carandbike Awards 2021: Entry-Level Performance Bike of The Year

The 200-250 cc motorcycle segment sits at a very unique place. This is a segment which may not have the volumes of smaller 125-160 cc motorcycles, but it's a segment which has seen the most rapid growth over the past five years or so. Almost all manufacturers have a 250 cc naked motorcycle, led by popular models like the Yamaha FZ-25, Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Bajaj Auto's very own 250s across the KTM, Bajaj and Husqvarna brands. In fact, this year's nominees for the entry-level performance bike all share the same genes, using the same basic 250 cc engine of the KTM 250 Duke, but spread across three new flavours.

Also Read: Nominees For the Premium Commuter Motorcycle Of The Year

The Bajaj Dominar 250 tries to replicate the success of the bigger Dominar 400 with the 250 cc engine with a slightly different state of tune to make it more suitable for longer rides. Swedish motorcycle brand Husqvarna's India debut is also based on two 250 cc motorcycles, both sharing the exact same engine as the 250 Duke, and the chassis. So, KTM-owned (and part Bajaj-owned therefore) Husqvarna offers a completely different flavour in the 250 cc segment with the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 and the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250.

Also Read: Nominees For The Entry-Level Modern Classic Of The Year

The Bajaj Dominar 250 offers a likeable motorcycle, and fits the bill as the almost perfect do-it-all 250 cc bike

Bajaj Dominar 250

The Bajaj Dominar 250 has the same design as its bigger sibling, the Dominar 400, but gets an engine based on the KTM 250 Duke, but with a slightly different state of tune. The 248.8 cc, single-cylinder, DOHC engine puts out 26.6 bhp at 8,500 rpm and peak torque of 23.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm. On the KTM 250 Duke, the same engine puts out 29.6 bhp at 9,000 rpm, and 24 Nm at 7,500 rpm. So, the Dominar 250's engine is tuned for better mid-range than outright top-end performance. The gearbox is a six-speed unit with a slipper clutch, which offers a light feel on the clutch lever, and also helps change gears frequently.

Also Read: All You Need To Know About The Dominar 250

The Bajaj Dominar 250 has a long wheelbase, and its 180 kg kerb weight makes it feel stable, but not exactly agile

With a 180 kg kerb weight though, the Dominar 250 isn't exactly lightweight, and it has the same long-ish proportions of the Dominar 400. The long wheelbase gives it a sense of stability and composure, but the Dominar 250 isn't exactly as agile and frantic as the KTM 250 Duke. Priced at Rs. 1.66 lakh (Ex-showroom), the Dominar 250 isn't the most affordable 250 cc motorcycle, but not as expensive as some of the sportier siblings from the same family.

Also Read: Bajaj Dominar 250 Review

The Svartpilen 250 has a textbook neo-retro design with the urban scrambler treatment

Husqvarna Svartpilen 250

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 offers a unique and modern "urban scrambler" design to the 250 cc motorcycle segment. With distinctive looks, and a 21st century contemporary design, the Svartpilen (Swedish for "Black Arrow") is a stylish, modern motorcycle, yet with an old world charm. Its design certainly is a welcome departure from the sea of naked sport bikes in the segment. With a design that seems to strike the right balance between sporty, chic and rugged, the Svartpilen 250 certainly is a unique motorcycle. The Svartpilen 250 is an example of platform-sharing between KTM-owned Husqvarna and Bajaj, so it shares the same engine and chassis with the KTM 250 Duke. The trellis frame is the same, but the rear sub-frame is different to accommodate the slightly different tail section.

Also Read: Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 Review

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 looks good, offers good performance, and is priced well; all positive qualities

Like the KTM, the Svartpilen 250 also employs 43 mm upside down front forks, but the internals of the fork is said to be different. The 248.8 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine has the exact same state of tune as well, putting out 29.5 bhp of power at 9,000 rpm, and 24 Nm of peak torque kicking in at 7,500 rpm. Dimensions are also the exact same as the KTM, but the 842 mm seat height makes the Huskies tall. The 166 kg kerb weight is 3 kg less than the KTM 250 Duke, but it isn't exactly lightweight either; but it's a good 14 kg less than the Bajaj Dominar 250. Priced at Rs. 1.89 lakh (Ex-showroom), the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 is however a lot more expensive, compared to the Dominar 250.

The Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 has more aggressive, cafe racer ergonomics

Husqvarna Vitpilen 250

The second model in Husqvarna's debut in India is the Vitpilen 250. Swedish for "White Arrow", the Vitpilen 250 also shares the same engine and chassis with the KTM 250 Duke. And yes, it shares the same cycle parts, chassis and engine as its sibling, the Svartpilen 250. The only difference is the aggressive, hunkered down riding position of the Vitpilen 250, which will kind of take away, the joy of riding it on an everyday basis. It's got the same appeal as its sibling, but with a sportier and more aggressive riding position, thanks to the cafe racer-style ergonomics. Priced at Rs. 1.90 lakh (Ex-showroom), the Vitpilen 250 is also the pricer of the two Husky 250s.

Also Read: Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 Review