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 Benelli Leoncino 250 is a nimble super motard designed for entry-level and budget-conscious riders seeking versatile urban and light off-road capability. Its 249cc single-cylinder engine delivers accessible performance with 25.5 horsepower, making it ideal for commuting and weekend adventures. Known for its lightweight handling and retro-styled charm, the Leoncino suits riders prioritizing practicality and fun over raw power.
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 Benelli Leoncino 250: It's built primarily for urban commuting and light weekend fun rather than serious performance or long-distance touring.
Verdict: Choose the 2026 KTM 250 Duke if you want more power and more torque. Check the full table below for every figure, and the size comparison for fit.
| Specification | 2026 KTM 250 Duke | 2026 Benelli Leoncino 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Other | ||
| Category | Naked | Naked |
| Color Options | - | White, Antracite, Red, Green |
| Comments | - | Bike made in China. |
| Engine | ||
| Capacity: | 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) | 249.0 ccm (15.19 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) | 72.0 x 61.2 mm (2.8 x 2.4 inches) |
| Cooling System | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel System | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
| Ignition | Bosch EMS | TCI |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | - |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Lubrication System | Wet sump | Wet sump |
| Fuel Consumption | - | 2.80 litres/100 km (35.7 km/l or 84.01 mpg) |
| Compression | - | 11.2:1 |
| Performance | ||
| Power | ✓30.8 HP (23.0 kW) @ 9500 RPM | 25.5 HP (18.8 kW) @ 9250 RPM |
| Torque | ✓25.0 Nm (2.5 kgf-m or 18.4 ft.lbs) | 21.0 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.5 ft.lbs) @ 8000 RPM |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 0.2110 HP/kg (dry) | 0.1645 HP/kg (dry) |
| Top Speed | - | 129.0 km/h (80.2 mph) |
| Chassis & suspension | ||
| Frame | Steel trellis frame, powder coated | Steel trestle in steel tubes |
| Front Suspension | WP APEX 43 | Upside down 41mm fork |
| Rear Suspension | WP shock absorber with linkage | Mono-shock-absorber, preload adjustable |
| Front Wheel Travel | 150 mm (5.9 inches) | 125 mm (4.9 inches) |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 150 mm (5.9 inches) | 60 mm (2.4 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 26.5° | - |
| Ground Clearance | 185 mm (7.3 inches) | 170 mm (6.7 inches) |
| Transmission | ||
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Clutch | Slipper clutch | Wet Multi-Plate |
| Brakes & wheels | ||
| Front Brakes | Single disc. Brembo ABS | Single disc. ABS |
| Front Brakes Diameter | 300 mm (11.8 inches) | 280 mm (11.0 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 | 110/70-R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/60-17 | 150/60-R17 |
| Dimensions & weight | ||
| Wheelbase | 1357 mm (53.4 inches) | 1380 mm (54.3 inches) |
| Seat Height | ✓800 mm (31.5 inches) | ✓800 mm (31.5 inches) |
| Dry weight | ✓146.0 kg (321.9 pounds) | 155.0 kg (341.7 pounds) |
| Wet Weight | 165.0 kg (363.8 pounds) | ✓162.0 kg (357.1 pounds) |
| Fuel Capacity | ✓13.40 litres (3.54 US gallons) | 12.50 litres (3.30 US gallons) |
| Overall Length | - | 2030 mm (79.9 inches) |
| Overall Width | - | 840 mm (33.1 inches) |
| Overall Height | - | 1115 mm (43.9 inches) |
| Reserve fuel capacity | - | 2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons) |
"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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