Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar N250
9.0 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 390 DUKE
16.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Oil‑cooled | Liquid cooling with radiator |
| Displacement | 249.07 cc | 398.63 cc |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, 4 stroke, SOHC, 2 valve, Oil cooled, FI | Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, FI Engine |
| Power | 18 kW (24.5 PS) @ 8750 rpm | 33.8 kW @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 21.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 39 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 L | 15 L |
| Mileage | 39 Kmpl | 30 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 164 | 168.3 |
| Seat Height | 795 | 820 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual‑channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS with SUPERMOTO mode |
| Front Brake | 300 mm Disc | 320 mm Disc with Radially mounted calliper |
| Front Suspension | USD telescopic fork (37 mm) | 5-click Compression & Rebound adjustable, Open Cartridge, WP APEX USD forks, 43mm diameter |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Disc | 240 mm Disc with Floating calliper |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox mono‑shock | Adjustable WP APEX Monoshock, 5-step Rebound damping, 10-step preload adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/70–17 Tubeless | 110/70 - ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70–17 Tubeless | 150/60 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Bi functional LED projector headlamp with LED DRLs | Full Split LED Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V, 8 Ah VRLA | 12 V, 8 AH MF battery |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Red-6.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM-390-Duke-Electric-orange.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/White-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM390DukeBlack_Booking.webp |
| Cluster | Fully digital LCD | 5" TFT dash display |
| Color Options | Glossy Racing Red | #C1121F Pearl Metallic White | #F4F4F0 Brooklyn Black | #1B1B1B | GUN METAL GREY | #4A4F55, #FF6600 ELECTRONIC ORANGE | #FF6600 ATLANTIC BLUE | #2F5D7C, #FF6600 |
| Cons | Limited Top-End Excitement – While the engine performs strongly in the mid-range, some enthusiasts feel it lacks the aggressive high-RPM character found in certain rivals. Gearbox Could Feel More Precise – Some riders have reported that gear shifts are not always as slick or crisp as those offered by a few competing motorcycles. Suspension Can Feel Firm on Sharp Bumps – The setup generally balances comfort and handling well, but harsh potholes and broken roads can occasionally be felt through the chassis. No Wind Protection at Highway Speeds – As a naked streetfighter, the motorcycle exposes the rider to wind blast during prolonged high-speed riding. Pillion Comfort Is Average for Touring – While suitable for daily use, the rear seat may not be the most accommodating option for extended two-up journeys. Feature Availability Depends on Variant – Certain features such as traction control, riding modes, and connectivity functions may be restricted to specific versions. Weight Noticeable During Parking Manoeuvres – Although manageable while riding, the motorcycle's weight can feel slightly noticeable when pushing it around in tight spaces. Competition Offers More Premium Hardware – Some rivals in the segment provide features such as upside-down forks, more advanced electronics, or liquid-cooled engines, depending on the price point. | Firm (harsh) ride: The suspension can feel stiff over potholes or uneven surfaces, which may be tiring for long rides. Limited wind protection: Being a naked bike, you feel a lot of wind at highway speeds, making long-distance touring less comfortable. Engine heat: In slow or stop-go traffic, the radiator fan can dump hot air toward the rider’s legs, which many find uncomfortable. Seat comfort: The stock seat can feel firm and less comfortable for long rides; also, pillion comfort is limited. Vibration: Some riders report noticeable vibrations in certain RPM ranges, especially between ~4,500–6,000 rpm. Reliability concerns: There are occasional reports of reliability issues or quality control, especially in older models. |
| Detailed Overview | Within India’s growing 250cc motorcycle segment, the Bajaj Pulsar N250 occupies a space that bridges the gap between everyday commuter motorcycles and larger performance-oriented street bikes. It has been developed to offer a combination of practical usability, modern technology, and accessible performance, making it suitable for riders who require a motorcycle capable of handling both urban travel and highway riding. The N250 also represents one of the more feature-rich offerings in the Pulsar lineup, incorporating updated styling and contemporary equipment alongside a larger-capacity engine. The motorcycle draws attention with its muscular design language. A sculpted fuel tank, sharp tank shrouds, projector LED headlamp, and compact rear section contribute to its modern street-bike appearance. The bodywork follows an aggressive yet functional approach, with exposed mechanical components and minimal fairing panels emphasizing its naked-bike design. LED lighting is used throughout, including the headlamp, daytime running lights, and tail lamp, enhancing visibility while complementing the overall styling. At the heart of the Pulsar N250 is a 249.07cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, oil-cooled engine paired with a five-speed gearbox. The engine produces approximately 24.5 PS of power and 21.5 Nm of torque. Fuel injection helps ensure precise fuel delivery and consistent throttle response across varying riding conditions, while the oil-cooling system assists in regulating operating temperatures during extended use. The engine characteristics focus on delivering usable performance throughout the rev range, particularly in low- and mid-range speeds where most daily riding takes place. Supporting the engine is a tubular frame chassis designed to provide a balance between stability and manoeuvrability. Suspension duties are handled by upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock suspension system. This setup is intended to absorb road imperfections while maintaining predictable handling characteristics. Whether navigating city streets, uneven surfaces, or open highways, the suspension and chassis work together to provide controlled road manners and rider confidence. Braking responsibilities are managed by disc brakes at both ends, complemented by dual-channel ABS as standard equipment. The anti-lock braking system helps reduce the possibility of wheel lock-up under hard braking conditions and assists riders in maintaining control. Recent versions of the motorcycle also include traction control, which monitors rear-wheel grip and intervenes when excessive wheel slip is detected. Riding modes are available as well, allowing riders to adjust throttle response characteristics according to different riding requirements. The feature list includes a digital instrument console that displays information such as speed, fuel level, gear position, trip information, distance-to-empty data, and other ride-related details. Bluetooth connectivity on selected variants enables smartphone integration, providing call alerts, message notifications, and navigation assistance. These features are designed to improve convenience while maintaining a rider-focused interface. Comfort remains an important aspect of the motorcycle’s design. The upright riding posture, wide handlebar, and centrally positioned footpegs create a relaxed seating position for everyday use. A seat height of approximately 795 mm makes the motorcycle accessible to a wide variety of riders, while the split-seat arrangement provides accommodation for both rider and passenger. The 14-litre fuel tank further supports longer journeys by reducing the frequency of refuelling stops. With its 249cc engine, modern electronics, advanced safety features, and street-focused design, the Bajaj Pulsar N250 offers a specification package that caters to a broad range of riding scenarios within the 250cc motorcycle category. | The KTM 390 Duke is built with a layout that focuses on keeping the bike compact while still offering strong performance for its size. It uses a 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces around 45–46 bhp and close to 39 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and comes with a slipper clutch and a quickshifter, which help make gear changes smoother in both city traffic and faster riding conditions. The throttle is controlled electronically through a ride-by-wire system, which adjusts how the engine responds to inputs. The bike is based on a steel trellis frame that works along with a lightweight subframe to keep the structure balanced. With a kerb weight of around 168 kg, it remains relatively light, which affects how easily it moves in traffic and how quickly it responds to steering inputs. The fuel tank capacity is about 15 litres, and the seat height is close to 800 mm, making it manageable for a wide range of riders. The riding position is upright with a slight forward lean, supported by a wide handlebar. Suspension is handled by WP Apex units, with upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Both ends are adjustable, allowing changes based on riding conditions. The bike runs on alloy wheels with wide tyres, which influence grip and stability during cornering as well as everyday riding. The setup is designed to maintain control without making the ride feel too soft. Braking is managed by a single disc at the front and a disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. The system also includes cornering ABS, which adjusts braking force based on the bike’s lean angle. These systems work automatically and are meant to provide stability in different riding situations without requiring constant input from the rider. The electronics package includes a TFT display that shows speed, fuel level, ride modes and other basic information. It also supports smartphone connectivity and allows the rider to switch between different riding modes, which change throttle response and system intervention levels. Features like traction control are also included, reflecting the level of technology now available in this segment. The design follows a sharp and compact naked bike style, with minimal body panels and exposed elements around the frame and engine. The tank, panels and overall proportions give it a tight and focused appearance. While many bikes in this category try to balance multiple roles, the 390 Duke’s setup keeps things centered around a specific type of riding, and that focus is visible in how its engine, chassis and features are put together. |
| Expert Review | The Bajaj Pulsar N250 is powered by a 249.07cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox, delivering a torque-focused riding experience that is particularly noticeable in city traffic and during highway overtakes. The motorcycle's perimeter frame, wide handlebar, and upright ergonomics contribute to stable handling and rider comfort across a variety of road conditions. Features such as a digital instrument console, LED lighting, traction control, riding modes, and Bluetooth connectivity on selected variants bring modern functionality to the package. The suspension setup is tuned to balance ride comfort and control, while the braking system with dual-channel ABS provides predictable stopping performance. The engine emphasizes smooth power delivery and mid-range usability rather than aggressive high-rev performance, and the naked streetfighter design means riders experience noticeable wind blast at higher speeds. Overall, the N250 combines contemporary styling, everyday practicality, modern features, and accessible performance., 4.4, MotoAutiv Team | In a segment where most motorcycles are expected to manage daily commuting along with occasional highway use, the KTM 390 Duke takes a slightly different direction. Its 399cc single-cylinder engine produces around 45–46 bhp and close to 39 Nm of torque, placing it among the more performance-focused options in its category. At the same time, changes in the latest version have made the power delivery smoother at lower speeds, which helps in typical city traffic conditions. The lightweight chassis and compact design make it easier to handle in tight spaces, something that suits Indian roads where traffic and road conditions can vary a lot. It also includes features like ride modes, traction control and a TFT display, reflecting how buyer expectations in this segment have evolved over time. In the broader context, the bike shows how the Indian market is gradually moving towards motorcycles that combine everyday usability with a stronger focus on performance and technology., 4.4, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Bajaj Pulsar N250? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 249.07cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, oil-cooled engine. Q: Is the Pulsar N250 suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes. The upright riding position, manageable dimensions, and strong low- and mid-range torque make it practical for everyday city use. Q: What mileage does the Pulsar N250 deliver? A: Most owners report a real-world fuel efficiency of around 32–40 kmpl, depending on riding style, traffic conditions, and maintenance. Q: Does the Pulsar N250 have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes. The motorcycle is equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. Q: Does the Pulsar N250 offer traction control? A: Yes. Recent versions include traction control to help manage wheel slip under certain riding conditions. Q: Does the Pulsar N250 feature riding modes? A: Yes. Select variants offer riding modes that adjust throttle response characteristics for different riding situations. Q: Is the Pulsar N250 comfortable for long rides? A: The upright ergonomics, spacious seat, and stable chassis make it suitable for highway travel and weekend touring. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Bajaj Pulsar N250? A: The motorcycle comes with a 14-litre fuel tank, providing a useful riding range between refuelling stops. Q: What is the seat height of the Pulsar N250? A: The seat height is approximately 795 mm, making it accessible to a wide variety of riders. Q: Does the Pulsar N250 have Bluetooth connectivity? A: Selected variants include Bluetooth connectivity for call alerts, message notifications, and turn-by-turn navigation. Q: Is the Pulsar N250 beginner-friendly? A: Riders with basic motorcycling experience can adapt to the motorcycle comfortably, thanks to its predictable power delivery and manageable ergonomics. Q: How does the Pulsar N250 differ from the Pulsar NS200? A: The N250 offers a larger engine, stronger torque delivery, modern electronics, and a more relaxed riding posture, while the NS200 has a more rev-happy performance character. Q: Does the Pulsar N250 vibrate at highway speeds? A: Most riders consider the engine reasonably refined, though mild vibrations may become noticeable at higher RPMs and sustained high speeds. Q: What type of motorcycle is the Pulsar N250? A: It is classified as a naked streetfighter or sports commuter, designed to balance everyday practicality with sporty performance. Q: Are spare parts and service support easily available? A: Yes. Bajaj's extensive dealership and service network across India generally ensures good parts availability and maintenance support. | Q: What engine does the KTM 390 Duke have? A: It uses a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. Q: What is the displacement, power & torque of the 390 Duke? A: The displacement is about 398.6 cc. In the newer versions, it produces around 46 PS at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the 390 Duke? A: The seat height is 800 mm (or optionally 820 mm) depending on the version. The kerb weight is about 168.3 kg per KTM’s specification. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what is the mileage like? A: The fuel tank capacity is 15 litres in many versions. According to some sources, real-world fuel efficiency is around 25–30 km/l, depending on riding style. Q: What brakes and suspension does it use? A: It comes with WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear. For brakes, there is a 320 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, with a radially mounted caliper up front. Q: What is the ground clearance of the 390 Duke? A: The ground clearance is around 183 mm according to KTM India specifications. Q: What is the seat configuration and ergonomics like? A: It has a two-part seat design, with a slightly aggressive but comfortable rider position thanks to its upright handlebars. There’s also a “Supermoto mode” which lets you limit ABS intervention to the front brake, great for sliding control. Q: Does the 390 Duke come with smartphone connectivity? A: Yes, some variants support KTM MY RIDE via the 5-inch TFT dash, allowing for calls, music, and navigation integration. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 136974 | Standard | 339002 |
| Pros | Strong Mid-Range Performance – The 249cc engine delivers ample torque in the mid-range, making overtaking and highway cruising feel effortless without frequent gear changes. Refined Engine Character – Riders often appreciate the smooth power delivery and relatively low vibration levels compared to many motorcycles in the segment. Comfortable Riding Ergonomics – The upright seating position, wide handlebar, and well-cushioned seat provide comfort for daily commuting as well as longer rides. Stable Highway Manners – The motorcycle feels planted at higher speeds, giving riders confidence during highway journeys and fast-moving traffic conditions. Light and Predictable Handling – Despite its engine capacity, the N250 remains easy to manoeuvre in city traffic and offers confidence-inspiring cornering behaviour. Feature-Rich Package – Depending on the variant, features such as traction control, riding modes, a digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB charging add modern functionality. Good Ride Quality – The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections effectively while maintaining stability on uneven surfaces. Attractive Streetfighter Styling – The muscular fuel tank, LED projector headlamp, and sharp bodywork give the motorcycle a distinctive road presence. Practical for Everyday Use – The combination of manageable power, comfortable ergonomics, and reasonable fuel efficiency makes it suitable for a wide range of riding conditions. | Excellent performance for its class: The 390 Duke’s single-cylinder engine delivers punchy acceleration and strong mid-range performance. Lightweight & nimble: With a relatively low kerb/wet weight, its chassis is very agile, making it easy to flick through corners and manoeuvre in traffic. Advanced electronics suite: Comes equipped with ride modes, traction control (MTC), cornering ABS, supermoto ABS, quickshifter, and a modern TFT display. Adjustable suspension: The front and rear suspension are adjustable (WP APEX), allowing riders to tune the setup depending on road conditions or riding style. Sharp styling & design: Features such as an exposed steel trellis frame, LED headlight, and aggressive design make it visually striking. Good build quality: Reviews note improved fit and finish on newer models, giving a premium feel. Decent fuel efficiency: Compared to its performance, it offers reasonable fuel efficiency for sporty riding. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | Manual 5‑speed | 6 Speed Manual |
