KTM 250 Duke 2024: Should You Buy One?

Here’s a controversial take: the 250 Duke is a motorcycle that Honda should be thinking about making in India. Smooth, performance-oriented, and charming—qualities we associate with Honda, yet delivered here by KTM.

The Quick Verdict

The 250 Duke is the best Duke for everyone. It’s calm, it’s fast, it’s reasonably comfortable, and it has that incredible handling we saw on the 2024 390 Duke. Because it’s “just” a 250, you can recommend it to anyone—including new riders looking for their first sporty machine.

Design: Refined Without Drama

This bike has always played second fiddle to the 390. If the 390 was hot sauce, this has always been hot and sweet ketchup. But the 2024 refresh gets it right without going overboard.

The good:

• Tank extensions are big but proportionate (unlike the 390’s “gullwing doors”)
• The orange greater-than/less-than cowl sits closer to the headlight unit, making it look more compact
• Cleaner overall aesthetic

The not-so-good:

• The area from above the headlight to the bottom of the number plate is messy
• Black aluminum subframe on orange models robs you of that cool silver finish
• LCD screen instead of TFT (no upgrade path available)

Engine: Calm Performance

The 250 Duke’s engine is perhaps the most linear of all KTM Dukes. Unlike the rev-happy 200 or the explosive 390, the 250 is all about balance.

Aspect	Details
Character	Smooth, effortless, linear
Sweet spot	Above 7,000 RPM for the performance kick
City riding	Can run a gear higher thanks to extra torque
Highway cruise	60-120 km/h easily, though revs feel high by 120
Fuel economy	30-35 km/l highway, 23-29 km/l city

Note: There will be some heat from the radiator on your legs. Decide if that’s a deal-breaker for you.

Chassis: Where KTM Shines

Far and away, the chassis outshines the engine. The new KTM frame and setup is wonderful:

• Front wheel feels like it’s between your knees
• Rear wheel feels like it’s between your ankles
• Super responsive, very connected
• Excellent at changing directions in city traffic
• Stable and fast on twisty roads

The suspension is supple, making small bumps disappear while feeling sportier as speed rises. It’s never uncomfortable.

What About the Seat?

The riding position is serious about folding your legs up. Give the stock seat time before spending on upgrades—many stock seats are underrated. No air cushions, gel inserts, or seat covers needed immediately.

Quick Shifter: A Pleasant Surprise

KTM left the quick shifter in (thank you!). Both up and down shifts are absolutely effortless. You’ll need to learn toe management as it can be sensitive.

Tires: Room for Upgrade

The MRF tires are good enough, but if you want an upgrade, here’s the order of sporty grip and feel:

1. Eurogrip Proto Extremes
2. Michelin Road 5
3. Apollo Alpha H1

The Honda Comparison

That blend of abilities—reasonably comfortable, fast without being mad, corners like nothing else, improved quality—reminds us more of what Hondas should be rather than what KTMs typically are.

KTMs are supposed to be slightly mad, outright sporty, and slightly raw. Calm, subtle ability, comfort, ease of use—these are Honda properties. The 250 Duke only unleashes its KTM nature when you ride it really hard above 7,000 RPM.

Should You Buy It?

Yes, if:

• You want a sporty motorcycle that’s easy to live with daily
• You’re a new rider looking for something capable but not intimidating
• You value balanced performance over raw aggression
• The 390’s intensity is too much for you

Consider alternatives if:

• You absolutely need a TFT screen
• You want maximum aggression from your KTM
• Budget is extremely tight (the value-for-money debate is valid)

The 2024 250 Duke doesn’t stray from its sweet spot. It’s the approachable KTM that makes serious performance accessible to everyone.

Related: KTM 390 Duke review | Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z review | TVS Raider 125 review