2023 KTM 250 Duke Specs & Review

The 2023 KTM 250 Duke is a lightweight, punchy naked built for riders who want agile urban performance with weekend twisty-road fun. In this KTM 250 Duke review, we break down the essentials so you can compare it confidently to rivals in the quarter-liter class. If you’re hunting for clear, reliable 2023 KTM 250 Duke specs, you’re in the right place.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 249 cm³ / 15.2 in³
• Power: 22 kW / 29.5 hp
• Torque: 24 Nm / 17.7 lb-ft
• KTM 250 Duke weight (wet): ~ 159.4 kg / 351.4 lbs
• Seat height: 830 mm / 32.68 "
• Engine type: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine (liquid cooled)

Engine & Performance

The 249 cm³ single-cylinder, liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine is the heart of the 250 Duke’s do-it-all personality. With 22 kW (29.5 hp) and 24 Nm (17.7 lb-ft) on tap, it delivers the kind of crisp, linear shove that makes city darting and backroad sprints genuinely engaging. Bosch EFI with a 38 mm throttle valve and Bosch EMS keep fueling predictable, while a 12.5 compression ratio helps the single respond eagerly when you crack the throttle.

KTM pairs the motor with a 6-speed transmission and a PASC™ antihopping clutch (mechanically operated), which smooths aggressive downshifts and helps keep the rear stable when you’re braking hard into a corner. The stainless steel primary and aluminium secondary silencer keep weight reasonable and sound sporty without being overbearing. Whether you’re filtering through traffic or stringing together a series of curves, the Duke’s power delivery is accessible yet entertaining.

Handling, Comfort & KTM 250 Duke Seat Height

Ergonomically, the 250 Duke feels natural and upright, aided by a steel tapered handlebar (Ø 26/22 mm) that offers confident leverage. The KTM 250 Duke seat height is 830 mm (32.68 "), which strikes a middle ground: approachable for average-height riders while still providing adequate legroom for taller folks. Combined with its compact wheelbase of 1357 mm (53.43 "), the bike feels nimble at low speeds and planted in sweeping turns.

Suspension duties are handled by a WP APEX 43 front end and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear, with 142 mm (5.59 ") and 150 mm (5.91 ") of travel respectively. The setup hits a sweet spot for everyday use—supple enough for rough city streets yet supportive when you pick up the pace. Ground clearance is 185 mm (7.28 "), so speed bumps and angled driveways aren’t a worry.

As for the KTM 250 Duke weight, the bike comes in at a dry 146 kg (321.9 lbs) and a wet figure of approximately 159.4 kg (351.4 lbs). That relatively light mass, paired with cast aluminium wheels and a steel trellis frame, contributes to quick steering and easy maneuverability—great for new riders building confidence and veterans who love to flick a bike around.

Equipment & Features

Braking hardware is solid for the class: a four-piston radial fixed caliper with a 300 mm (11.81 ") front disc and a single-piston floating caliper with a 230 mm (9.06 ") rear disc. The feedback is reassuring, and the radial front setup adds precision when you trail the brakes into a turn.

Fueling and engine management come courtesy of Bosch EFI and Bosch EMS, while lubrication is via a wet sump and starts are handled by an electric starter fed by an 8 Ah battery. The chassis is classic KTM with a steel trellis frame and a matching powder-coated rear subframe, and final drive is via a 520 X-Ring chain. A 13.4 l (3.54 gal) tank offers respectable range for commuting and spirited rides alike.

Who Is the 2023 KTM 250 Duke For?

• New riders seeking a friendly yet engaging naked with approachable power and manageable size.
• Urban commuters who want sharp handling, light weight, and real-world agility.
• Enthusiasts looking for a playful second bike for backroad fun without the overhead of bigger displacement machines.

Its combination of accessible performance, quality suspension components, and sorted chassis makes it versatile enough for daily duty and enjoyable when the road opens up.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2023 KTM 250 Duke punches above its displacement with a lively 1-cylinder engine, slick 6-speed gearbox, and a PASC™ antihopping clutch that adds polish to aggressive riding. WP APEX suspension, strong disc brakes, and a steel trellis frame deliver the confidence and feedback enthusiasts expect. The balanced ergonomics and the 830 mm seat height broaden its appeal across a wide range of rider sizes.

On the downside, power is naturally modest next to larger Dukes, but that’s part of the charm: you can use more of the bike, more of the time. For riders comparing quarter-liter nakeds, the 250 Duke stands out with well-rounded dynamics, quality components, and rider-friendly manners. As far as 2023 KTM 250 Duke specs go, it hits the mark for performance-per-cc and everyday usability.

FAQ

• Is the 2023 KTM 250 Duke good for beginners? Yes. Its 22 kW (29.5 hp) single, approachable ergonomics, and approximate 159.4 kg (351.4 lbs) wet weight make it confidence-inspiring for new riders while still fun for experienced ones.

• What is the seat height of the 2023 KTM 250 Duke? The KTM 250 Duke seat height is 830 mm (32.68 ").

• How heavy is the 2023 KTM 250 Duke? Dry weight is 146 kg (321.9 lbs), and wet weight is approximately 159.4 kg (351.4 lbs).

• What are the power and torque figures? Power is 22 kW (29.5 hp) and torque is 24 Nm (17.7 lb-ft).

• What is the fuel tank capacity? The tank holds approximately 13.4 l (3.54 gal).