Austrian bike manufacturer KTM has launched the all-new Duke 250 in the Indian market along with the updated 2017 Duke 200 and the Duke 390. In very short span, KTM has become the fastest growing sports motorcycle brand in the country. It is aiming to grab 80% market share in the premium bike segment in domestic market leaving behind several upmarket brands.
With the arrival of the new KTM Duke 250, the bike manufacturer hopes to grab a good share in the highly competitive 250 cc – 300 cc segment. But the task is not going to be easy one, as there are several other established models in the same segment. Here we have taken four different models, which will lock horns with the new entrant Duke 250 in the segment. They are the Honda CBR 250R, Mahindra Mojo, upcoming BMW G310R and the Yamaha FZ25.
Model | Ex-Show Price |
KTM 250 Duke | Rs. 1.73 lakh |
Honda CBR 250R | Rs. 1.89 lakh |
Mahindra Mojo | Rs. 1.70 lakh |
BMW G310R | Rs. 1.9 lakh (Expected) |
Yamaha FZ25 | Rs. 1.20 lakh |
* All price ex-showroom, New Delhi
The 2017 KTM Duke 250 gets no full LED headlamp, but a conventional halogen unit. But it appears with LED daytime running light integrated to the headlamp cluster. The bike looks very muscular and sculpted looking with the muscular fuel tank, sharp tank scoops. It sports an Orange backlit instrument cluster with a fully digital display instead of the new TFT display visible in the Duke 390.
The lowered rider sear seat and stepped up saddle seat have been designed to deliver the rider and pillion rider best possible comfort. A narrow tail section, split grab rail, twin LED strip taillight enhance the sporty appeal of the streetfighter bike. Upward facing exhaust muzzle with chrome plating on it gives the bike stylish appearance along with the blackened alloy wheels and Orange rim decal. Overall this bike looks very attractive and appealing from every angle.
A very sporty looking model in the same segment in domestic market is the Honda CBR 250R. This bike comes with a pure racing machine inspired look, thanks to the integrated full fairing that enhances the aerodynamic efficiency also. The sharp looking and unique shaped headlamp also increases the style of this model. The silver garnished instrument cluster with analog-digital combo is enough to give the rider a sporty and premium feel.
Despite generally known as a car manufacturer Mahindra has taken the two-wheeler business very seriously. A very attractive and unique model from the Indian brand is the Mahindra Mojo. This power packed tourer bike comes with a true aggressive design, capable of catching attention at the very first glance.
The bike doesn’t get split seat, but the pillion seat is little stepped up and there is a split grab rail giving the Mojo a sporty look. The narrow and sleek tail section comes with a LED taillight, but what’s more interesting is the twin exhaust muzzle, each at one side. Apart from enhancing the aggressive tone, this design language certainly makes the bike very distinctive in the crowd.
BMW Motorrad is one of the most popular premium motorcycle brands in the world. Inspired by the rising demand of premium motorcycles in the domestic market, the German brand is all set to bring the G310R in the country. The naked bike is expected to launch in the country in March or April this year and upon arrival it will bring fresh air in the segment.
The BMW G310R won’t come with a split seat appearance, but the stepped up saddle seat with split grab rail and LED taillight along with the narrow tail section are the design elements make it attractive. The side-mounted exhaust gets chrome plating on it giving a shiny look. Overall, the bike looks pretty attractive from every angle.
The last competitor in the fray is the Yamaha FZ25 naked street fighter. The bike looks bold and sporty and it has been designed taking inspiration from several of its sibling like the MT-03, M15, FZ25 and FZ16. The bike features a bold looking full LED headlamp with Auto Headlamp On (AHO) technology. The headlamp comes inspired by the M15.
The KTM Duke 250 comes powered by a 248.76 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine mated to a 6-speed transmission. The bike gets slipper clutch as well, which is unavailable in any of its competitors here. The engine churns out 29.6 bhp of peak power at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm.
Model | Engine Specification |
KTM 250 Duke | 248.76 cc single-cylinder 6-speed, liquid-cooled |
Honda CBR 250R | 249.6 cc single-cylinder 6-speed, liquid-cooled |
Mahindra Mojo | 295 cc single-cylinder 6-speed, liquid-cooled |
BMW G310R | 313 cc single-cylinder 6-speed, liquid-cooled |
Yamaha FZ25 | 249 cc single-cylinder 6-speed, air-cooled |
Model | Power Output |
KTM 250 Duke | 29.6 bhp @ 9,000 rpm |
Honda CBR 250R | 26.15 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
Mahindra Mojo | 26.45 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
BMW G310R | 34 bhp @ 9,500 rpm |
Yamaha FZ25 | 20.3 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
Model | Torque Output |
KTM 250 Duke | 24 Nm @ 7,500 rpm |
Honda CBR 250R | 22.9 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
Mahindra Mojo | 30 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
BMW G310R | 28 Nm @ 7,500 rpm |
Yamaha FZ25 | 20 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
Model | Mileage |
KTM 250 Duke | NA |
Honda CBR 250R | 29 kmpl |
Mahindra Mojo | 25 kmpl |
BMW G310R | 36 kmpl |
Yamaha FZ25 | 43 kmpl |
The Honda CBR 250R on the other hand is powered by a 249.6 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The engine is capable of producing 26.15 bhp of peak power at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque output of 22.9 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The Honda bike can reach 0 – 60 kmph in just 4 seconds and it has a top speed of 135 kmph. It returns 29 kmpl of fuel efficiency.
The Mahindra Mojo draws power from a 295 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. It generates 26.45 bhp of peak power at 8,000 rpm and 30 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. It can reach a top speed of 147 kmph. The Mojo delivers 25 kmpl of fuel efficiency.
Power source for the Yamaha FZ25 is a 249 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine paired with a 5-speed transmission. The engine kicks out 20.3 bhp of peak power at 8,000 rpm and 20 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. It returns 43 kmpl of impressive fuel efficiency.
Therefore, the all-new KTM Duke 250 comes as the second most powerful bike among these five models, right next to the BMW G310R. The Mahindra Mojo generates highest torque amount among these bikes. The Mahindra Mojo has been designed for touring purpose, while the KTM Duke 250 comes directly targeting the young buyers who will love to take it through corners. The Mojo on the other hand is a lovely machine for those who love adventure trips on rough terrains. The BMW G310R will definitely come most powerful model among all these bikes, but it will be pricier compared to the rest of the lot.
The Honda CBR 250R comes equipped with telescopic front fork and spring loaded hydraulic type monoshock suspension at rear. Braking power comes from a 296 mm front disc brake and a 220 mm rear disc brake, combined with ABS, but that comes as option. Both the KTM Duke 250 and the Honda CBR 250R run on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in tubeless tyre.
For suspension duty, the Mahindra Mojo gets USD front fork and high-pressure gas-charged monoshock absorber at rear. Stopping power is generated by 320 mm front disc brake and a 240 mm rear disc brake. The BMW G310R will come sporting USD front fork and rear monoshock. Like its rivals in the fray, it will get disc brakes on both the wheels. Also, like the Mojo it runs on 17-inch alloy wheels.
Suspension:
Model | Mileage |
KTM 250 Duke | USD front fork / Rear monoshock |
Honda CBR 250R | Telescopic front fork / Rear monoshock |
Mahindra Mojo | USD front fork / Rear monoshock |
BMW G310R | USD front fork / Rear monoshock |
Yamaha FZ25 | Telescopic front fork / Swingarm |
Brake:
Model | Mileage |
KTM 250 Duke | 300 mm front disc 230 mm rear disc |
Honda CBR 250R | 296 mm front disc 220 mm rear disc |
Mahindra Mojo | 320 mm front disc 240 mm rear disc |
BMW G310R | 300 mm front disc 240 mm rear disc |
Yamaha FZ25 | 282 mm front disc 220 mm rear disc |
The Yamaha FZ25 is built on a diamond frame chassis. It gets telescopic front fork and swingarm at rear. Braking power is generated by 282 mm front disc brake and a 220 mm rear disc. The bike completely missed out on ABS. The important safety measure is not even offered as option.
The Mahindra Mojo is built for touring purpose as it is not a sporty handling machine and moreover the inadequate cornering clearance deprives the fun through corners. For adventure enthusiasts, it is a good overall package you can rely on. If we talk about the BMW G310R, this one is going to be a pocket burner for sure but the brand value and the sporty presence the motorcycle presents is second to none in this comparison.
Now we have two models left – the KTM Duke 250 and the Honda CBR 250R. Both these models come with very sporty stance. But, the Duke 250 generates more power and more torque compared to its Japanese rival. Also, it delivers more fuel efficiency than the Honda CBR250.
If we compare the price, then also, the Austrian streetfighter is cheaper than the Honda CBR 250R which has become an obsolete model with little or no substantial updates. Therefore considering all the aspects and all the bikes, the KTM Duke 250 seems to be a perfect choice for the youngsters who love sportiness, premium style, power packed performance in a single package.