KTM surprises with the launch of 250 Duke at the 390 launch

The little birdie seems to have been right. KTM has launched the 250 Duke in India as we had told you yesterday. Priced at Rs 1.73 lakh the 250 Duke is an all-new bike that has been added to KTM’s basket in India. Meanwhile, the MY17 is 390 Duke is priced at Rs 2.25 lakh and the 200 Duke come at a price tag of Rs 1.43 lakh.

KTM has been already manufacturing the 250 Duke in India for the European market; but in 2016, they also introduced it in Indonesia. And as it makes it to our shores, the dynamics of the entry-level performance bike have been completely changed for the better. Powered by a single-cylinder, 249cc, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 29.5bhp and 24Nm, expect the 250cc to give the 300cc bikes in the market a run for their money. It also gets dual-channel ABS as standard. The 250 comes with the old instrument cluster (as seen on the MY2016 200 Duke) and even the split headlight which is present on the 390 Duke has been given a miss. Tyre duties taken care by MRF Revz C1s. In terms of the cosmetic differences, the 250 gets a bit sombre white-black livery with even the rims painted black rather than the traditional orange.

Coming to the 390, which is a radical update, it has now been stylised in keeping with the design style adopted now across the Duke range which began with the 1290 Super Duke. However, the engine remains the same. The Duke had already received the slipper clutch updated engine during the MY16 gen, but it now receives ride-by-wire technology and an upswept exhaust like the one found on the recently launched RC390. The added advantage the ride-by-wire technology gives it the possibility of adding different riding modes making the new Duke more accessible to ride.

But the biggest change the new 390 Duke gets is the revised trellis frame. The orange coloured frame gets a new rear sub-section which gives the rear a much sleeker look. Also revised is the steering head which has increased by a single degree to 66°, making the front end a bit sharper. Couple it with a slightly narrower handlebar and you get a naked hooligan bearing the Duke badge with pride. The front WP USD forks are carried forward, and the travel is only 142mm, 8mm lesser than before. The change in steering angle and the stiffer front end should result in better turn ins.

The split headlights are something straight out of a Transformers movie and leave you drooling with delight. The edgy body panels are even more outrageous than before and with the KTM orange-white colour scheme, I am completely mesmerised. The fuel tank is now larger by a good three litres, now at 13.4-litres, making it touring friendly.

Remember the old instrument cluster which greeted you with “Ready To Race” every time you turned on the ignition? That has now given way for a TFT-display screen which relates all the necessary data. An additional night display mode will make the screen visible during low light situations. Customers of the 390 Duke have another treat in store, as the display can be hooked up with your smartphone via the KTM My Ride mobile application which the rider can purchase at his dealership for a nominal fee.

However, the 200 Duke fans will be a little underwhelmed to hear that except for the addition of BS IV kit and new colour schemes, the bike remains absolutely unchanged.

All in all, there are enough and more reasons for KTM lovers to be excited by the new entries in the stable that is sure to keep the competition on its toes.