KTM Duke 125 could trigger a new performance segment within the 125 cc space if it becomes popular in India
KTM India introduced the Duke 125 in the domestic market at a price of Rs 1,18,163 (ex-showroom, New Delhi) yesterday right after launching the Duke 200 ABS a few days before. The Duke 125 is the entry-level model from the Austrian bike maker in India and is also the first 125 cc motorcycle to come equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
The Bajaj owned company opted to go with a standard single-channel ABS system as the Duke 125 is relatively expensive for a 125 cc model despite being the most powerful in that capacity. To the disappointment of many enthusiasts, the Duke 125 does not sport the sleek exterior design adopted from its bigger 390 sibling for India.
Its aggressive exterior is one of the main USPs in the international market but to keep the costs in check, KTM decided to base its styling on the Duke 200 instead. With the Duke 200 having not received its new generation update as the Duke 250 and Duke 390, the Duke 125 has to stick with the rather cleaner look in comparison (as last generation global version).
It does bode well on the smaller capacity sporty naked though and to have a differentiation between the two, KTM has applied new graphics as well as colours. As for the all important powertrain, the Duke 125 is propelled by the 124 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled fuel-injected unit, which is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 14.3 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque delivered high up the rev range at 8,000 rpm as the global model.
It is connected to a six-speed transmission. KTM has made sure the Duke 125 gets the best suspension and braking bits to justify the price tag. The most affordable KTM in the Indian market is suspended on a 43 mm inverted front forks and monoshock setup at the rear. Moreover, a 300 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc perform braking tasks.
With a capable hardware, seat height of 818 mm and kerb weight as low as 148 kg, the Duke 125 is indeed a force to be reckoned with in its segment. However, its price tag meant that its main rivals are Bajaj Pulsar NS200 ABS and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V ABS that offer more performance as well as equipment.
The deliveries for the KTM Duke 125 are expected to begin from December or early next year and it could trigger a new breed of performance bikes within the 125 cc space. Would you like to consider the Duke 125 as an attractive proposition for its price or be rather off with a 200 cc naked instead? Have your say below!