The 2026 KTM 250 Duke is a lightweight, agile naked bike designed for beginner to intermediate riders seeking an accessible entry into street riding. Its sharp handling and nimble character, powered by a liquid-cooled 249cc single-cylinder engine delivering 31 PS, make it ideal for urban commuting and spirited riding on twisty roads. Known for its aggressive styling and responsive performance, the Duke 250 offers genuine fun without overwhelming inexperienced riders.
The 2026 Bajaj Dominar 250 is a versatile all-rounder suited for riders seeking a reliable commuter with sporty credentials. Powered by a liquid-cooled 249cc single-cylinder engine delivering 26.6 hp, it combines everyday practicality with engaging performance. Known for its balanced handling and affordable pricing, the Dominar 250 excels as both a daily workhorse and weekend tourer.
Both are naked bikes, so this is a like-for-like choice.
2026 KTM 250 Duke: Built primarily as a nimble city and commuter bike that also enjoys a spirited weekend ride through twisty roads.
2026 Bajaj Dominar 250: Designed as a versatile allround street bike for daily commuting with occasional weekend touring capability.
Verdict: Choose the 2026 KTM 250 Duke if you want more power and lighter weight. Check the full table below for every figure, and the size comparison for fit.
| Specification | 2026 KTM 250 Duke | 2026 Bajaj Dominar 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Other | ||
| Category | Naked | Naked |
| Color Options | - | Sparkling Black, Citrus Rush, Racing Red |
| Comments | - | Produced in India. |
| Engine | ||
| Capacity: | 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) | 248.8 ccm (15.18 cubic inches) |
| CO2 Emissions | 67 CO2 g/km | - |
| EPA Certificate No. | TKTXC.249DKE-015 | - |
| EPA Est. Fuel Consumption | 2.83 L/100km (83.1 US mpg) | - |
| EPA CO Emissions | 0.1 CO g/km | - |
| Engine Type | Single, four-stroke | Single, four-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke | 72.0 x 61.1 mm (2.8 x 2.4 inches) | - |
| Cooling System | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel System | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
| Ignition | Bosch EMS | - |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | - |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Lubrication System | Wet sump | - |
| Performance | ||
| Power | ✓30.8 HP (23.0 kW) @ 9500 RPM | 26.6 HP (19.9 kW) @ 8500 RPM |
| Torque | ✓25.0 Nm (2.5 kgf-m or 18.4 ft.lbs) | 23.5 Nm (2.4 kgf-m or 17.3 ft.lbs) @ 6500 RPM |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 0.2110 HP/kg (dry) | 0.1478 HP/kg (wet) |
| Chassis & suspension | ||
| Frame | Steel trellis frame, powder coated | Beam type perimeter |
| Front Suspension | WP APEX 43 | Telescopic USD forks, 37mm |
| Rear Suspension | WP shock absorber with linkage | Multi-step adjustable Monoshocks with Nitrox |
| Front Wheel Travel | 150 mm (5.9 inches) | 135 mm (5.3 inches) |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 150 mm (5.9 inches) | 110 mm (4.3 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 26.5° | - |
| Ground Clearance | 185 mm (7.3 inches) | 157 mm (6.2 inches) |
| Transmission | ||
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Clutch | Slipper clutch | Wet, Multiplate, Assist and Slipper |
| Brakes & wheels | ||
| Front Brakes | Single disc. Brembo ABS | Single disc. ABS. |
| Front Brakes Diameter | 300 mm (11.8 inches) | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Rear Brakes | Single-piston floating calliper | Single disc. ABS. |
| Rear Brakes Diameter | 230 mm (9.1 inches) | - |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Front Tyre | 110/80-17 | 100/80-R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/60-17 | 130/70-R17 |
| Dimensions & weight | ||
| Wheelbase | 1357 mm (53.4 inches) | 1453 mm (57.2 inches) |
| Seat Height | ✓800 mm (31.5 inches) | ✓800 mm (31.5 inches) |
| Dry weight | 146.0 kg (321.9 pounds) | - |
| Wet Weight | ✓165.0 kg (363.8 pounds) | 180.0 kg (396.8 pounds) |
| Fuel Capacity | ✓13.40 litres (3.54 US gallons) | 13.00 litres (3.43 US gallons) |
| Overall Length | - | 2156 mm (84.9 inches) |
| Overall Width | - | 836 mm (32.9 inches) |
| Overall Height | - | 1112 mm (43.8 inches) |
"Best" (✓) reflects that single spec only, not overall suitability - a bike can win on paper and still be the wrong choice for you. Ties are all marked; specs with no clear better/worse direction (e.g. displacement, wheel size) are never marked, only tinted where bikes differ.
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Specs are pulled from the same categories used throughout the site: engine and transmission (capacity, power, torque, gearbox), physical measures (weight, seat height, fuel and tank capacity), frame and dimensions, speed and acceleration, and brakes, suspension, frame and wheels (including tyres) - plus general information and maintenance data where it's on record for a bike.
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