The KTM 250 DUKE flaunts with, a 250 cc powerplant – this machine is 250% DUKE! Built with the same NAKED ethos as its bigger brethren, the 2026 KTM 250 DUKE boasts a muscled-up attitude, excellent suspension package, LED lights, riding tech, and street-ripping, turn-gripping aggression.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 KTM 250 Duke: THE THRILL CHASER.
Introducing the 2026 KTM 250 Duke…
The 2026 KTM 250 DUKE casts a slim and compact shadow, thanks to a recent styling upgrade.
This is further enhanced by two new colorways, setting it apart from the rest of the range. The KTM 250 DUKE strikes the perfect balance between lightweight agility and performance, making it a standout choice for riders looking to step up in the displacement stakes. Thanks to its responsive single-cylinder engine, aggressive DUKE styling, and refined chassis dynamics, it overdelivers on its mandate.
The KTM 250 DUKE flaunts with, a 250 cc powerplant – this machine is 250% DUKE! Built with the same NAKED ethos as its bigger brethren, the 2026 KTM 250 DUKE boasts a muscled-up attitude, excellent suspension package, LED lights, riding tech, and street-ripping, turn-gripping aggression.
2026 KTM 250 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
RAW, UNFILTERED NAKED PERFORMANCE: THE 2026 KTM DUKE RANGE SETS THE PACE FOR THE NEW YEAR
KTM roars into model year 2026 with its most complete Naked lineup to date, delivering raw performance for every rider – from lightweight urban agility to full-scale, knock-out punch Hyper-Naked domination.
The 2026 range showcases bold design evolution, cutting-edge technology, and the unmistakable attitude that has defined the DUKE family for three decades. With models spanning from compact city performers to range-topping powerhouses, KTM continues to set new benchmarks in the Naked motorcycle segment.
Last but not least, the 2026 KTM DUKE lineup will be completed by the most powerful BEASTs in the orange stable. “April changes everything. Two of the most extreme DUKE models in the history of KTM will hit harder than ever before! Sharper. Lighter. Meaner. Power that resets expectations, precision that hunts apexes, torque that could turn the world on its own axis. Watch this space!“, says Gareth Davidson, Product Marketing Manager Street.
Enhancing the new 2026 generation KTM DUKE line-up even further, a comprehensive range of KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear is specifically designed to fit the new DUKE range and its riders, providing performance, style, protection, and comfort.
2026 KTM 250 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Everything you need at a glance. The KTM 250 DUKE features a 5″ LCD dashboard. This is paired switch cubes that have 4-way menu switches that allow easy interaction with all vehicle functions – even smartphone connectivity. Speaking of which, All new generation DUKE models are equipped with connectivity functions, allowing pilots to play music, take incoming calls, and get to where they are going with Turn-by-Turn navigation.
Embracing its NAKED lineage, the KTM 250 DUKE has no shame in bearing it all. Casting an ever-impressive shadow, bristling with shark-like edges and visible air intakes, and painted headlight surround, the KTM 250 DUKE boasts an aggressive stance. A metal fuel tank, color-injected plastics, and LED lights complete the package.
Premium looks come as standard on the KTM 250 DUKE. A high-quality, multi-layered, wet-painted finish in either all-new Electric Orange or Ceramic White with vibrant graphics perfectly set off the unique DUKE textured seat cover. Make no mistake, this is 100% DUKE with 110% street-cred.
Boasting the latest generation in LC4c engines, the KTM 250 DUKE muscles up with more power, smoother acceleration, and lighter overall weight than before. Drawing from years of experience in the small engine game, the KTM 250 DUKE now also features an improved gearbox, and an optimized cylinder head. Oh, and did we mention it is also READY TO RACE?
Tearing a deep gash into the night, all KTM DUKE models come equipped with powerful LED lights in the front and at the rear. Not only do these work when the world becomes dark, but they also provide improved visibility when navigating busy traffic or misty road conditions.
Thanks to a long wheelbase, low seat height, and excellent frame geometry, the 2025 DUKE range boasts excellent cornering behavior, stability, and handling proficiency. This, along with an already sterling reputation as being a THE THRILL CHASER and an aggressive seating position, means the KTM 250 DUKE sets the standard when it comes to energetic NAKED machinery.
Excellent comfort for the rider and pillion, thanks to thick seat foam, a narrow profile, and racy ergonomics. Need for more seat height? The KTM 250 DUKE has a standard seat height of 31.4 in (800 mm), but can easy be increased to 32.2 in (820 mm) with the optional KTM PowerParts seat offering.
Lightweight forged aluminum footpeg hangers and grippy footpegs ensure riders have uninterrupted grip when banging through the gears, with high-end CNC-machined footpegs available from the KTM PowerParts catalog.
The design features a 2-piece construction composed of a steel trellis main frame with a pressure die-cast aluminum subframe. The rear shock absorber is mounted off-center to allow for the large airbox which allows for the lower seat height and, at the same time, adding to the DUKE’s aggressive stance. Not only designed for looks, the primary objective of the frame design is to enhance vehicle dynamics by augmenting torsional rigidity, nimble agility, and enhanced feedback from the chassis.
A curved cast aluminum swingarm provides a sturdy and durable platform for the rear suspension system, featuring a direct shock absorber mount that is offset to the side, for that super-racy look. This also creates additional space for the new exhaust muffler, providing added attitude.
Upfront, a 43 mm WP APEX big piston fork with 150 mm travel keeps things in check, ensuring rock-solid performance on all street conditions.
On the rear, you’ll find an off-center WP APEX Emulsion shock absorber with 150 mm of travel and 60 mm of stroke. The rear shock is also preload adjustable.
Reducing weight where it counts the most, the KTM DUKE range has made significant inroads at reducing unsprung mass thanks to a set of lightweight wheels, wrapped in radial tires. This not only improves the overall handling characteristics but also means quicker turn-in and less strain on working components like axels and bearings.
On the front wheel, the KTM 250 DUKE boasts a 320 mm brake disc with brand-new four-piston radial calipers. The new design includes bigger disks to reduce the operating temperature with improvements in the resistance to fading and longer pad lifespan. On the rear wheel, a 240 mm brake disc is installed with a brand-new twin-piston caliper which carries the same benefits as the front wheel. Cornering ABS and SUPERMOTO ABS are also standard features.
2026 KTM 250 Duke – Totalmotorcycle.com International Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5,099 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $6,799 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine
Design
1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
Displacement
249.07 cm³
Power
31 PS
Torque
25 Nm
Transmission
6-speed
CO2 emissions
63 g/km
Cooling
Liquid cooled
Engine cylinder
Single cylinder
EMS
Bosch EMS with RBW
Engine oil
Motorex Formula 4T 15W/50
Engine stroke
4-Stroke
Chassis
Brake disc diameters (front/rear)
320 / 240 mm
Front brake disc diameter
320 mm
Rear brake disc diameter
240 mm
Rear brake
Single-piston floating calliper
Chain
520 X-Ring
Frame design
Steel trellis frame, powder coated
Rear subframe design
Aluminium, powder-coated
Wheelbase
1357 mm
Suspension
Front suspension
WP APEX 43
Suspension travel (front)
150 mm
Suspension travel (rear)
150 mm
Rear suspension addition
Preload adjuster
Dimensions
Seat height
800 mm
Weight fully fueled
165 kg
Front wheel diameter
3 “
Rear wheel diameter
4 “
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
