Bajaj will launch a new KTM Duke 250 on Feb 23

Bajaj will launch a new KTM Duke 250 on Feb 23

200 remains the entry-level bike, while the 390 goes upscale

Spy shots have been all over the social networks for a while now, but more recently, our friends at Thrust Zone made the case for a new bike in the KTM Duke range — the Duke 250. Our sources confirm that this is, in fact, true.

The new Duke 250 is essentially the same as the export model for the Asian market, with some concessions to the price-sensitive Indian market. The motorcycle will not come with ABS or riding modes (and thus, ride-by-wire) and will repurpose the old Duke console, albeit with new functionality. It may receive a slipper clutch, however. Visually, it uses the new Duke design language with the new subframe, while wheels and chassis remain black. The headlamp also appears to be of the new design, but we are unsure if LEDs will make it to the spec. Our sources expect a super-competitive price, likely under ₹2 lac rupees.

The Duke 200 will remain largely unchanged, save for new orange wheels to give it some freshness, and a console with more functions. This will remain the entry point into the Duke range.

The big news for enthusiasts remains the new Duke 390, which gets rider modes, ride-by-wire throttle, an LED headlamp, separate-function front forks and revised rear suspension. A larger 320mm front disc is present like the new RC390 and Dominar. Compliance with Euro/BS4 means that we get a bigger, side-mounted exhaust and a slight bump in weight to 149kg without fuel. The new 390 will also carry more fuel with a 13.4l fuel tank. Power remains the same at 44PS. We will also see a bright, new TFT colour display instead of the old orange LCD console. All this will come at a price bump over the current 390, likely ₹20,000 dearer. With such a large gap between the entry-level 200 and the now-upscale 390, the Duke 250 makes sense to fill the space.

Catch us live on Facebook and Twitter on the 23rd for a first look at the India-spec motorcycles.