Quick Analysis
Bajaj Dominar 250
14.0 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R
21.0 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
||
| Cooling System | Liquid‑cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 248.77 cc | 1350 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve, Twin Spark, FI | 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, V 75° (EURO 5+) |
| Power | 19.85 kW (27 PS) @ 8,500 rpm | 140 kW (190 hp) @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 23.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 L | 17.5 L |
| Mileage | 35.03 Kmpl | 16.9 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
||
| Kerb Weight | 180 | 210 |
| Seat Height | 800 | 834 |
Brakes & Suspension |
||
| ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Bosch 9.3 MP (incl. cornering-ABS and Supermoto ABS) |
| Front Brake | 300 mm Disc with Abs | 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | USD telescopic fork, 43 mm | WP APEX-USD Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc with Abs | Brembo two piston, fixed caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox mono-shock, 110 mm travel | WP APEX-linkage shock |
Tyres & Wheels |
||
| Front Tyre | 100/80–17 Tubeless | Michelin Power GP, 120/70 ZR 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/70–17 Tubeless | Michelin Power GP, 200/55 ZR 17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 x 17"; 6.00 x 17" |
Features & Technology |
||
| Headlight | Full‑LED with AHO | LED |
Other Specifications |
||
| Battery | 12 V, 8 Ah VRLA | 12V 11.2 Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Citrus.avif | — |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Red-7.avif | — |
| Cluster | Digital LCD w/ turn-by-turn navigation | — |
| Color Options | Canyon Red | #B32025 Sparkling Black | #1C1C1C Citrus Rush | #C7D300 | Orange | #FF6600 |
| Cons | Heavier Than Most Rivals – The motorcycle's kerb weight is noticeably higher than many competing 250cc motorcycles, which can affect low-speed manoeuvrability. Engine Feels More Relaxed Than Sporty – While refined, the engine focuses on smoothness and usability rather than aggressive acceleration and high-rev excitement. Weight Noticeable in City Traffic – Frequent stop-and-go traffic and tight parking situations may require more effort compared to lighter motorcycles. Limited Fuel Tank Capacity for Touring – Although suitable for highway rides, the 13-litre fuel tank is smaller than what some touring-oriented riders may prefer. Feature Updates Have Been Gradual – Some competitors offer more advanced electronics, riding modes, or traction control systems depending on the price range. Pillion Comfort Could Be Better on Long Trips – The rear seat is adequate for daily use, but some passengers may prefer additional cushioning for extended journeys. Not as Agile as Lightweight Street Bikes – The motorcycle prioritizes stability and comfort, which means it can feel less nimble than lighter sport-oriented alternatives. Maintenance Costs Higher Than Entry-Level Commuters – Routine maintenance and consumables are generally more expensive than those of smaller-capacity commuter motorcycles. | High Running & Maintenance Cost: Premium components (tires, brakes, consumables) and insurance can be expensive, as noted in reviews. Prone to Rear Tyre Wear: In aggressive use (especially on a track or spirited riding), the rear Michelin Power GP rubber may wear out quickly. Windblast & Comfort: As a naked “beast,” it offers limited wind protection, which can make highway riding tiring or uncomfortable. High Seat Height: The seat height (834 mm) may not be ideal for shorter riders. Electronics / Reliability Quirks: Some users have reported occasional electronic gremlins, sensor issues, or clutch drag. Expensive Purchase Price: Given the power and components, it comes with a high price tag compared to some rivals. |
| Detailed Overview | Positioned as a sports tourer in the 250cc motorcycle segment, the Bajaj Dominar 250 is designed to accommodate both daily commuting and long-distance riding requirements. Drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Dominar 400, the motorcycle combines touring-oriented ergonomics, premium hardware, and a liquid-cooled engine within a package intended for riders seeking versatility. Its design emphasizes stability, comfort, and practicality while incorporating features commonly associated with larger-capacity touring motorcycles. The Dominar 250 features a muscular and substantial appearance characterized by a sculpted fuel tank, split-seat layout, exposed perimeter frame, and LED lighting system. The front end incorporates a compact windscreen positioned above the LED headlamp, helping direct airflow around the rider during highway journeys. Sharp body panels and minimalistic graphics contribute to a modern design, while the overall proportions create a larger visual presence compared to many motorcycles in the quarter-litre category. The motorcycle’s styling reflects its touring-oriented purpose without adopting the aggressive ergonomics of a dedicated sport bike. Powering the Dominar 250 is a 248.77cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine paired with a six-speed gearbox. The engine produces approximately 27 PS of power and 23.5 Nm of torque. Liquid cooling assists in maintaining stable operating temperatures during prolonged rides and varying weather conditions, while fuel injection helps ensure consistent throttle response and fuel delivery. The engine is tuned to provide a broad spread of usable power, making it suitable for city commuting, highway cruising, and overtaking manoeuvres. A six-speed transmission allows riders to utilize the available performance efficiently across different riding situations. The motorcycle is built around a perimeter frame chassis that contributes to structural rigidity and handling stability. Suspension duties are handled by upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock suspension setup. This combination is designed to absorb road imperfections while maintaining composure over varying surfaces. The suspension tuning focuses on balancing comfort and control, enabling the motorcycle to manage both urban roads and extended highway journeys. The relatively long wheelbase further contributes to stability, particularly at higher speeds. Braking performance is provided by disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS as standard. The anti-lock braking system helps prevent wheel lock-up during emergency braking situations and assists riders in maintaining control on different road surfaces. The motorcycle also features an assist and slipper clutch, which reduces clutch lever effort and improves stability during rapid downshifts. The Dominar 250 incorporates several modern features aimed at improving rider convenience. A fully digital instrument cluster displays speed, fuel level, trip information, gear position indication, and other ride-related data. A secondary display mounted near the fuel tank provides additional information and navigation-related functions. Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation support are available on recent versions, allowing smartphone integration for enhanced functionality. LED lighting is used throughout the motorcycle, including the headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators. Rider comfort remains a key aspect of the motorcycle’s design. The upright riding position, wide handlebar, and centrally positioned footpegs create an ergonomic layout suitable for longer journeys. The seat height of approximately 800 mm accommodates a wide range of riders, while the split-seat arrangement provides adequate space for both rider and passenger. A 13-litre fuel tank further supports touring duties by offering a practical riding range between refuelling stops. With its liquid-cooled 248.77cc engine, premium suspension components, dual-channel ABS, navigation features, and touring-friendly ergonomics, the Bajaj Dominar 250 combines performance, comfort, and practicality in a package tailored to riders seeking a versatile 250cc sports tourer. | What stands out about the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is how everything on the bike seems to be built around performance rather than routine use, and that becomes clear once you look at the mechanical setup. It uses a 1350cc V-twin engine that produces close to 190 bhp and around 145 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike also gets a quickshifter and slipper clutch, which help in smoother gear changes, especially when riding at varying speeds. The throttle is controlled electronically through a ride-by-wire system, which manages how the engine responds to inputs. The frame is a steel trellis unit, designed to keep the bike rigid while also managing weight. The overall kerb weight is around 200 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is about 17.5 litres. The seat height is approximately 834 mm, which may feel slightly tall for some riders, particularly in slow-moving traffic. The riding position is slightly forward-leaning but still within the naked bike layout, with wide handlebars that offer leverage while turning. For suspension, the bike uses fully adjustable WP Apex components. At the front, there are upside-down forks, and at the rear, a monoshock setup is used. Both ends can be adjusted for preload, compression and rebound, allowing changes based on road conditions or riding style. The bike runs on alloy wheels fitted with wide tyres, which are designed to provide grip during acceleration and cornering. Braking is handled by twin discs at the front and a single disc at the rear. The system includes dual-channel ABS, along with features like cornering ABS and traction control, which help maintain stability when braking or riding on different surfaces. These systems work in the background and adjust based on the situation. The electronics package includes a TFT display that shows information such as speed, ride modes and system settings. It also supports features like cruise control and smartphone connectivity. The bike offers multiple riding modes, allowing changes in throttle response and electronic support systems depending on riding conditions. The overall design follows a sharp and aggressive naked bike style, with exposed elements and minimal bodywork. The tank, frame and panels are shaped to give the bike a compact but muscular appearance. Instead of trying to balance multiple roles, the setup stays focused on delivering a specific type of riding experience, which is reflected in both its design and mechanical layout. |
| Expert Review | Built around a 248.77cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine, the Bajaj Dominar 250 is designed to balance everyday usability with long-distance touring capability. The engine delivers smooth and predictable performance, with a strong emphasis on refinement and accessible power delivery rather than outright sportiness. Its perimeter frame, upside-down front forks, and rear monoshock contribute to stable handling and confident highway manners, while the upright riding position and well-cushioned seat support rider comfort during extended journeys. Dual-channel ABS, LED lighting, and a digital instrument cluster with navigation support add modern functionality, while the motorcycle's touring-friendly design allows riders to comfortably cover longer distances. The relatively high kerb weight provides stability at speed but can feel noticeable in congested traffic and low-speed manoeuvres. Overall, the Dominar 250 combines touring-oriented comfort, premium hardware, and practical performance within the 250cc sports tourer segment., 4.3, MotoAutiv Team | In a market where most motorcycles are built around everyday needs, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R represents a very different approach to motorcycling in India. Its large-capacity engine and aggressive naked design are not shaped around daily commuting, especially in dense city traffic, but around performance and rider engagement. This makes it relevant to a smaller group of riders who are looking for more than basic transport and are interested in high-performance machines. Over time, factors like improving road infrastructure, growing track culture and increased awareness among buyers have created space for such motorcycles in the country. While its usage may be limited in typical conditions, it reflects how the Indian market is gradually opening up to motorcycles that prioritise performance and riding experience over everyday practicality., 4.6, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Bajaj Dominar 250? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 248.77cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Q: Is the Bajaj Dominar 250 suitable for touring? A: Yes. The comfortable ergonomics, stable chassis, windshield, and refined engine make it suitable for long-distance highway touring. Q: What mileage does the Dominar 250 deliver? A: Most owners report real-world fuel efficiency between 30–38 kmpl, depending on riding conditions, speed, and maintenance. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Dominar 250? A: The motorcycle comes with a 13-litre fuel tank. Q: Does the Dominar 250 have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard equipment. Q: What is the seat height of the Bajaj Dominar 250? A: The seat height is approximately 800 mm, making it accessible to a wide range of riders. Q: Is the Dominar 250 beginner-friendly? A: Riders with some basic riding experience can adapt to it comfortably, although the motorcycle's weight may require some familiarisation for complete beginners. Q: Does the Dominar 250 have Bluetooth connectivity and navigation? A: Yes. Recent versions offer Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation through the digital console. Q: What is the top speed of the Bajaj Dominar 250? A: Under suitable conditions, the motorcycle can achieve approximately 130–140 km/h, depending on rider weight, weather, and road conditions. Q: How is the Dominar 250 different from the Dominar 400? A: The Dominar 250 uses a smaller engine, produces less power, and is generally more accessible for everyday riding, while the Dominar 400 offers stronger performance and higher touring capability. Q: Does the Dominar 250 have a slipper clutch? A: Yes. The motorcycle features an assist and slipper clutch, which helps reduce clutch effort and improves stability during downshifts. Q: Is the Dominar 250 comfortable for a pillion rider? A: Yes. The spacious rear seat and supportive grab rails provide reasonable comfort for passengers on daily rides and occasional tours. Q: What type of motorcycle is the Bajaj Dominar 250? A: It is classified as a sports tourer motorcycle, combining touring comfort with everyday practicality and performance. Q: Are spare parts and service support easily available? A: Yes. Bajaj's extensive service network across India generally ensures good parts availability and maintenance support. Q: Does the Dominar 250 use the same engine as the KTM 250 Duke? A: The engine is derived from the same KTM-Bajaj platform but is tuned differently to suit the Dominar 250's touring-oriented character and riding dynamics. | Q: What engine powers the KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: It is powered by a 1,350 cc liquid-cooled V-twin (LC8) engine. Q: What is KTM 1390 Super Duke R's power and torque output? A: The engine produces 190 PS (140 kW) at 10,000 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the 1390 Super Duke R? A: The seat height is 834 mm, and the dry (or “without fuel”) weight is around 200.5 kg per KTM specifications. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: The fuel tank can hold 17.5 litres. Q: What type of brakes and suspension does KTM 1390 Super Duke R use? A: It features twin 320 mm Brembo Stylema calipers at the front, a 240 mm Brembo disc at the rear, 48 mm WP APEX USD fork up front, and a WP APEX linkage monoshock at the rear. Q: What rider aids and electronics are included on KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: The 1390 Super Duke R comes with lean-angle (cornering) ABS, cornering traction control (KTM calls it MTC), wheelie control, launch control, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth (KTM Connect). Q: What riding modes are available in KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: It offers 5 riding modes: Street, Sport, Rain, Track, and Performance (depending on the market version). Q: What is the ex-showroom price of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R in India? A: The Super Duke R is priced at ₹ 22.96 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. Q: What is the service interval for this model? A: According to KTM’s 1390 spec sheet, it has a long service interval, up to 15,000 km (depending on region/market). |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 181460 | Standard | 2295800 |
| Pros | Refined and Smooth Engine – The 248.77cc liquid-cooled engine offers smooth power delivery with good refinement levels, making it comfortable for both city rides and long-distance touring. Comfortable Highway Cruising – The motorcycle maintains stability at highway speeds and allows relaxed cruising without feeling strained. Touring-Friendly Riding Position – The upright ergonomics, wide handlebar, and spacious seat provide comfort during extended rides and daily commuting alike. Premium Hardware Package – Features such as upside-down front forks, LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, and a perimeter frame add to the motorcycle's overall equipment list. Confident High-Speed Stability – The chassis and weight distribution help the Dominar 250 remain planted on highways and open roads. Good Ride Quality – The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections effectively while maintaining composure over rough surfaces. Modern Digital Features – A digital instrument console and secondary tank-mounted display provide access to essential ride information, navigation support, and smartphone connectivity. Suitable for Touring Accessories – The motorcycle's design accommodates luggage mounts and touring accessories more easily than many motorcycles in the segment. | Massive Power & Torque: The 1,350cc LC-8 V-twin makes 190 PS (or ≈ 187 bhp) and 145 Nm of torque, delivering brutal acceleration and a very exciting powerband. Advanced Engine Technology: Uses variable valve timing (cam-shift) for a wider spread of performance, making the engine more flexible and usable across RPMs. Premium Brakes & Suspension: Equipped with Brembo Stylema calipers and high-quality WP Apex suspension, which gives excellent braking feel and handling. Modern Electronics Suite: Cornering ABS, cornering traction control (MTC), wheelie control, launch control, ride modes, quickshifter, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth make it very civilized for the performance it offers. Refined Ride for Its Power: Despite its raw power, reviewers note that the new 1390 feels easier to ride than earlier versions, thanks to improved ergonomics, electronics, and ride-height control. Long Service Interval: According to the spec sheet, the service interval is up to 15,000 km, which is very good for a high-performance bike. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 6‑speed manual (w/ slipper clutch) | 6 gears |
