Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 vs KTM Duke 250 - What’s Different?

Husqvarna has refreshed its lineup with the latest Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 401 models. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 stands out with noticeable changes from its predecessor. 

The heart of the bike remains the same, 249cc engine from the new 2024 Duke 250 makes the same 30.5 bhp power and 25 Nm torque. The chassis and majority of the underpinnings are the same too! Here’s what sets them apart and which one should you choose?

Design

Both bikes have their different approaches with design. The Husqvanran takes a neo retro roadster design stance but has a sophisticated look. The Duke on the other hand breaks all the rules and wears its naked street bike eccentricity with pride. There's no denying it makes a statement. 

The Duke's headlight is a fierce-looking sharp unit flanked by body coloured plastic shrouds. The Husqvarna headlight, now bigger than the previous model, does not have the charm of the LED DRL ring  like the 401 but it still looks round and wholesome.

In terms of body panels, the Duke 250 seems to have more going on than the Vitpilen 250. The colour choices might clash, but there's no doubt about them standing out. You have two options on the Duke with the bright orange and the other a bit mellowed white and orange. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 gets only one colour, which is white and is seen only on the one continuous panel running from the tank to the quarter-panel area. 

Tyres

The Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 has MRF Revz tyres, whereas the Duke 250 gets the newer Steel brace radials. The Steel brace are the more expensive tyres but also new on the market and are expected to be more grippy. Lets see how these stack up as budget radial offerings on the KTM. 

Fuel Tank

Both bikes get extended shrouds from the tank. KTM looks more aggressive with sharper edges and extended shrouds. Keeping true to the simpler design language of the Vitpilen, they are more in proportion to the tank. Apart from that, the fuel tank capacity is down by 1.5 litres, the Husqvarna only now being able to carry 13.5 litres on board. 

Ergonomic Difference

The seating posture on both these bikes is quite similar. Keeping in line with the trend seen throughout the article, the Husky gets a slightly forward arching riding stance. 

Surprisingly, the Duke has less weight at 162 kg and a 20mm lower seat height of 800mm. Ground clearance on both bikes has a difference of 1mm, with the Duke 250 lower at 176mm, which should hardly make any difference.

The seat on the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 appears to be longer, but most of the part of the seat in front of the rider remains unused. The pillion seat on both bikes is quite small. The rider seat on the Duke is slightly wider, giving it added comfort.

Price

The KTM comes at an ex-showroom price of ₹ 2.38 lakh and Husqvarna is ₹2.19 lakh. The difference of  ₹ 20,000 is what you would consider to get the connectivity features, slightly more fuel and better tyres. If you prioritise comfort with a slightly sportier riding position, and desire a head-turner without flashy colours, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 is your pick. On the other hand, if you prefer a motorcycle with personality, prioritise agility and corner carving, and aren't afraid to get a little rowdy (or orange), then the KTM 250 Duke is the choice for you.