What's The Cheapest KTM Bike You Can Buy & How Much Does It Cost?

The Austrian brand's "Ready to Race" philosophy often has a corresponding price tag for riders attracted to its aggressive styling and razor-sharp handling machines. However, not all KTMs fetch five-figure prices. The KTM 250 Duke, a lightweight streetfighter that offers premium attitude without breaking the bank, is the most economical way to become a member of the KTM family on American roads in 2025.

The 250 Duke is now the entry point to KTM's street-legal Duke lineup in America, sitting just below the more potent 390 Duke and providing riders with a full-sized experience yet a manageable learning curve. This model, which has an MSRP of $4,599 and a standard freight charge of $425, makes KTM's renowned cutting-edge features and sharp design accessible to more cost-conscious riders. Although KTM is generally more regarded as one of the best dirt bike brands, the 250 Duke and the rest of the lineup should not be overlooked, especially when you consider the price. 

By KTM standards, the 2025 KTM 250 Duke is not only affordable but also competitive in every way. Its main rivals are other entry-level models such as the Yamaha MT-03 and BMW G 310 R, which have MSRPs of $4,999 (plus $600 destination fee) and $4,995 (plus $595 destination fee), respectively. At less than $5,100 before dealer fees and taxes, the Duke 250 is among the least expensive models in the lightweight naked bike market. 

The Duke 250's 249cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine provides playful power delivery and agile handling, making it perfect for backroads and city commuting. With a wet weight of around 360 pounds, its 31 horsepower output is more than sufficient for daily riding, even though it is not intended to dominate freeways or track days.

Additionally, KTM gives the bike a style that surpasses its cost. The 250 Duke appears to be a high-end vehicle thanks to its aggressive tank shrouds and distinctive orange frame. It's an eye-catching bike that offers value not only in terms of specs but also by emulating the mindset of much more expensive bikes, making it a contender for one of the best cheap motorcycles from a major brand.

The 250 Duke is the cheapest street-legal model in KTM's family for 2025, although that doesn't mean it's devoid of features. It offers a great mix of features and affordability, placing it below the 390 Duke and 790 Duke in terms of both performance and cost. In comparison, one of the best KTMs ever made, the 390 Duke, costs $5,899 and has a larger 399cc single-cylinder engine that produces roughly 13 more horsepower. Despite its modest output of about 31 horsepower, the 250 Duke's lightweight chassis still makes for an agile and confident riding experience.

The 790 Duke, which is priced higher at $9,499, doubles the MSRP of the 250 and has a twin-cylinder engine that produces up to 105 horsepower. It's designed for more seasoned riders who want significant street power and represents a significant performance and price increase. Despite this gap, the 250 Duke and these bigger siblings have similar design elements, such as a trellis frame, LED lighting, and the newest TFT dash.

The appeal of the 250 is further backed by the consistency and shared DNA throughout the Duke lineup: it provides a genuine KTM experience without the expense or performance requirements of the larger bikes. It's a smart starting point for riders who want to be a part of the brand without sacrificing the aesthetic and feel that defines the Duke family.