KTM Duke 125 Vs Yamaha MT-15 will make for a tasty rivalry in the entry-level sporty performance based segment
The Duke 125 is a naked streetfighter just like its bigger sibling the Duke 200 which is already available in India. The KTM Duke 125 is a performance-oriented motorcycle and will be a whole lot different than the standard 125 cc commuters available in India. So, we won’t be doing justice to KTM if we compare the Duke 125 with motorcycles like Hero Splendor or Honda Shine.
We have decided to compare the recently launched KTM Duke 125 with the Yamaha MT15 which will be launching here next month on Jan 21. Yamaha will be introducing the MT15 which is basically a naked variant of the R15 available in India.
Although the MT15 is slightly more powerful than the Duke 125 on paper, it is definitely a worthy competitor to its rival. We have compared the KTM Duke 125 with the Yamaha MT15 on basis of its styling, engine performance, suspension and brakes, and pricing comparison.
KTM Duke 125 Vs Yamaha MT 15 Styling Comparison
If we compare styling of both these motorcycles then there is no doubt that both of them will be two of the most radical-looking affordable motorcycles in India. The Duke 125 looks just like its elder sibling the Duke 200. The front gets the same vertical headlamp cluster along with LED tail lamps, even the body panels get the same design from Duke 200 to keep cost down. We were expecting the company to introduce a global-spec model with Duke 390 inspired design.
Coming to its rival the Yamaha MT15, the MT15 definitely is one radical looking motorcycles which gets an aggressive design language. The motorcycle shares lots of its parts with a full faired sibling the R15 including its instrument cluster wheels and brakes. If we compare both the motorcycle side by side then both of them will surely attract a lot of attention. The MT15 styling will definitely be completely new for the Indian market.
KTM Duke 125 Vs Yamaha MT-15 Powertrain Comparison
The KTM Duke 125 is powered by a 124.7cc, single cylinder engine which is capable of producing about 14.5 Bhp of peak power at 9,250 rpm and 12 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. The Yamaha MT 15, on the other hand, is powered by the same 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor with ‘variable Valve Actuation’ which also powers the Yamaha R15. This engine is capable of producing about 19.3PS of power and 15Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox.
If we compare both these motorcycles on basis of their powertrains then there is no denying in the fact that MT15 definitely is the more powerful motorcycle amongst the two. The KTM 125, on the other hand, will be the most powerful 125 cc motorcycle with some exciting performance figures if launched in India.
| Model | Yamaha MT-15 | KTM 125 Duke |
| Displacement | 155 cc | 124.7 cc |
| Maximum Power | 19.04 bhp at 10,000 rpm | 14.5 bhp at 9,250 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 14.7 Nm at 8,500 rpm | 12 Nm at 8,000 rpm |
| Number of Cylinders | 1 | 1 |
KTM Duke 125 Vs Yamaha MT-15 Suspension and brakes
The Yamaha MT15 shares the same suspension setup with the R15 and thus you can expect it to get conventional telescopic setup toward the front and monoshock at the rear. The Duke 125, on the other hand, uses an upside-down telescopic setup towards the front and monoshock setup towards the rear. Both these motorcycles use disc brakes for their front wheels as well as the rear for stopping.
While KTM offers a single-channel ABS system but Yamaha still does not offer ABS even as an option with the Yamaha R15. However, according to new Indian Government rules, all the motorcycles above 125 cc category will have to be fitted with an ABS safety feature by April 2019 which means you can expect a single channel ABS setup on the upcoming Yamaha MT15 upon launch.
KTM Duke 125 Vs Yamaha MT-15 Pricing Comparison
We are honestly quite confused about the KTM Duke 125 market positioning as the company has priced the performance bike at Rs. 1.18 lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi) and it is the cheapest KTM model you can buy in India. Now, will the Indian people agree to pay such a huge price for a 125 cc motorcycle is definitely something worth looking for.
The Yamaha MT15 too is a loaded motorcycle and will definitely get plenty of attention when it launches here. However, being the naked variant of the R15 this will be priced slightly lower than the R15 which is already available for sale here in India. If we are not wrong, expect the Yamaha MT 15 to be priced around Rs. 1.30 Lakh (ex-showroom) which is slightly lower than the Yamaha R15 and make it a compelling case to buy over Duke 125.
KTM Duke 125 Vs Yamaha MT-15 Comparison Verdict
There is no doubt in the fact that both these motorcycles will bring a lot of value to the table. Both these motorcycles are performance oriented machines as we already mentioned earlier and come from renowned brands. The KTM Duke 125 will definitely attract the attention of those who want a lightweight and nimble machine for daily use. The Yamaha MT15, on the other hand, will attract the attention of those customers who love the R15 as a motorcycle but are not happy with its aggressive riding position.
If we talk about performance then the MT15 definitely stays ahead of the Duke 125. It extracts slightly more power from its bigger displacement engine. Also, the Duke 125 sold in India is based on the old generation version retailed globally unlike the fresh MT-15. Lastly, if we talk about price point then the MT-15 will certainly have the upper hand and it could be the same case in sales too. We will have to wait and see how it unfolds!