KTM 250 Adventure vs 250 Duke: Differences Explained

Both might share the same motor but are as different as chalk and cheese. We list out the major differences

While the 390 Adventure grabbed the spotlight at EICMA, KTM silently introduced the 250 Adventure. Targeted towards developing markets, the 250 Adventure is an affordable and less powerful alternative to the 390 Adventure. KTM has chosen to equip the 250 Adventure with some cosmetic bits and powertrain from its road-going cousin, the 250 Duke. However, the two motorcycles are vastly different in their approach to delivering motorcycling thrills. Here’s how.

Different bodywork:

The 250 Adventure gets the same adventure-ready bodywork as its larger 390 Adventure cousin. Its 14.5-litre fuel tank holds 1.1 litres more fuel than the 250 Duke, while the 200mm ground clearance and 855mm seat height are 15mm and 25mm more than its road-going cousin. For off-road use, the 250 Adventure gets an upright riding position courtesy its raised handlebars and slightly forward-set serrated footpegs. At 156kg, it weighs 10kg more than the 250 Duke. 

Also read: KTM 250 Adventure Vs Hero XPulse 200: Spec Comparison

Better features:

While the 250 Duke continues to share its digital instrument console with the 200 Duke and 125 Duke, the new 250 Adventure gets a colour TFT screen similar to the 390 Duke and 390 Adventure. The 250 Adventure even shares its switchgear with the larger motorcycles. In addition, the adventure motorcycle gets a USB port below the instrument console. It even gets a metal and plastic bash plate to protect the motor from rocks and debris. For touring, it gets a larger windscreen as well. These features are missing on the 250 Duke. 

Also read: KTM To Attend The 2019 India Bike Week; Might Unveil The 390 Adventure

Different underpinnings:

While both KTM 250s continue to use White Power a 43mm front fork and rear monoshock, the 250 Adventure gets off-road focussed WP Apex units. These long-travel units offer 170mm front and 177mm rear wheel travel, which is a lot more than the 250 Duke’s 142mm and 150mm wheel travel. Given the off-road focus, the 250 Adventure gets a larger 19-inch front wheel and off-road oriented MRF Mogrip Meteor-FM2 dual-purpose tyres. The 250 Duke prefers to stay on the road with its 17-inch wheels and MRF REVZ tyres. Even braking on the 250 Adventure receives a boost with a 320mm front disc and off-road mode on its dual-channel ABS setup. 

More expensive:

All these features and kit will add up to the 250 Adventure’s pricing. We expect the 250 Adventure to be priced at around Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom), making it around Rs 50,000 more than the 250 Duke. We expect the new 250 Adventure to be showcased in India alongside the 390 Adventure at the India Bike Week and be launched in India by June 2020.