Benelli Leoncino 250 v/s KTM 250 Duke: Which is better?
Benelli has revealed its 2022 Leoncino bike in Europe. It should make its way to India in the future. The quarter-liter motorcycle has a sporty look, packs a digital instrument console, and runs on a 249cc fuel-injected engine. At an estimated price-point of around Rs. 2.5 lakh, should you opt for the Leoncino 250 or the KTM 250 Duke, which is another great model?
- The 2022 Benelli Leoncino 250 has received some cosmetic updates and a Euro 5-compliant engine. When the bike comes to India, it will be priced competitively and shall increase competition in the market.
- On the other hand, the KTM 250 Duke has been on sale here since last year. It is an attractive sports bike with excellent performance.
The 2022 Benelli Leoncino 250 has a sloping fuel tank, a side-mounted exhaust, a single-piece seat, circular mirrors, and aluminium alloy wheels. On the other hand, the KTM 250 Duke flaunts a muscular fuel tank with extensions, a stepped-up seat, an upswept exhaust, alloy wheels, and arrowhead-shaped mirrors. Both the bikes pack a digital instrument console and an all-LED setup for lighting.
The new Benelli Leoncino 250 can store 12.5 liters of fuel and has a wheelbase of 1,380mm and a ground clearance of 170mm. Meanwhile, the KTM 250 Duke has a 13.4-liter fuel tank, a ground clearance of 155mm, and a wheelbase of 1,357mm.
The 2022 Benelli Leoncino 250 is fueled by a 249cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that generates a maximum power of 25.4hp and a peak torque of 21Nm. The KTM 250 Duke draws power from a 249cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke mill that makes 29.5hp of power and 24Nm of torque. Transmission duties on both bikes are taken care of by a 6-speed gearbox.
In terms of safety equipment, the Benelli Leoncino 250 and KTM 250 Duke are equipped with disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, along with dual-channel ABS for better handling on the roads. Suspension duties on the two-wheelers are taken care of by inverted forks on the front side and a mono-shock unit on the rear end.
In India, the new-generation Benelli Leoncino 250 is expected to be priced at around Rs. 2.5 lakh, while the KTM 250 Duke bears a price-tag of Rs. 2.28 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom). Both the vehicles seem almost evenly matched. However, our vote is in favor of the 250 Duke as it has better looks, good features, and offers excellent performance.
