KTM 250 Duke or TVS Apache RTR 310: Which is the better bike for daily commutes?

For Rs 10,000 more than the 250 Duke, the RTR 310 offers more performance and features.

Published On Sep 20, 2025 10:00:00 AM

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KTM 250 Duke or TVS Apache RTR 310: Which is the better bike for daily commutes?

I am planning to buy a performance-oriented street bike, but I will be using it for my daily rides to the office, so something that gives me more fuel efficiency will be appreciated. That’s why I was thinking of the KTM 250 Duke instead of the 390 Duke or the Triumph Speed 400 and RE Guerrilla 450. However, I’m now also confused by the Apache RTR 310. Please suggest what I should go for.

Ketan Sharma, via email

Autocar India says: The KTM 250 Duke is a highly entertaining bike to ride, and it proves to be good fun in the city as well. With the recent update, it now offers the same LED headlamp and TFT display as seen in the KTM 390 Duke, and it also has a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.

While the KTM costs Rs 2.3 lakh ex-showroom in Delhi, TVS will sell you the base RTR 310

for just 10,000 more, although the TVS will also cost you a little more when it comes to

While the KTM costs Rs 2.3 lakh ex-showroom in Delhi, TVS will sell you the base RTR 310 for just 10,000 more, although the TVS will also cost you a little more when it comes to service and spare parts.

We’d recommend that you spend the additional Rs 17,000 over the base variant for the one with the bi-directional quickshifter, as it really does enhance the riding experience. However, while the TVS has many more optional features, choosing them can make the bike a little too expensive. At around 2.6 lakh (ex-showroom), the TVS RTR 310 in this spec strikes a great middle ground between the 250s and the 400s, and we’d suggest that you go for the RTR if you like the way it rides. Of course, it will be advisable to do so after 22 September, as the new GST rates will reduce the prices for both bikes.

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Hero Xpulse 210 or Suzuki V-Strom SX: Which is the better buy under Rs 2.60 lakh?