UPDATE: The KTM 125 Duke has received a price hike of Rs 6,835. It now costs Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
KTM has just launched the 125 Duke in India at an introductory price of Rs 1,18,163. Taking into consideration that the 125 Duke has no direct rivals, we’ve compared it to two bikes in the same price bracket – the Yamaha R15 S (Rs 1,16,746) and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ABS (Rs 1,10,805). The new 125 Duke is the most affordable KTM bike to go on sale in India and, unlike the international-spec model, the Indian version is based on the KTM 200 Duke. The Yamaha R15 has been at the forefront of the sub-150cc, performance inclined market ever since its launch. We’ve added the Apache RTR 200 4V to the mix as its ABS variant’s pricing falls in the same category. While we are yet to ride the KTM 125 Duke, this spec comparison will give you an idea on how these motorcycles stack up, on paper.
Performance
The KTM 125 Duke is powered by a 124.7cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that produces 14.5hp at 9,250rpm and 12Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. The Yamaha R15 S, on the other hand, uses a slightly larger single-cylinder, liquid-cooled 149cc engine that makes 16.6hp at 8,500rpm and 15Nm of torque at 7,500rpm. The Apache RTR 200 is the clear winner here, seeing as it is powered by a 197.75cc single-pot motor churning out 20.5hp at 8,500rpm and 18.1Nm at 7,000rpm (for the carburettor variant). The 125 Duke has more sophisticated Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) engine compared to the SOHC motors in the R15 and RTR 200 4V. The powerplant on the Duke and R15 are mated to a 6-speed transmission, while a 5-speed gearbox does duty on the TVS.
| Powertrain | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 125 Duke | TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ABS | Yamaha R15 S | |
| Engine | 124.7cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 197.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled | 149cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 14.5hp at 9250rpm | 20.5hp at 8500rpm | 16.6hp at 8500rpm |
| Torque | 12Nm at 8000rpm | 18.1Nm at 7000rpm | 15Nm at 7500rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed | 6-speed |
Underpinnings
The 125cc motor of the India-spec 125 Duke sits on the same trellis frame as the 200 Duke that is currently on sale here. It’s the only bike in this comparison to feature an inverted fork, while a monoshock unit is common to all the three. The Yamaha R15 uses its signature ‘Deltabox’ perimeter frame and a telescopic fork. The KTM 125 Duke, despite its lack of bodywork, weighs in at 148kg, while the R15 S is the lightest at 134kg. The Apache is the heaviest of the lot at 149kg, but considering the extra power on tap, it has the highest power-to-weight ratio. The Apache also gets a unique split double cradle frame, with the engine acting as a stressed member.
The 125 Duke is the first motorcycle in its class to get ABS, however, it’s a single-channel unit. It gets a 300mm disc in the front and a 230mm disc in the rear. The Yamaha gets its stopping power from 267mm and 220mm discs at the front and rear, respectively. The R15, however, does not come equipped with ABS even as an option. TVS offers a dual-channel ABS as an option on the carburettor variant of the RTR 200 only. Braking hardware on the TVS consists of a 270mm disc in the front and a 240mm disc at the rear. The tyres on the KTM 125 Duke are the widest with 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear rubber. The R15 S gets thinner 90/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tyres, while the Apache is shod with 90/90-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tyres.
| Dimensions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 125 Duke | TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ABS | Yamaha R15 S | |
| Wheelbase | 1366mm | 1353mm | 1345mm |
| Weight | 148kg | 149kg | 134kg |
| Seat height | 818mm | 800mm | 800mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 10.2 litres | 12 litres | 12 litres |
| Ground clearance | 175mm | 180mm | 160mm |
| Front suspension | USD fork | Telescopic fork | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock | Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Front brake | 300mm disc | 270mm disc | 267mm disc |
| Rear brake | 230mm disc | 240mm disc | 220mm disc |
Styling and features
The KTM 125 Duke for the Indian market gets its styling cues from the 200 Duke, unlike the European-spec bike that is heavily influenced by the current 390 Duke. It also loses out on the large full-colour TFT dash and WP Suspension, in an effort to price it more competitively. The KTM and TVS offerings feature an all-digital dash, while the Yamaha employs a semi-digital instrument cluster. The RTR 200 4V is the only bike here to get a slipper clutch.
The KTM is a modern sport-naked that has an engaging, yet not too aggressive riding position. It features sharp and aggressive lines complemented by bright new colour schemes. The Apache RTR 200 4V is also a naked motorcycle that has been designed keeping track performance in mind. Although that may be true, it has the least demanding ergonomics of the three, being slightly more relaxed than the Duke. The Yamaha R15 S shares its styling with the now discontinued Version 2.0, but, despite the age, the bike still looks sharp. The Yamaha offering has the sportiest riding position with clip-on bars and mildly rear-set footpegs.
Summing it up
The 125 Duke punches above its weight and is equipped well enough to take on the R15 S and other bikes in the 150cc segment. The baby Duke has done extremely well in the European market and KTM will be banking on the new offering to achieve the same success. With the KTM 200 Duke’s price tag crossing the Rs 1.5 lakh mark, the 125 Duke is a more budget-friendly offering for someone planning to enter the KTM portfolio. The baby Duke is also a good option for young riders stepping into the world of performance bikes as the 390 Duke and the 200 Duke are frantic machines, both of which require some experience to really enjoy the performance they offer. The Apache RTR 200 4V offers a great mix of practicality, performance, features and value. The Yamaha R15 S is the most track-focused machine amongst the three and the brilliant chassis setup makes it a good learning bike for track junkies or riders who have a soft spot for mountain twisties. Whether the KTM 125 Duke replicates the success achieved of the 200 Duke is something only time will answer. We will be riding the KTM 125 Duke soon, so watch this space for more updates.
All prices, ex-showroom, Delhi