KTM 250 Duke vs Kawasaki KLX230 S
Prices ex-showroom Delhi, checked 2026-09. On-road and running costs estimated for Delhi.
KTM 250 Duke and Kawasaki KLX230 S are both sports bikes and turn up together on most shortlists. They are priced within ₹7,277 of each other, so this comes down to what each does with the money.
On our category count it is a draw at 3 each, which usually means the two are aimed at different riders rather than one being better.
Category by category
Price
KLX230 S
The KLX230 S starts ₹7,277 lower (₹2,19,000 against ₹2,26,277), about ₹230 a month less on a standard loan.
Running cost
KLX230 S
KLX230 S claims 36 kmpl against 31 kmpl. That is roughly ₹3,741 a year in fuel at 30 km a day.
Performance
250 Duke
250 Duke has the better power-to-weight ratio: 188 against 132 bhp per tonne. It will feel quicker with a pillion and on overtakes.
Safety kit
250 Duke
250 Duke adds dual-channel abs and tubeless tyres that the KLX230 S does not have on any variant.
Features
250 Duke
250 Duke gets alloy wheels, usd front forks, rear monoshock and slipper clutch and 3 more items.
City manners
KLX230 S
KLX230 S is 23.80000000000001 kg lighter and taller in the seat (830 mm), which you feel in traffic and when parking.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the 250 Duke if
- you ride two-up or on highways and want the stronger engine
- dual-channel ABS is non-negotiable for you
- you live where KTM's bigger service network matters
- your priority is first big bike
Buy the KLX230 S if
- you want the lower purchase price and EMI
- mileage matters more to you than outright performance
- you are a new rider or shorter and want the lighter bike
- your priority is spirited riding
What each really costs
Base variants, Delhi, 30 km a day. Servicing and insurance are class-typical estimates.
| Cost | 250 Duke | KLX230 S |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹2,26,277 | ₹2,19,000 |
| On-road, Delhi | ₹2,58,132 | ₹2,50,537 |
| Fuel, 5 years | ₹1,45,465 | ₹1,26,760 |
| Servicing, 5 years | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 |
| Insurance renewals | ₹12,392 | ₹12,024 |
| Five-year total | ₹4,45,989 | ₹4,19,321 |
Full specification comparison
Better figure in each row is shown in green.
| Spec | KTM250 Duke | KawasakiKLX230 S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting ex-showroom | ₹2,26,277 | ₹2,19,000 |
| Rough EMI / month | ₹7,180 | ₹6,950 |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 249.1 cc | 233 cc |
| Engine type | 1 Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, 4 Valves | 1 Cylinder, Air Cooled, 2 Valves |
| Power | 30.6 bhp | 18.4 bhp |
| Torque | 25 Nm | 19 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | 31 kmpl | 36 kmpl |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Transmission | 6 Speed | 6 Speed |
| Electric | ||
| Top speed | 148 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Kerb weight | 162.8 kg | 139 kg |
| Fuel tank | 15 L | 7.5 L |
| Seat height | 800 mm | 830 mm |
| Ground clearance | 176 mm | 255 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Length | — | 2110 mm |
| Width | — | 830 mm |
| Height | — | 1160 mm |
| Brakes & suspension | ||
| Front brake | Disc, 320 mm, 4 piston caliper | Disc, 290 mm, 2 piston caliper |
| Rear brake | Disc, 240 mm, 2 piston caliper | Disc, 230 mm, 1 piston caliper |
| ABS / CBS | Supermoto ABS | Single Channel ABS |
| Front suspension | WP APEX USD forks, 43mm diameter | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX Monoshock, 10-step preload adjustable | Ø 37 mmm Uni-Trak |
| Tyres | ||
| Front tyre | 110/70-R17 | 2.75-2145P |
| Rear tyre | 150/60-R17 | 4.10-1859P |
250 Duke vs KLX230 S: questions people ask
- Which is cheaper, the 250 Duke or the KLX230 S?
- The KLX230 S is cheaper by ₹7,277 at the base variant (₹2,19,000 against ₹2,26,277 ex-showroom Delhi).
- Which gives better mileage, the 250 Duke or the KLX230 S?
- The KLX230 S claims 36 kmpl against 31 kmpl. Real-world figures for both will be lower.
- What is the on-road price difference between the 250 Duke and KLX230 S in Delhi?
- About ₹7,595: roughly ₹2,58,132 for the 250 Duke and ₹2,50,537 for the KLX230 S, base variants, including road tax, registration and insurance.
- Which costs less to own over five years?
- Our estimate for five years at 30 km a day in Delhi is ₹4,45,989 for the 250 Duke and ₹4,19,321 for the KLX230 S, including purchase, fuel, servicing and insurance renewals. The KLX230 S comes out ₹26,668 ahead.
