KTM India has hiked the prices of the Duke 125 and the RC 125 motorcycles. While the Duke 125 sees an increase of Rs 2,248, and now costs Rs 1,32,500, the RC 125 will set you back by Rs 1,48,750, after an increase of Rs 1,537 (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi). According to our sources, the prices have been hiked in order to increase the dealer margin on the 125s.
The KTM Duke 125 has been doing pretty well in the market, despite sporting a high price tag for a 125cc motorcycle. It is the most affordable KTM Duke that one can buy in India and acts as a stepping stone for those entering the world of KTMs, especially youngsters or first-time riders. The Duke 125 is powered by a 124.7cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor, which develops 14.5hp at 9,250rpm and 12Nm of torque at 8,000rpm, and is paired to a 6-speed transmission. The motorcycle shares its chassis and suspension components with the KTM 200 Duke, and in many ways, it feels over-engineered for the amount of power that the small 125cc engine produces.
The RC 125 is the faired version of the Duke 125 and it shares the same engine and mechanicals as its naked sibling. It, however, has a proper, sporty riding position, with low-set clip-ons and aggressively set foot pegs, just like the KTM RC 390. The RC 125 is also targeted at beginners.
We had been expecting KTM to increase the prices of the 125cc models, as the prices announced at their launch were introductory.