Hey everyone,

I’m finally buying my first motorcycle after years of wanting one, and I’m stuck between the Honda CB350RS and the KTM Duke 250. I’ve test-ridden both, and each one speaks to a different side of me, making the decision incredibly tough.

Background & Riding Experience

• Been riding a TVS Ntorq for the past 6 years. I love the convenience but have always missed that instant torque and acceleration.
• New to geared motorcycles, but after a few test rides, I feel much more comfortable. I initially struggled a bit with stalling, but today, I rode the Duke 250 smoothly with no issues.
• Took multiple test rides of the CB350RS and Duke 250, and both have their own charm, making this decision super hard.

Why I Love Each Bike

✅ CB350RS

• Butter-smooth engine, feels like riding on a cloud.
• Strong low-end torque, very forgiving and easy to ride.
• Loved the sound, especially on the RS.
• Looks amazing in Pearl Deep Ground Grey (it was love with at first sight!).
• More comfortable for relaxed city and highway rides.

✅ Duke 250

• That insane acceleration and power delivery blew my mind.
• Feels extremely light and flickable.
• Instant torque in any gear, making it super engaging to ride.
• I’ve always wanted a bike that pins me to the seat when I accelerate, and this was it.
• BUT – The engine felt buzzy and a bit strained compared to the RS. It makes a lot more noise, and while it adds to the aggressive feel, I don’t know if it will get tiring in the long run.

The Dilemma

• Will I outgrow the CB350RS too soon? The Duke’s acceleration is addictive, and I don’t want to regret not getting the more exciting bike. But is the RS engaging enough in the long run?
• Will the Duke feel too aggressive for my usage? My daily rides are short (around 15km), and I won’t be touring much. Will its raw power feel excessive or tiring for my use case?
• Does riding experience change how the Duke feels? Now that I’m comfortable with gearing, will its power delivery start feeling more natural and effortless over time?
• Will I regret the Duke’s buzzy engine? It’s thrilling when pushing hard, but for casual rides, will I wish for the RS’s smoother and more refined experience?

Would love to hear from riders who have owned either (or both!) and can share their experience over time. Did you ever regret your choice? Did you wish you went for the other bike after a few months?

Looking forward to your insights! 🙌