At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
KTM 250 Duke
- 249.07 cc Liquid-Cooled
- 30.57 bhp @ 9250 rpm
- ~31 km/l (Owner Reported)
- 15-litre tank
- 1 variant available
- Supermoto ABS
Bajaj Pulsar N250
- 249.07 cc Oil-Cooled
- 24.5 PS @ 8750 rpm
- ~39 km/l (Owner Reported)
- 14-litre tank
- 1 variant available
- Dual-channel ABS (standard)
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | KTM 250 Duke | Pulsar N250 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 249.07 cc | 249.07 cc |
| Cooling System | Liquid Cooled | Oil Cooled |
| Max Power | 30.57 bhp @ 9250 rpm | 24.5 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 25 Nm @ 7250 rpm | 21.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 | 2 |
| Compression Ratio | 12.63 : 1 | 10.5 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 72 × 61.1 mm | 72 × 61 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2B | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Clutch | Assist & Slipper Clutch | Slipper Clutch |
| Top Speed | ~148 km/h | ~132 km/h |
| Riding Modes | Track & Street | 3 ABS Modes (Road, Rain, Off-road) |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (ARAI) | Not Claimed | Not Claimed |
| Mileage (Owner Reported) | ~31 km/l | ~39 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 15 litres | 14 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 3 litres | 2.8 litres |
| Riding Range | ~465 km | ~546 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Supermoto ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 320 mm | Disc – 300 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 240 mm | Disc – 230 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 110/70-R17 / 150/60-R17 | 110/70-17 / 140/70-17 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | WP APEX USD Forks, 43 mm | 37 mm USD Fork |
| Rear Suspension | WP APEX Monoshock (10-step preload) | Nitrox Monoshock |
| Chassis | Split-Trellis Frame | Tubular Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 162.8 kg | 164 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 795 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 176 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm | 1351 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | NA | 1989 × 743 × 1050 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | 5" TFT Display | Fully Digital LCD |
| Headlight | Dual LED Headlamp | LED Projector |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | LED | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Yes (Quickshifter+) | No |
| Traction Control | No | Yes |
| Ride-by-Wire Throttle | Yes | No |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹2,17,445 | ₹1,34,758 |
| Number of Variants | 1 | 1 |
| Standard Warranty | 2 Years / 30,000 km | 5 Years / 75,000 km |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
KTM 250 Duke Variants
Pulsar N250 Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Significantly more power — 30.57 bhp vs 24.5 PS
- Premium WP APEX suspension (43 mm USD forks)
- 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth & navigation
- Quickshifter+ for clutchless gear changes
- Ride-by-wire throttle for precise power delivery
- 6-speed gearbox for relaxed highway cruising
- Higher top speed (~148 km/h)
- Larger 320 mm front disc for stronger braking
- Track & Street riding modes
Cons
- Much higher price (₹2,17,445 vs ₹1,34,758)
- Lower fuel efficiency (~31 km/l vs ~39 km/l)
- Shorter warranty (2 years vs 5 years)
- Stiff suspension uncomfortable in city potholes
- No traction control despite premium pricing
- Higher maintenance costs
Pros
- Much more affordable — ₹82,687 less than KTM
- Better fuel efficiency (~39 km/l owner reported)
- Excellent 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- Traction control included as standard
- 3 ABS modes (Road, Rain, Off-road)
- Lower seat height (795 mm vs 800 mm)
- Strong mid-range torque for everyday riding
- Wider service network & lower running costs
Cons
- Lower peak power (24.5 PS vs 30.57 bhp)
- Only 5-speed gearbox (no 6th gear)
- No quickshifter or ride-by-wire
- Basic LCD display vs TFT on KTM
- Vibrations noticeable at higher RPMs
- Lower top speed (~132 km/h)
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
The KTM 250 Duke uses a 249.07 cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine with ride-by-wire throttle, producing 30.57 bhp — making it one of the most powerful 250cc streetfighters in India. The Pulsar N250 uses an oil-cooled, 2-valve unit tuned for strong mid-range usability rather than outright top-end power.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The Pulsar N250 returns a significantly better ~39 km/l versus the KTM's ~31 km/l. Despite having a smaller 14-litre tank, the N250 delivers a greater theoretical range of ~546 km compared to the Duke's ~465 km from its 15-litre tank.
Braking & Safety
The KTM 250 Duke gets a larger 320 mm front disc and Supermoto ABS — allowing partial rear wheel lift for more aggressive braking. The Pulsar N250 counters with a standard dual-channel ABS configuration plus the addition of traction control, which the KTM surprisingly lacks.
Warranty & Ownership
The Pulsar N250 offers a class-leading 5-year / 75,000 km warranty versus the KTM's 2-year / 30,000 km coverage. Bajaj's wider service network also means easier access to parts and lower maintenance costs throughout ownership.
Price & Value
At ₹1,34,758, the Pulsar N250 is a staggering ₹82,687 less expensive than the KTM 250 Duke at ₹2,17,445. For budget-conscious buyers the N250 delivers exceptional value, while the KTM's premium is justified only if the performance gap matters to you.
Ride & Handling
The KTM 250 Duke's WP APEX 43 mm USD forks and split-trellis frame deliver class-leading handling precision and ground clearance (176 mm). The Pulsar N250's 37 mm USD forks offer a more compliant setup better suited to India's mixed road conditions.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the KTM 250 Duke if…
- You want the most powerful 250cc streetfighter in India
- Premium hardware (WP suspension, TFT display) matters
- You enjoy track-day ready performance and Quickshifter+
- Ride-by-wire throttle and riding modes are important
- You prioritise performance over running costs
- Budget allows for a higher initial investment
Buy the Pulsar N250 if…
- You want best value in the 250cc segment
- Daily commuting and fuel efficiency are priorities
- Long-term warranty peace-of-mind matters to you
- You want traction control at an affordable price
- Lower maintenance costs are important
- You're upgrading from a 150–160cc motorcycle
Overall Winner for Most Riders: Bajaj Pulsar N250. At nearly ₹83,000 less than the KTM 250 Duke, the Pulsar N250 offers compelling value — better fuel efficiency, traction control, a class-leading 5-year warranty, and strong mid-range performance. However, if raw performance and premium tech are non-negotiable, the KTM 250 Duke justifies every rupee with its significantly more powerful engine, WP APEX suspension, TFT display and Quickshifter+. It's a clear performance vs. value choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The KTM 250 Duke is better for performance-focused riders who want the most powerful 250cc streetfighter with premium hardware like WP APEX suspension, TFT display, Quickshifter+, and ride-by-wire. The Bajaj Pulsar N250 is better for value-oriented buyers who want strong everyday performance, better fuel efficiency (~39 km/l vs ~31 km/l), traction control, and an exceptional 5-year warranty — all at ₹82,687 less.
The Bajaj Pulsar N250 is priced at ₹1,34,758 while the KTM 250 Duke costs ₹2,17,445 ex-showroom — a difference of approximately ₹82,687. Both prices are for India and may vary by city.
The Bajaj Pulsar N250 delivers significantly better fuel efficiency at approximately 39 km/l (owner reported) versus the KTM 250 Duke's ~31 km/l. Despite having a smaller 14-litre tank, the N250 also offers a greater riding range of ~546 km compared to the Duke's ~465 km from its 15-litre tank.
The KTM 250 Duke makes significantly more power at 30.57 bhp @ 9250 rpm compared to the Bajaj Pulsar N250's 24.5 PS @ 8750 rpm — a gap of around 6 bhp. The KTM also has a higher top speed of ~148 km/h versus ~132 km/h for the N250. Its liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine with ride-by-wire provides a more exciting and refined character at high RPMs.
The Bajaj Pulsar N250 offers a much better warranty of 5 years or 75,000 km compared to the KTM 250 Duke's 2 years or 30,000 km. This is a major advantage for the N250, especially given that the KTM is priced significantly higher.
Surprisingly, no — the KTM 250 Duke does not offer traction control despite its premium pricing. The Bajaj Pulsar N250, however, does include traction control as standard equipment, which is an advantage for the N250 from a safety electronics perspective.