2023 KTM 250 Duke Review: A Worthy Duke

Up until recently, KTM’s India line-up of Dukes clearly had two very strong personalities and two that simply failed to live up to the tag of being called a Duke. A few weeks ago, we were greeted by the updated 390 Duke, which took matters to a whole new level, really signalling KTM’s intent in making motorcycling seriously fun. But when the 250 Duke also received its updates, there were a few apprehensions. The previous gen was pretty bland and cultured for it to be a KTM Duke. However, things have changed for 2023 and it has gotten a bit of an attitude. Is it finally a mental Duke like its elder sibling the 390?

Fierce Energy

KTM has made serious changes to the motorcycle, to the point where the motor is basically new from the ground-up. Similarities to the older engine remain just the bore and stroke numbers. It is now SOHC, compression ratio has been bumped up, it has just a smidge more power, peak torque is produced slightly lower and the overall gearing is shorter.

What it has resulted in is a motorcycle that feels unlike its predecessor in any way whatsoever, as it is exciting and joyful. You get a sense of drama from the motor as you are revving through the gears, something that was lacking previously. It has a strong mid-range pull and just keeps going hard all the way to the 10,000 rpm soft rev limiter. It doesn’t feel quite as manic as the 390 but you do feel that KTM has injected some of that fierce energy into 250 Duke. So, if you would equate the Bhut Jolokia chilli to the 390’s performance levels, the 250 is now a jalapeno. Still spicy enough to put a smile on your face and make you ride the bike longer.

And this is incredible as it hasn’t compromised on its versatile character either. Sure, below 5500 rpm there is not much drive to keep you engaged much. But riding in the city in fourth is a fuss-free affair. You get a bit of a tingling sensation at slow speeds which are not bothersome at all. And once you start to ride it out of the city, you can happily sit at speeds of 110 km/h.

The 250 Duke now also gets the same quickshifter as the 390s. But unlike the 390s where we found the system to be a bit glitchy, the same tech was far smoother here. Maybe it could have something to do with the engine not being as quick-revving as the 390 but hey, we aren’t complaining here.

An Approachable Hooning Machine

The delight with the new exciting and thrilling engine plays well with the improved handling package, borrowed from the 390 Duke. The new chassis’ confidence-inspiring traits work well here too as you can properly hoon the 250 Duke in the twisties. It licks its lips while attacking apexes, switching directions with utmost precision. And you can feel the major weight loss (163 kg now, 8 kg lighter) it has undergone, the same lower unsprung mass wheel assembly from the latest-gen RCs and 390 Duke, heightening every sense.

The tyres and the brakes start holding you back from riding this 250 Duke hard. Even though it is running on the MRF Steel Brace W-rated tyres, they do feel squirmy when you are carrying extremely lean angles or when there’s a bit of gravel on the road. And despite running the same 320 mm rotor and calliper as the 390, KTM has shied away from giving sintered pads here. Hence, the initial bite isn’t as sharp and you get quite a lot of brake fade when you are chasing a thrill.

Fixing both of these issues isn’t a biggie, you can swap out for better tyres and get the 390’s sintered pads if you are looking for thrill but it is something that we would’ve liked KTM to provide straight from the factory itself. But hey, if you wanna just hoon slideways, there’s always Supermoto mode!

This level of confidence also arrives from the fact that you are seated in a more composed and secure stance, similar to that of the new 390 Duke. Low seat height for riders of all sizes, not as much room as earlier but still a nice spot to remain firmly in control over the bike in all riding situations. Plus, taller riders might just want to opt to get the taller 820 mm as the current triangle might just get a bit cramped for longer rides.

What riders will not complain much about is just how well-damped the 250 Duke’s suspension components are, providing a very nice and absorptive ride. It flattens broken stretches without breaking a sweat or making you bounce off the saddle. It isn’t plush and you still have to be wary of the large craters but by sporty naked standards, this 250 just glides over the rough stuff.

The Better Looker?

KTM designs have been shouty and in your face, polarising the masses. It has this habit of following the same design ethos for its singles that starts with the 390 and then trickles down. So, in many ways, the new 250 does look similar to the 390. But bits like this shroud and not-too-long tank extensions just give this a unique, and in my eyes, a slightly better look.

The 250 Duke continues to get an LCD dash but unlike the previous one, this is a bit of a letdown. KTM has revised the layout to match the cluttered look of the old 390’s colour TFT dash. So, judging data on the go becomes tricky. There’s smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation and call and music controls, which can be easily toggled through using the new switch cube buttons.

What I do find a bit annoying though is why KTM couldn’t provide adjustable levers here too. It would’ve just helped fine-tune the bike to the rider’s liking a bit.

Not A Compromise

The KTM 250 Duke has managed to exceed expectations in every manner possible, shedding off its goody two-shoes attitude for something more intentful and fun. This is now finally feeling like a Duke. It likes to be revved, there’s joy in going fast and you get that sense of ooh this is a bit of a handful if you aren’t quite careful here on this bike. And yet, it is still as obedient and well-mannered in the city, great for touring and can give 300 cc bikes a good run for their money.

Speaking of which, KTM isn’t asking you to shell out more. All these improvements come at nearly the same asking price as before of Rs 2.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). So, if you were looking for a 300 cc bike that is well-rounded and yet fun, do take a look at this 250. Chances are it will blow you away and help you save a fair few bucks along the way as well.

Photography By: Anand Malepu