The KTM 250 Duke costs Rs 65,000 more than the new Hero Xtreme 250R.
The quarter-litre segment has seen fierce competition recently, with new entrants from manufacturers like Hero. The brand developed its first 250cc, liquid-cooled motor to compete in this segment. We put it against its already established rival, the KTM 250 Duke. Here’s how it fares.
Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke: Engine and output
| Engine and output | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 250R | KTM 250 Duke | |
| Engine | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 249cc | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 249cc |
| Power | 30hp at 9,250rpm | 31hp at 9,250rpm |
| Torque | 25Nm at 7,250rpm | 25Nm at 7,250rpm |
Both the Hero Xtreme 250R and KTM 250 Duke are identical in terms of engine capacity and make their peak power and torque at the exact same RPM. A minor difference is that the 250 Duke packs 1hp more.
Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke: Weight and dimensions
| Weight and dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 250R | KTM 250 Duke | |
| Seat height | 806mm | 800-820mm |
| Ground clearance | 167mm | 176mm |
| Wheelbase | 1375mm | NA |
| Fuel capacity | 11.5 litres | 15 litres |
| Kerb weight | 167.7kg | 163kg |
The KTM 250 Duke has an adjustable seat height which gives it a slight ergonomic advantage and also higher ground clearance. The Hero Xtreme 250R on the other hand has a smaller fuel tank by 4.5 litres and is also heavier by 4.3kg.
Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke: Braking and suspension
| Braking and suspension | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 250R | KTM 250 Duke | |
| Brakes (F/R) | 320mm disc/ 230mm disc | 320mm disc/ 240mm disc |
| Suspension (F/R) | USD Fork/ monoshock | USD Fork/ monoshock |
| Wheel size (F/R) | 17-inch /17-inch | 17-inch / 17-inch |
Both the KTM 250 Duke and Hero Xtreme 250R have a similar braking set-up but the former has a 10mm larger rear disc. However, they both ride on the same 17-inch wheels and have identical suspension setups.
Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke: Features
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 250R | KTM 250 Duke | |
| Quickshifter | NA | Bi-directional |
| Dash | Colour LCD | TFT |
| Connectivity | Phone connectivity via app | Phone connectivity via app |
| Headlight | LED | LED |
The Xtreme 250R and 250 Duke have a lot of features in common such as an LED headlight, colour dash, connected features and rider modes but it’s the KTM 250 Duke that has a lot of segment-first features such as a bi-directional quickshifter.
Hero Xtreme 250R vs KTM 250 Duke: Price
| Price | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 250R | KTM 250 Duke | |
| Price | 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) | 2.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
The Hero Xtreme 250R undercuts the KTM 250 Duke by Rs 65,000. The 250 Duke does offer better features and superior cycle parts. Both the Xtreme 250R and 250 Duke are manufactured in India but it remains to be seen if potential buyers prefer an established model from KTM or a new entrant.
Also see: 2025 KTM 390 Adventure vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Specification compared
