What To Know
- The Duke 250 is a naked streetfighter known for its aggressive styling and sporty performance, while the Himalayan is an adventure tourer designed for off-road exploration.
- The Duke 250 has a single 300mm disc brake up front and a 230mm disc brake at the rear, while the Himalayan has a 300mm disc brake up front and a 240mm disc brake at the rear.
- The Duke 250 is a better choice for riders who want a sporty and agile streetfighter, while the Himalayan is a better choice for riders who want an adventure tourer that can handle off-road riding.
The KTM Duke 250 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan are two of the most popular motorcycles in their respective segments. The Duke 250 is a naked streetfighter known for its aggressive styling and sporty performance, while the Himalayan is an adventure tourer designed for off-road exploration. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the KTM Duke 250 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Engine and Performance
The KTM Duke 250 is powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 30 horsepower and 24 Nm of torque. The Royal Enfield Himalayan, on the other hand, uses an air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that generates 24.3 horsepower and 32 Nm of torque.
On paper, the KTM Duke 250 has a clear advantage in terms of power and performance. Its higher horsepower and lower weight give it a better power-to-weight ratio, resulting in quicker acceleration and a higher top speed. However, the Royal Enfield Himalayan‘s torquey engine provides more low-end grunt, making it better suited for off-road riding and carrying heavy loads.
Handling and Suspension
The KTM Duke 250 features a trellis frame with a WP suspension setup that provides excellent handling and stability. The bike is nimble and agile, making it a joy to ride around corners. The Royal Enfield Himalayan, on the other hand, uses a tubular steel frame with a long-travel suspension that is designed for off-road use. The bike is more stable at high speeds and can handle rough terrain with ease.
Brakes and Safety
Both the KTM Duke 250 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan come equipped with disc brakes at both ends. The Duke 250 has a single 300mm disc brake up front and a 230mm disc brake at the rear, while the Himalayan has a 300mm disc brake up front and a 240mm disc brake at the rear.
In terms of safety features, the KTM Duke 250 has an advantage over the Royal Enfield Himalayan. The Duke 250 comes with ABS as standard, while the Himalayan only offers ABS as an optional extra.
Features and Technology
The KTM Duke 250 is more feature-packed than the Royal Enfield Himalayan. It comes with a fully digital instrument cluster, LED headlights, and a slipper clutch. The Himalayan, on the other hand, has a more basic instrument cluster, halogen headlights, and a conventional clutch.
Price and Availability
The KTM Duke 250 is priced at around $4,500, while the Royal Enfield Himalayan is priced at around $4,300. Both bikes are widely available at dealerships across the country.
Which One Should You Choose?
The KTM Duke 250 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan are both excellent motorcycles, but they are designed for different purposes. The Duke 250 is a better choice for riders who want a sporty and agile streetfighter, while the Himalayan is a better choice for riders who want an adventure tourer that can handle off-road riding.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. This will give you a first-hand experience of how each bike rides and handles, and it will help you make an informed decision.
Final Verdict: The Adventure King
If you’re looking for a motorcycle that can handle both on-road and off-road riding, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is the clear winner. Its torquey engine, long-travel suspension, and rugged construction make it an ideal choice for adventure riders. The KTM Duke 250 is a great streetfighter, but it’s not as well-suited for off-road riding as the Himalayan.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which bike has more power?
A: The KTM Duke 250 has more power, with 30 horsepower compared to the Royal Enfield Himalayan‘s 24.3 horsepower.
Q: Which bike has better handling?
A: The KTM Duke 250 has better handling due to its trellis frame and WP suspension setup.
Q: Which bike is better for off-road riding?
A: The Royal Enfield Himalayan is better for off-road riding due to its torquey engine, long-travel suspension, and rugged construction.
Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Royal Enfield Himalayan is more fuel-efficient, with a claimed fuel economy of 70 mpg compared to the KTM Duke 250’s 60 mpg.
Q: Which bike has a longer warranty?
A: The Royal Enfield Himalayan has a longer warranty, with a 3-year/unlimited mileage warranty compared to the KTM Duke 250’s 2-year/18,000-mile warranty.