2025 KTM 250 Adventure review: Calm but capable

KTM’s 250 Adventure has long played second fiddle to the more powerful and better-equipped 390, but for 2025, this entry-level ADV gets a significant upgrade, borrowing not just the engine from the new-gen 250 Duke but also getting a host of premium features. With the recent GST price cuts, the 250 Adventure now costs Rs 8,000 less than its predecessor which makes it even more accessible. Now standing as a more rounded package, is this the best beginner ADV out there?

KTM 250 Adventure design and quality - 8/10

You get big bike looks at a more affordable price tag

If road presence matters to you, the 250 Adventure delivers in spades. It shares all of its bodywork with the larger 390 Adventure X, and that lends it a proper big-bike look. The tall stance and clean-cut body panels give it a premium visual edge. The 250 Adventure wears its proportions well, and nothing about it feels entry-level.

The tall windscreen is great on a cold day and not so great on a hot day.

The switchgear is tactile, the paint looks decent, and most of the bodywork feels tightly put together. That said, our fairly new test bike is already throwing up a rattle from somewhere in the front bodywork, and this is something that we have experienced with the 390 ADV in the past as well.

Premium and easy-to-use TFT is a welcome addition.

This year’s generation change brings a host of electronic goodies that were previously missing on the 250. You now get a crisp 5-inch colour TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, music and call controls. It’s legible even under bright sunlight and feels properly premium.

Rider aids include a bi-directional quickshifter and dual-channel ABS with the ability to switch off the rear. Importantly, none of this comes across as gimmicky, and everything feels functional in everyday riding.

KTM 250 Adventure riding position and comfort - 8/10

It has the same seat height and ergonomics as the 390 Adventure X.

The KTM’s upright riding posture feels just right for a bike in this class. At nearly 6 feet tall, I found the seating to be relaxed, with a comfortable reach to the bars and neutrally set footpegs. There’s ample space to move around, and the seat height of 825mm is manageable for average-height riders too.

Standing on the pegs is natural and doesn’t feel cramped, which is good news for those who want to venture off the tarmac. The tall windscreen is quite effective at deflecting air at highway speeds, though on hot days, it does deprive you of a much-needed breeze.

KTM 250 Adventure performance and refinement - 8/10

Performance is exciting yet approachable for beginner riders.

Powering the bike is KTM’s new 249cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, lifted straight from the latest 250 Duke. On paper, this mill makes 31hp and 25Nm, but what stands out is how tractable and smooth it feels in the real world.  

Throttle response is crisp, and power delivery is linear, but don’t confuse that with dull. There’s a strong surge through the mid-range, and the motor is happy to cruise at triple-digit speeds without breaking a sweat.

The engine has enough low-end grunt for easy commuting and is quick enough for brisk highway overtakes, though high-speed roll-ons do require a little planning. In our tests, the 250 Adventure managed to reach 100kph from standstill in 9.12 seconds, which is slightly quicker than its predecessor.

It also clocked faster roll-on acceleration times. Vibrations do creep in at the handlebars and footpegs above 7,000rpm, but cruising below triple-digit speeds is quite comfortable. The quickshifter, which is now standard, works brilliantly – it’s smooth, precise and elevates the riding experience. In our tests, the bike managed a fuel efficiency figure of 39kpl on the highway and 34kpl in the city, which means it can achieve upwards of 450km on a full tank if ridden gently.

KTM 250 Adventure ride comfort and handling - 8/10

Its predictable and engaging handling is its highlight.

The 250 Adventure’s suspension is set up well for its purpose. It’s slightly on the softer side, which works well on bad roads and mild trails. The WP suspension offers good travel and composure over most surfaces without ever feeling wallowy. 

The damping feels mature, and the bike doesn’t bottom out unless pushed hard. However, it still isn’t as plush as the Xpulse 210, which irons out bumps with more finesse. Despite its tall stance, the 250 Adventure is surprisingly nimble. In the city, it filters through traffic easily, and out on the highway or twisty roads, it feels stable and planted. Off-road, it can handle light trails confidently, but it’s not meant for more challenging enduro riding.

The Apollo Tramplrtyres on our test bike offered commendable grip across dry, wet and loose surfaces. They’re road-biased but do just enough to get you through some dirt and gravel without feeling out of depth.

Braking performance is sharp, with a good feel at the lever and a strong initial bite. ABS calibration is well-sorted, and with the ability to disable it at the rear, the 250 Adventure gives you the confidence to push a little off-road, too. 

KTM 250 Adventure price and verdict - 9/10

It offers a friendly yet capable ADV package with solid features and style.

The updated pricing now slashes Rs 20,000 off the original asking price for the new 250 Adventure, which has now increased the delta between it and the 390 Adventure X by a considerable margin. Due to its pricing, this motorcycle doesn’t have any direct rivals. It slots comfortably between the Hero Xpulse 210 and Yezdi Adventure on one end and the much more powerful but slightly pricier 390 Adventure X on the other. So, where exactly does the 250 Adventure fit in?

Not every rider wants a motorcycle that is all about aggressive performance. Some want an ADV that’s well-kitted but not overwhelming, sharp-looking but not shouty, and fast enough but not frantic.

For that money, what you get is a bike that looks big, rides confidently, packs impressive tech and is friendly enough for newer riders without being boring. Additionally, for a little over Rs 60,000, you can get the 390 Adventure X, which is even more feature-loaded and presents even better value.