So the KTM Duke 250 is finally here and true to its behavior, KTM India has made sure to price its latest offering ultra competitively. The new Duke 250 features a high performance engine, a modern design and a price tag that makes the new baby Duke a really high value for money offering. The Duke 250 is no doubt a world class product, but it certainly can’t escape the heat from CKD imports like the Kawasaki Z250. Now, the Z250 is a really likable bike, marred only by a stratospheric price tag. Let’s see how it compares in our KTM Duke 250 vs Kawasaki Z250 comparison here-
Also See – KTM Duke 250 vs Duke 390 vs Duke 200
KTM Duke 250 vs Kawasaki Z250 Comparison of Price
| KTM Duke 250 | Kawasaki Z250 |
| Rs. 1.73 Lakh | Rs 3.43 Lakh |
The Duke 250 is a clear winner here. Thanks to local production, KTM India has been successful in pricing the Duke 250 very competitively. In comparison, the Z250 comes to us via CKD-route. Hence, it ends up being almost twice as costly as the new 250cc Duke.
Also See – 2017 KTM Duke 250 | 2017 KTM Duke 390 | 2017 KTM Duke 200
KTM Duke 250 vs Kawasaki Z250 Comparison of Specifications
| KTM Duke 250 | Kawasaki Z250 | |
| Seat Height | 830 mm | 785 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1357 mm | 1400 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 144 KGs | 168 KGs |
| Ground Clearance | 185 mm | 145 mm |
| Engine Displacement | 248.8 cc single cylinder liquid cooled | 249 cc twin cyliner liquid cooled |
| Power | 30 PS @ 9000 RPM | 32 PS @ 11,000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm @ 7500 RPM | 21 Nm @ 10,000 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual | 6-speed Manual |
| Top Speed | 158 km/h | 165 km/h |
| Suspension | Front – WP Suspension Upside Down
Rear- WP Monoshock |
Front – Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear- Bottom-link Uni-Trak with 5-way Adjustable Preload |
| Brakes | Front – 300 mm Disc
Rear – 230 mm Disc |
Front – 290 mm Disc
Rear – 220 mm Disc |
Well, the KTM Duke 250 seems to have an upper hand on the Z250 here, too. While the Z250 does enjoy a higher power output, it’s important to note the Duke 250 produces its max. power at a much lower engine speed. Also, it offers a higher peak torque. True, the Z250 offers a twin cylinder engine and a slightly higher top speed, but these become rather insignificant if you see the Duke 250 offers better specs in every other aspect -It has got slightly bigger brakes, a much lower kerb weight and bits like USD front suspension. Both the bikes come with a slipper clutch. Sadly, the Duke 250 doesn’t offer ABS, which the Z250 does.
KTM Duke 250 vs Kawasaki Z250 Comparison – Top Speed
| KTM Duke 250 | Kawasaki Z250 | |
| Top Speed | 158 KMPH | 165 KMPH |
Thanks to a slightly higher power output, the Kawasaki Z250 enjoys a higher top speed. However, the Duke 250, with its lower kerb weight and higher torque, is much quicker off the block.
Also See – KTM 390 Duke: Old vs New
KTM Duke 250 vs Kawasaki Z250 Comparison – Mileage
| KTM Duke 250 | Kawasaki Z250 | |
| Mileage | 30 KMPL | 31 KMPH |
Both the bikes have almost equal mileage. Hence, in terms of fuel efficiency, it gets tough to pick out a clear winner among the two. However, the Z250 does get a bit expensive to maintain. Thanks to local production, the KTM Duke 250 benefits from low prices of service and spare parts. On the contrary, the Kawasaki Z250 can get pretty expensive to maintain.
KTM Duke 250 vs Kawasaki Z250 Comparison Verdict
The KTM Duke 250 is the clear winner here. The Kawasaki Z250 is a brilliant machine, there’s absolutely no doubting its capabilities. However, thanks mainly to import duties and a rather flimsy sales and service network, the Z250 ends up losing this comparison. If you see closely, both the bikes are almost evenly matched in areas like specifications, mileage and top speed. However, pricing plays a key role with helping the Duke 250 to emerge as a clear winner.
So, what do you say about our KTM Duke 250 vs Kawasaki Z250 comparison here? What’s your take on how these two bikes compare? Do let us know by commenting below. Stay tuned to CarBlogIndia for latest news, reviews and comparisons of new cars and bikes in India.
