Re: Duke 200 vs CBR 250r ?

Topic Approved. Moved accordingly to "What Bike?" Section.

Short version, go for the CBR 250R for the needs you mentioned.

Long version is that, while you can easily maintain 120 kmph on both the Duke 200 & CBR, the Duke 200 will feel busy and not relaxed, even in 6th gear. You will feel like its in a lower gear, thanks to its city friendly gearing. Its upto you as a rider to decide if you're ok with it.
Duke 200's top speed is around 137 kmph, and its more city friendly bike from the two.

CBR 250R does feel relaxed at 120 kmph, and goes all the way upto 155-160 something. So, the top speed & highway cruiseability award among these two will go to CBR.

Duke 200 is comfortable 'enough' for tall riders, for medium distance journeys & commutes, so that's not a big problem.
Duke 200 comes with MRFs, not CEAT as far as I know, and those MRFs are ok. CBR comes with Continental tyres, and I have no experience with it. But, tyres are not a deal breaker as they will be changed later on.


Another alternative is Duke 390, which I happen to own, but its more expensive at about 2.1L on road now. It combines the best of most worlds, with good handling, grip+braking, power output, top speed of about 172 kmph (meter displayed), cruise-ability, etc. but lower mileage than both the above bikes, and also, long gearing which is not too city friendly.

But CBR 250R should do good for both, your commuting needs and touring dreams.

Re: Duke 200 vs CBR 250r ?

If you are looking for cruising at 120kmph all day without any stress on the engine and rider, its definitely the CBR. It is far more relaxed at high speeds. Duke holds well upto say 100-110kmph but feels busy even at 100 though it is not stressed much. CBR is bulky to wade through dense traffic but has enough low end punch for city commutes. Duke although doesn't have good low end torque, the short gearing makes it friendly to drive in city. However, one of Duke 200's Achilles heels has always been its heating problem in dense city traffic. But since you say you avoid traffic mostly, you shouldn't have much problem. And yes the Duke's seat is hard. Some aftermarket padding can help. Pillion seat on Duke is just terrible and the CBR's one is OK. Both bikes have a problem of low range due to their small fuel tanks. The CBR has 13l and the Duke has a meagre 10.5l. Both bikes have more or less the same fuel efficiency with the Duke being more fuel efficient sometimes. So the effective range for the Duke is around 220-280kms and the CBR around 270-320kms. Both bikes have issues when it comes to spares and service. Both Honda and KTM service centres are known for their inability solve problems on these bikes. If you find a good one, you are lucky. Current batch CBRs have no problems but still face the spares availability problem. Some KTM parts are not really very well built especially the plastic ones. I have heard the newer versions have lesser mechanical and ECU problems. You could also look into Pulsar AS 200 or RS 200 as alternatives. Overall I would say the CBR is a better built bike and will suit your needs in my opinion. If you can wait, BMW-TVS collaboration is bringing out their 300cc bike soon and is likely to be priced under 2 lakhs. And there is also that distant dream called Hero HX250R.

Re: Duke 200 vs CBR 250r ?

[MENTION=11482]Samarth 619[/MENTION] has mentioned almost everything why CBR suits well.Also you get the Honda refinement.

Do let us know which one you took :-)

Re: Duke 200 vs CBR 250r ?

Oh one thing I just forgot.
One more motorcycle you should check out is Mahindra Mojo, its around 300cc and therefore more punchy than the above two. From the initial impressions, we collect that its getting good response for its comfort and torque.

However, its a new machine and we're not sure about its durability and service. So, take a test ride and verify info before you go for Mojo.

But at 1.58L exshowroom, its worth considering in this range.

Re: Duke 200 vs CBR 250r ?

Price 1.78L according to NDTV C&B Show

Sent from my SM-N900

Re: Duke 200 vs CBR 250r ?

May I suggest you to try out Mahindra's new Mojo. It is positioned as a sports tourer and the riding dynamics are very good with upright seating, wide handle-bars and centre-set foot pegs. It comes with Pirelli Rosso Diablo II tyres which are very grippy and inspire lot of confidence while riding. The suspension set-up is set on the softer side and it eats up all bumps with ease, which is ideal for city conditions. CBR250R is way too old IMO and the Duke, well its just not as comfortable as one would like it to be especially while riding for long hours within the city.

NDTV shouldn't be your source to check prices. You can find the official prices at Mahindra Mojo's Official Page -> Mahindra Mojo
As told by Samarth, Mojo is starting at a price of 1.58L ex-showroom Delhi.

Re: Duke 200 vs CBR 250r ?

Useful info has already been shared by our guys. Anyway from my side,

Duke 200 is for short riding, meaning City rides and small rides of say 100 kms. With light weight, you actually will fly around corners......Anyway to ride beyond short riding distances, you either need to come out of your comfort zone or have a good physique and health. because the Duke's seat, ride quality will make your butt iron hot, spine bones massaged after riding for couple of hours. Also riding over open roads with a naked bike, again with short gearing is really a big pain and kills your enjoyment.

CBR250 is kind of not so good to ride in hot city traffic, especially in bumper to bumper. Bike is heavy, full fairing, yes you can ride, but with Duke 200 you can actually fly. But on free roads even in city, you can take her well.....

Anyway the choice is yours. I'd even recommend to buy ABS version of CBR or Duke(which is 390).

Last another option is Mojo. Everything is good, but pricing is a bit more than CBR. The biggest benefit is you get a very very relaxed riding position than CBR or Duke. But main problem is it weighs close to RE cousins .

Re: Duke 200 vs CBR 250r ?

I think CBR250r matches your requirements like many others have said and coming to Mahindra Mojo I would say wait for sometime because we don't know how well its going to be received by market and if its not properly received you will have to run here and there for parts etc and even re-sale will be problem.

Re: Duke 200 vs CBR 250r ?

Decided anything mate?