KTM recently launched the updated Duke 250 with an upgraded set of features. Although the Duke 250 and Duke 200 are yet to transition into the new generation platform, they are still very popular models in the KTM lineup, especially the 200cc Duke. In this article, we check out if the latest set of upgrades in Duke 250 make it a more worthy buy over the Duke 200.
With the latest set of upgrades, the quarter-litre Duke is now way more advanced than its 200cc sibling. Both motorcycles get a digital instrument console, however, the Duke 250 now benefits from a more advanced 5-inch colour TFT display, derived from the Gen-3 Duke 390. This unit packs a lot more functionalities over the older LCD unit offered in the Duke 200 including turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a Lap timer, and multiple themes.
Besides a more advanced instrument panel, the 250cc Duke also gets a better rider aid electronics package featuring ride-by-wire, multiple ride modes, and more importantly a bi-directional quickshifter.
The hardware in both the Dukes are more or less the same. Both motorcycles get a 43mm upside down front fork and a 10-step adjustable rear mono-shock sourced from WP Apex. The Duke 250 gets slightly larger 320mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes, in comparison to the 300mm front and 230mm rear disc brakes in the 200 Duke. Both get dual-channel ABS but the Duke 250 benefits from switchable rear ABS.
The quarter-litre Duke surely has the advantage when it comes to performance, thanks to a larger displacement engine which churns out higher power and torque outputs. The difference of 6 bhp and 6 Nm between the two bikes may not be significant but definitely noticeable out on the open roads. Both bikes get the same 6-speed transmission with a slip and assist clutch.
The price difference between the KTM Duke 200 and Duke 250 is Rs 46,000 which is significant for an entry-level premium segment. However, the amount of features on offer in the 250cc Duke is worthy of the premium, at least on paper.
