200 ABS- Sibling Rivalry

The KTM 250 Duke was recently updated with a dual-channel ABS. While it competes against the Bajaj Dominar 400 and Honda CBR250R, it also competes against its own sibling, the RC200 ABS. We see how the stablemates stack up against each other.

Design

The KTM 250 Duke and RC200's designs are miles apart from each other. Not only that, they also belong to two completely different segments. While the 250 Duke is a naked streetfighter, the RC200 is a fully-faired motorcycle. And similar to other bikes in its segment, the 250 Duke offers a slightly upright riding position. The bike derives styling from its bigger streetfighter sibling, the 390 Duke. 

On the other hand, the RC200 offers the rider a track-focused seating position courtesy the rear-set footpegs and lowered handlebars. And unlike the single-handlebar on the 250 Duke, the RC200 sports a clip-on unit. The full-fairing houses twin-projector headlamps along with LED DRLs. Meanwhile, the 250 Duke's headlamp setup consists of twin LED DRLs and a conventional bulb. 

Engine

The KTM RC200 is powered by a 199cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, motor that produces 25.1bhp at 10,000rpm and 19.2Nm of torque at 8000rpm.

The 250 Duke is more powerful thanks to its 248cc, single-cylinder engine. This unit puts out 29.6bhp at 9000rpm and 24Nm of torque at 7500rpm. Both engines come mated to a six-speed gearbox. 

Cycle Parts

The KTM 250 Duke ABS and RC200 ABS share the very similar suspension and braking hardware. Suspension duties are taken care of by inverted front forks and a monoshock at the rear, braking is done by a 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc brake. 

Now, the only difference is the ABS unit on both bikes. While the RC200 gets a single-channel ABS unit, the 250 Duke comes equipped with a dual-channel ABS. 

Pricing

The KTM 250 Duke ABS is priced at Rs 1.94 lakhs whereas the KTM RC200 ABS retails at Rs 1.88 lakhs. Although you may not get the fairing, what you do get for an additional Rs 6000 on the 250 Duke is a more powerful engine and a much safer safety system.

All prices ex-showroom, Delhi