The KTM Duke 125 could be a more affordable option for the Katoom fanatics but it looks like the mini-Duke is fast losing out to the Yamaha MT15
The Yamaha MT15 has quickly managed to outclass the KTM Duke 125 on the sales charts. Last month, Yamaha sold 3,823 units of its latest streetnaked in the country, which is a lot more than the 2,199 units of the Duke 125 that KTM India managed to push off the shelves. It is important to mention here that the Yamaha MT15 is more than Rs 11,000 costlier than the KTM Duke 125, which costs Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
However, the Yamaha MT15 is considerably more powerful and offers a world-class streetnaked design. In comparison, the KTM Duke 125 lacks originality as it looks a lot like its bigger siblings. While the Yamaha MT15 is basically a naked version of the excellent Yamaha R15 V3.0, the KTM Duke 125 is a lot less powerful than the KTM Duke 200.
Of course, it’s also a lot cheaper but it just lacks the punch to outclass performance-oriented 150cc models like the MT15 and the R15 V3.0. Also, the engine of the Yamaha MT15 is a lot smoother, refined and reliable than that of the KTM Duke 125. All these factors are clearly working in the favour of the R15-based model.
However, one thing going against the Yamaha MT15 is that it lacks dual-channel ABS, which is an essential safety feature that is available on the R15 V3.0. To make things worse, the fully-faired sibling is only Rs 3,000 costlier. Hence, the latest R15 comes across as a better value option that offers the benefits of a full-fairing and the dual-channel ABS.
Powering the Yamaha MT15 is the same 155cc single-cylinder engine that powers the R15 V3.0. It enjoys liquid-cooling and a four valve head with a single overhead camshaft,
variable camshaft and fuel injection. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a slipper clutch. It produces a maximum power of 19.3 PS and a peak torque of 14.7 Nm.
On the other hand, the KTM Duke 125 is powered by a 124cc engine that produces 14.5 PS and a peak torque of 12 Nm. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed transmission. It is quite clear that the Duke 125 is much less powerful than the Yamaha MT15, which is probably why the bike buyers are not minding spending extra and going for the Japanese contender instead.