Street supremacy battle: ktm duke 200 vs ns 250 – who will reign?
What To Know
- The Indian motorcycle market is flooded with a wide range of options, but two of the most popular choices in the streetfighter segment are the KTM Duke 200 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS 250.
- While the NS 250 has a slight edge in terms of power and torque, the Duke 200’s lighter weight gives it a better power-to-weight ratio, resulting in a more agile and responsive ride.
- The Duke 200 features a 300mm front disc with a ByBre caliper, while the NS 250 gets a 280mm front disc with an Nissin caliper.
The Indian motorcycle market is flooded with a wide range of options, but two of the most popular choices in the streetfighter segment are the KTM Duke 200 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS 250. Both motorcycles offer a thrilling riding experience, but which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the KTM Duke 200 against the NS 250 to determine which one reigns supreme.
Design and Styling
The KTM Duke 200 boasts a sharp and aggressive design with its distinctive trellis frame, angular bodywork, and sleek headlight. In contrast, the NS 250 has a more muscular and traditional streetfighter look, featuring a muscular fuel tank, sharp tailpiece, and a projector-style headlight. While both motorcycles have their unique aesthetic appeal, the Duke 200’s sharp lines and aggressive stance give it a more sporty and modern edge.
Engine and Performance
The KTM Duke 200 is powered by a 199.5cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 25 horsepower and 19.5 Nm of torque. The NS 250, on the other hand, is equipped with a 249cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that generates 24.5 horsepower and 20.1 Nm of torque. While the NS 250 has a slight edge in terms of power and torque, the Duke 200’s lighter weight gives it a better power-to-weight ratio, resulting in a more agile and responsive ride.
Handling and Suspension
The KTM Duke 200 is renowned for its exceptional handling, thanks to its lightweight chassis and WP suspension setup. The bike feels nimble and agile in corners, providing a confidence-inspiring ride. The NS 250, while not as sharp as the Duke 200, still offers decent handling with its stiff suspension and wide handlebars. However, the Duke 200’s superior suspension and lighter weight give it a clear advantage in this category.
Braking
Both the KTM Duke 200 and the NS 250 come equipped with single-disc brakes at the front and rear. The Duke 200 features a 300mm front disc with a ByBre caliper, while the NS 250 gets a 280mm front disc with an Nissin caliper. Both bikes offer adequate braking performance, but the Duke 200’s larger front disc and ByBre caliper provide slightly better stopping power.
Features and Technology
The KTM Duke 200 offers a range of advanced features, including a fully digital instrument cluster, a slipper clutch, and dual-channel ABS. The NS 250, on the other hand, has a more basic instrument cluster and does not come with a slipper clutch or dual-channel ABS. However, the NS 250 does feature a fuel injection system for better fuel efficiency and performance.
Price and Availability
The KTM Duke 200 is priced at Rs. 1.80 lakhs (ex-showroom), while the Bajaj Pulsar NS 250 is priced at Rs. 1.65 lakhs (ex-showroom). The Duke 200’s higher price tag reflects its premium features and performance, while the NS 250 offers a more affordable option with decent performance and features.
Verdict: KTM Duke 200 vs NS 250
The KTM Duke 200 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS 250 are both excellent streetfighters that offer a thrilling riding experience. However, the Duke 200 emerges as the clear winner due to its superior handling, performance, and features. Its sharp design, agile chassis, and advanced technology make it the ideal choice for riders who prioritize performance and handling. While the NS 250 is a more affordable option, its lack of advanced features and slightly inferior performance make it a less compelling choice.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Which bike is more powerful, the KTM Duke 200 or the NS 250?
The NS 250 has a slight edge in terms of power, producing 24.5 horsepower compared to the Duke 200’s 25 horsepower.
2. Which bike has better handling, the KTM Duke 200 or the NS 250?
The KTM Duke 200 has superior handling due to its lightweight chassis and WP suspension setup.
3. Which bike has more features, the KTM Duke 200 or the NS 250?
The KTM Duke 200 offers more advanced features, including a fully digital instrument cluster, a slipper clutch, and dual-channel ABS.
4. Which bike is more affordable, the KTM Duke 200 or the NS 250?
The Bajaj Pulsar NS 250 is more affordable, priced at Rs. 1.65 lakhs (ex-showroom) compared to the Duke 200’s Rs. 1.80 lakhs (ex-showroom).
5. Which bike is better for city riding, the KTM Duke 200 or the NS 250?
Both bikes are suitable for city riding, but the KTM Duke 200’s agility and maneuverability make it a better choice for navigating urban traffic.