KTM 250 Duke

autocar.india

•1w

In theory, with enough determination and some out-of-the-box thinking, you could take any two-wheeler on a long-distance tour. The Yamaha R15 is a sorted, proven supersport but as a tourer, it will leave you wanting in more than one area. On the other hand, the Hero Xtreme 250R packs in lovely handling with comfy ergos and absorptive suspension which will certainly help you cover longer distances in greater comfort. The Xtreme's larger engine is also punchier and will be less stressed at highway speeds than the R15's. However, as you pointed out, the Hero's reliability has been rather patchy and it seems to be a sporadic issue depending on the unit. If you can go to your nearest Hero dealer and get some assurances about the reliability of the Xtreme as well as a good roadside assistance package then perhaps you should consider it. However, if you aren't convinced look for similar options from KTM 200 Duke or 250 Duke or even the Yamaha MT-15 and XSR155 which will all be sporty, yet comfortable machines that are reliable and can be taken touring without a second thought.

autocar.india

•3w

We'd recommend you go with the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X over the other bikes you've shortlisted for two reasons. First, it will offer you a big step up in comfort and performance from your Apache 200. Second, despite using a larger engine, this Triumph bike is a very friendly city bike and won't catch you out with abrupt, overeager power delivery or a heavy clutch. The 350cc KTM 390 Adventure has a very buzzy engine which will make its presence felt at all times and the KTM 250 Duke will feel like a small step up from your Apache 200.

autocar.india

•3w

Since you are going to keep your next purchase for a long time and are coming from a Shine, we'd advise you to consider with the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The Classic is a simple, fuss-free motorcycle which should be easy and inexpensive to maintain. This Royal Enfield bike will also offer you a step up in terms of comfort, features and road presence from your Shine although, expectedly, its fuel efficiency will be lower owing to its larger engine. If you want something sportier, then consider the KTM 250 Duke. The quarter-litre Duke has approachable yet exciting performance and will allow you to grow into it as time passes. This KTM bike has great handling, cool tech like a colour TFT display and bidirectional quickshifter and its zingy engine can also be rather fuel efficient with sensible riding. These are two starkly different machines and depending on your preferences, pick between them. A test ride of both should help you decide which one is right for you.

autocar.india

•6w

The 350cc KTM 390 Duke finds a good middle ground between the 399cc 390 Duke R and the smaller 250 Duke in terms of outright power. Even though it has over 40hp, this engine is rather peaky which means you won't be accessing all of the peak output very often - helpful for a newer rider. In terms of features and electronics too, the 390 Duke is much better equipped compared to the 250 Duke. Overall, the 350cc Duke is a machine that you will be able to enjoy for a longer time as you progress as a rider.

autocar.india

•12w

At some point in our lives, we were all in your shoes, and no matter which motorcycle you get, it's going to be a fun road ahead! First things first, since your budget is Rs 2 lakh, why not consider the 350cc Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z? This bike will give you more performance than any other machine at this price point, and it's an exciting and engaging machine without being too cramped and uncomfortable. The NS400Z's on road price is also likely to cross the Rs 2 lakh mark, but it will well undercut the Rs 2.70 lakh asking price of the KTM 250 Duke.