Short answer
Pick the Yamaha XSR 155 if you are still getting used to a manual bike: it is light, forgiving and good-looking, but has no ABS and little power with a passenger. Pick the KTM Duke 250 if you ride mostly in town and on short mountain runs: it is narrow, light and sharp from low revs. Pick the Yamaha MT-25 if you want the smoothest engine of the three for longer day rides. All three are manual bikes with an upright riding position.
- Updated: 10 October 2026.
- Written by Iron Rent, renting motorcycles in Bali since 2019 from our office in Kerobokan.
- Weights and seat heights are approximate manufacturer figures; prices in the table are per day on a monthly rental and follow our current rates.
- Price: scooters from 200,000 IDR per day; the longer the rental, the lower the daily rate, and a month never costs more than the monthly rate.
- Included: two helmets, a phone holder, servicing in our own workshop.
- Delivery: free within 20 km of the Kerobokan office on rentals of 3+ days; the airport costs 200,000 IDR.
- Deposit: refundable, returned in the currency it was paid in.
- Documents: a passport is enough to rent; to ride legally you need your national licence with the motorcycle category plus an IDP.
- Protection: optional damage protection for the rented bike (levels MAX and MIN).
At a glance
| Model | Engine | Power | ABS | Type | Monthly rental |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha MT-25 | 249cc | 35 HP | Yes | Naked, parallel-twin, manual | from 167K IDR/day |
| KTM Duke 250 | 249cc | 30 HP | Yes | Naked, single-cylinder, manual | from 167K IDR/day |
| Yamaha XSR 155 | 155cc | 19 HP | No | Retro naked, single-cylinder, manual | from 100K IDR/day |
All three are naked bikes: no fairing, flat handlebars and an upright seat that keeps weight off your wrists. The MT-25 uses the same twin-cylinder engine as the Yamaha YZF-R25 sport bike, weighs about 165 kg and has a seat at about 780 mm. The Duke 250 is a light, narrow single. The XSR 155 is the smallest, at about 135 kg, and the only one of the three without ABS. Besides the standard XSR 155 we also rent custom builds, including one with a 190cc engine.
Riding in Bali traffic
This is where naked bikes beat sport bikes. With a straight back you see over the cars, and the wide bars make tight turns in Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta easier. You still work a clutch in stop-and-go traffic, so the jams between Berawa and Batu Bolong are more effort than on a scooter.
The Duke 250 is close to ideal here: it is narrow, light and pulls sharply from low revs, so it slips through gaps and leaves the light quickly. The XSR 155 is the lightest and easiest to push and park, and its engine forgives a clumsy clutch. The MT-25 is a little heavier and wider, but still much easier in traffic than a faired 250. Remember that the XSR has no ABS: brake earlier on wet painted lines and sand near the beaches.
Two-up and luggage
All three take a passenger for short rides around the south, and every rental comes with two helmets and a phone holder. None has useful storage, so luggage means a backpack.
Over longer distances the differences grow. The MT-25 copes best two-up, because its twin has more pull and runs more smoothly. The Duke's narrow seat and buzzing single wear both of you down on a long trip. The XSR 155, with 19 HP, is weak with two people on any real distance. If you ride two-up most days, the Honda CB500X, the Kawasaki Versys 650 or a maxi-scooter such as the Yamaha XMAX 250 will be more comfortable.
Hills, Kintamani and long rides
Solo, the MT-25 and Duke 250 both climb to Bedugul, Munduk or the Kintamani rim without trouble if you use the gears. The MT-25 is the more relaxed choice on the longer run north: the twin is smoother at a steady speed, though at highway pace the wind hits your chest and you tire sooner than behind a fairing. The Duke has the livelier pull out of hairpins, but its single vibrates noticeably on the bypass and on longer stretches.
The XSR 155 gets there too, but on long climbs it runs out of power, especially with a passenger, and overtaking trucks takes planning. Going down, use engine braking in a lower gear and both brakes; on the XSR, without ABS, keep extra distance on wet mountain bends with leaves, gravel and sand.
Who should rent which
- Rent the Yamaha XSR 155 if you are learning or refreshing your manual riding in Bali, ride mostly in town and on short routes, and like a retro look.
- Rent the KTM Duke 250 if you are confident with a manual and ride mostly around Canggu and Seminyak with short trips into the hills.
- Rent the Yamaha MT-25 if you want more relaxed day rides to the mountains, or ride with a passenger now and then.
These are manual motorcycles with a clutch and gears. Even the XSR 155 assumes you know the basics of a manual bike; Bali traffic is not the place to learn from zero. To rent you only need a passport. To ride legally in Indonesia you need a national licence that includes the motorcycle category and an International Driving Permit; we can help arrange the IDP through our partner International Drivers Association. Delivery and pickup are free within 20 km of our Kerobokan office on rentals of 3 days or more. If you outgrow the XSR mid-rental, a swap costs 100,000 IDR for washing and preparing the bike; moving to a pricier bike means paying the difference.
Fuel and running
All three engines are in the 150–250cc class, so they need at least Pertamax 92. Pertalite is not allowed on any of our bikes. Fill up at Pertamina stations rather than roadside bottles, especially before heading into the mountains, where stations are further apart.
Servicing during the rental is done in our own workshop in Kerobokan. If a warning light comes on or something feels wrong, message us on WhatsApp.
FAQ
Which is easiest for a first manual bike, the MT-25, Duke 250 or XSR 155?
The Yamaha XSR 155. It is light, at about 135 kg, and its engine forgives mistakes. It has no ABS, so brake early in the wet.
Which is better in Canggu traffic, the Duke 250 or the MT-25?
The KTM Duke 250. It is narrow, light and pulls sharply from low revs. The MT-25 is also much easier in traffic than a sport bike, just a little heavier.
Which of the three suits a passenger better?
The Yamaha MT-25, thanks to its smoother, stronger twin. For regular two-up riding, the Honda CB500X, Kawasaki Versys 650 or a maxi-scooter is more comfortable.
Do all three have ABS?
No. The Yamaha MT-25 and KTM Duke 250 have ABS; the Yamaha XSR 155 does not.
What fuel do the MT-25, Duke 250 and XSR 155 need?
At least Pertamax 92. Pertalite is not allowed on any of our bikes.
Need help choosing?
Send your dates, Bali area and riding style. We will suggest the right scooter, sport bike or big bike.